Product classification
HS code for Live horses: 0101.29
Horses, live, other than pure-bred breeding animals.
Classification of live horses under HS 0101.29
Live horses that are not classified as pure-bred breeding animals are categorized under HS code 0101.29. This classification is part of Heading 0101, which covers live horses, asses, mules, and hinnies. Within the horse category (0101.2x), the Harmonized System distinguishes between "pure-bred breeding animals" (0101.21) and "other" (0101.29). To be classified under 0101.21, an animal must typically be accompanied by official pedigree documentation and meet specific criteria set by national authorities to improve the breed. All other horses, including those used for racing, jumping, pleasure riding, or draft work, fall under 0101.29 if they do not meet or are not being imported for the specific purpose of pure-bred breeding. This code is one of the most frequently used in the equine trade. It is important to distinguish these from other equines like asses or mules. The classification remains in Chapter 1 because the animals are live; horse meat would be classified in Chapter 2. The distinction between breeding and non-breeding animals is a fundamental split in the HS for many livestock species to facilitate different duty rates and trade policies.
- Covers
- Riding horses and ponies
- Racehorses (not for breeding)
- Work and draft horses
- Show horses and jumpers
- Wild horses (if live)
- Also under 0101.29
- Local riding stable horses
- mounted police horses
- circus performance horses
- retired racehorses
- trail riding outfit horses
Codes often confused with 0101.29
Common mistake. The most common error is confusing 0101.29 with 0101.21 (Pure-bred breeding horses). Importers often assume any horse with a pedigree is a "breeding animal," but for customs, it must be intended for breeding. Another error is using 0101.30 for asses or 0101.90 for mules and hinnies.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010129 (the code used for live horses), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010129 (the code used for live horses) in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 42% 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 010129, not only live horses.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hong Kong $1.1B 44% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $407M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $263M 10% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $1.3B 42% of world imports
- 2 United States $421M 14% of world imports
- 3 China $323M 11% of world imports
World total: $3.0B 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 horses
Brazil classifies live horses under NCM 0101.29.00: HS 0101.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live horses
What is the HS code for Live horses?
The HS code for Live horses is 010129 (Horses; live, other than pure-bred breeding animals). The HS code for general live horses is 0101.29. Pure-bred breeding horses use 0101.21.
How do I classify Live horses for customs?
Live horses is classified under HS code 010129 — Horses; live, other than pure-bred breeding animals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How are ponies classified?
Ponies are biologically horses and are classified under 0101.29 (or 0101.21 if they are pure-bred breeding animals).
Which countries are the top exporters of live horses (HS 010129)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010129 (the code used for live horses) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($1.1B, 44% of world exports), the Netherlands ($407M) and Germany ($263M). 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 horses (HS 010129)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010129 (the code used for live horses) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($1.3B, 42% of world imports), the United States ($421M) and China ($323M). World imports came to about $3.0B, 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 horses the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010129 for Live horses 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 horses in Brazil?
In Brazil, live horses (HS 010129) is classified under NCM 0101.29.00.