Product classification
HS code for Live dolphins: 0106.12
Mammals, live, whales, dolphins and porpoises (mammals of the order Cetacea), manatees and dugongs (mammals of the order Sirenia), seals, sea lions and walruses (mammals of the suborder Pinnipedia).
Classification of live dolphins under HS 0106.12
Live dolphins are classified under HS code 010612. This code is part of the broader category for "Other live animals" and specifically falls under the subheading for mammals. The Harmonized System groups aquatic mammals together in this section, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises (mammals of the order Cetacea), as well as manatees and dugongs (order Sirenia), and seals, sea lions, and walruses (suborder Pinnipedia). Classification under 010612 is mandatory for any live cetacean being transported for research, educational display, or conservation programs. This code allows global trade organizations to track the movement of these highly protected species and ensures that the transport meets the rigorous requirements of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations and CITES protocols.
- Covers
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Common dolphins
- Spinner dolphins
- Pacific white-sided dolphins
- Harbor porpoises
- Orcas (Killer whales)
- Beluga whales
- Also under 0106.12
- SeaWorld (dolphins, orcas)
- Georgia Aquarium (beluga whales)
- Vancouver Aquarium (sea lions)
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (dolphins)
Codes often confused with 0106.12
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for dolphins is HS code 0301, which covers live fish. Because dolphins are aquatic, they are sometimes mistakenly categorized as fish by inexperienced shippers; however, as mammals, they must remain in Chapter 1. Additionally, they may be confused with HS code 010619, which is the category for "Other mammals." Because 010612 specifically mentions the order Cetacea, it takes precedence over the general mammal category 010619.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010612 (the code used for live dolphins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010612 (the code used for live dolphins) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 97% 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 010612, not only live dolphins.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $4.1M 55% of world exports
- 2 Spain $3.0M 40% of world exports
- 3 Angola $334K 4.4% of world exports
World total: $7.5M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $25M 97% of world imports
- 2 Dominican Republic $325K 1.2% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $232K 0.9% of world imports
World total: $26M 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 code for live dolphins
Brazil classifies live dolphins under NCM 0106.12.00: HS 0106.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live dolphins
What is the HS code for Live dolphins?
The HS code for Live dolphins is 010612 (Mammals; live, whales, dolphins and porpoises (mammals of the order Cetacea); manatees and dugongs (mammals of the order Sirenia); seals, sea lions and walruses (mammals of the suborder Pinnipedia)). The HS code for live dolphins is 010612, which includes all mammals of the order Cetacea.
How do I classify Live dolphins for customs?
Live dolphins is classified under HS code 010612 — Mammals; live, whales, dolphins and porpoises (mammals of the order Cetacea); manatees and dugongs (mammals of the order Sirenia); seals, sea lions and walruses (mammals of the suborder Pinnipedia). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are porpoises classified under the same HS code as dolphins?
Yes, both dolphins and porpoises belong to the order Cetacea and are therefore classified under HS code 010612.
Which countries are the top exporters of live dolphins (HS 010612)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010612 (the code used for live dolphins) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($4.1M, 55% of world exports), Spain ($3.0M) and Angola ($334K). World exports came to about $7.5M, 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 dolphins (HS 010612)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010612 (the code used for live dolphins) in UN Comtrade data were China ($25M, 97% of world imports), the Dominican Republic ($325K) and Saudi Arabia ($232K). World imports came to about $26M, 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 dolphins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010612 for Live dolphins 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 dolphins in Brazil?
In Brazil, live dolphins (HS 010612) is classified under NCM 0106.12.00.