Product classification
HS code for Live chicks: 0105.11
Poultry, live, fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, weighing not more than 185g.
Classification of live chicks under HS 0105.11
Live chicks are classified under the same heading as other poultry (01.05) but are distinguished by a specific weight limit that defines their developmental stage. Subheading 0105.11 is dedicated to fowls of the species Gallus domesticus weighing no more than 185 grams. These are commonly referred to in the industry as "day-old chicks." The classification is essential for customs and agricultural agencies to track the movement of young poultry, which requires specialized handling, transport conditions, and veterinary inspections compared to adult birds. The 185g limit is a strict technical boundary used globally to ensure uniform classification. This code is primarily used by commercial hatcheries that export young birds to farms for rearing as either layers or broilers. Because these animals are highly sensitive to environmental changes, the HS code helps in prioritizing their clearance through customs to minimize mortality rates during transit.
- Covers
- Day-old chicks (Gallus domesticus)
- Hatchlings weighing 185g or less
- Starter chicks for egg production
- Starter chicks for meat production
- Also under 0105.11
- Cobb 500 chicks
- Ross 308 chicks
- Hy-Line layer chicks
- Lohmann Brown chicks
Codes often confused with 0105.11
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with 0105.94, which covers chickens weighing more than 185 grams. If a shipment of chicks has grown past this weight limit during a delay, the code must technically change. Another error is confusing 0105.11 with 0105.12 (Live turkeys weighing not more than 185g) or 0105.13 (Live ducks). While all are "chicks" or "ducklings" in common parlance, the HS system requires species-specific classification at the subheading level.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010511 (the code used for live chicks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010511 (the code used for live chicks) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 8.6% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 010511, not only live chicks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $338M 14% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $332M 14% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $293M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $200M 8.6% of world imports
- 2 Germany $119M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 Poland $118M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for live chicks
Brazil splits HS 0105.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0105.11.10Pure-line or hybrid breeding chicks up to 185 g
- 0105.11.90Other live chickens weighing up to 185 g
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live chicks
What is the HS code for Live chicks?
The HS code for Live chicks is 010511 (Poultry; live, fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, weighing not more than 185g). The HS code for live chicks (Gallus domesticus) weighing no more than 185g is 0105.11.
How do I classify Live chicks for customs?
Live chicks is classified under HS code 010511 — Poultry; live, fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, weighing not more than 185g. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the significance of the 185g weight limit?
The 185g limit is the international standard used to distinguish day-old poultry from older birds, which are subject to different trade regulations and transport requirements.
Which countries are the top exporters of live chicks (HS 010511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010511 (the code used for live chicks) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($338M, 14% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($332M) and the Netherlands ($293M). World exports came to about $2.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of live chicks (HS 010511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010511 (the code used for live chicks) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($200M, 8.6% of world imports), Germany ($119M) and Poland ($118M). World imports came to about $2.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Live chicks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010511 for Live chicks is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for live chicks in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 010511 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for live chicks depends on the product's details: 0105.11.10 (Pure-line or hybrid breeding chicks up to 185 g), 0105.11.90 (Other live chickens weighing up to 185 g).