Product classification
HS code for Live insects: 0106.49
Insects, live, other than bees.
Classification of live insects under HS 0106.49
Live insects are classified under HS code 0106.49, which falls within Chapter 1 of the Harmonized System, covering live animals. Heading 0106 is reserved for \"other\" live animals that are not specifically mentioned in headings 01.01 through 01.05 (which cover horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry). Within heading 0106, the code 0106.49 specifically identifies insects other than bees. This classification is determined by the biological nature of the specimen and its status as a living organism at the time of import or export. The classification remains consistent regardless of the intended use, whether the insects are for biological control, research, human consumption (entomophagy), or as pet food. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied here, as the heading and subheading text specifically describe these organisms. It is important to note that the insects must be alive; dead insects are classified elsewhere in the tariff schedule depending on their preparation and purpose.
- Covers
- Live crickets (Acheta domesticus) for pet food or human consumption
- Live mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)
- Live butterflies and moths in various life stages (larvae, pupae)
- Live beetles and ants for educational or hobbyist purposes
- Live ladybugs and other beneficial insects for agricultural pest control
- Also under 0106.49
- Entomo Farms (edible insects)
- Orkin (pest control, sometimes uses beneficial insects)
- local pet stores selling feeder insects
- Fluker's Cricket Farm
Codes often confused with 0106.49
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0106.41, which is specifically reserved for live bees (such as honeybees and bumblebees). Another common error involves dead insects; if the insects are dried or preserved for collections, they should be classified under 0511.99 or 9705.00. Furthermore, if insects are prepared or processed as animal feed, they might be incorrectly placed in Chapter 23, though live specimens must remain in Chapter 1.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010649 (the code used for live insects), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010649 (the code used for live insects) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 16% 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 010649, not only live insects.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $64M 21% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $63M 21% of world exports
- 3 Spain $45M 15% of world exports
World total: $308M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $43M 16% of world imports
- 2 Canada $38M 14% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $22M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $273M 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 insects
Brazil classifies live insects under NCM 0106.49.00: HS 0106.49 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live insects
What is the HS code for Live insects?
The HS code for Live insects is 010649 (Insects; live, other than bees). The primary HS code for live insects (excluding bees) is 0106.49.
How do I classify Live insects for customs?
Live insects is classified under HS code 010649 — Insects; live, other than bees. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are spiders classified under the same HS code as insects?
No, spiders are arachnids, not insects. They are classified under HS code 0106.90, which covers other live animals not specified elsewhere in the chapter.
Which countries are the top exporters of live insects (HS 010649)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010649 (the code used for live insects) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($64M, 21% of world exports), the Netherlands ($63M) and Spain ($45M). World exports came to about $308M, 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 insects (HS 010649)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010649 (the code used for live insects) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($43M, 16% of world imports), Canada ($38M) and Belgium ($22M). World imports came to about $273M, 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 insects the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010649 for Live insects 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 insects in Brazil?
In Brazil, live insects (HS 010649) is classified under NCM 0106.49.00.