Product classification
HS code for Live mules: 0101.90
Mules and hinnies, live.
Classification of live mules under HS 0101.90
Live mules are classified under HS code 0101.90, which falls within Chapter 1 of the Harmonized System. This chapter is dedicated to live animals. Specifically, heading 0101 is reserved for live horses, asses, mules, and hinnies. A mule is the sterile offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare). Because the HS nomenclature organizes animals by species and biological relationship, mules and hinnies are grouped together under the residual subheading 0101.90, as they do not fit into the specific categories for pure-bred breeding horses or asses. The classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since the animal is live and belongs to the equine family but is not a horse or an ass, 0101.90 is the correct legal classification. This code is used globally to track the movement of these animals for agricultural, transport, or recreational purposes, ensuring that veterinary and health regulations are applied correctly at international borders.
- Covers
- Live mules (offspring of male donkey and female horse)
- Live hinnies (offspring of male horse and female donkey)
- Working mules for transport
- Mules intended for agricultural labor
- Also under 0101.90
- Grand Canyon pack mules
- Amish farm mules
- logging mules in mountainous regions
- US Army pack mules (historical/training)
Codes often confused with 0101.90
Common mistake. Mules are frequently misclassified under HS code 0101.21 or 0101.29, which are reserved specifically for horses. While mules are part of the equine family, they are a distinct hybrid species. Another common error is using HS code 0101.30, which is strictly for asses (donkeys). It is critical to distinguish the hybrid nature of the animal to avoid 0101.30. Furthermore, if the animal is being imported for slaughter, some may mistakenly look toward Chapter 2, but Chapter 2 only applies to meat and edible offal, not the live animal itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010190 (the code used for live mules), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010190 (the code used for live mules) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 50% 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 010190, not only live mules.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $7.0M 63% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.6M 14% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $578K 5.2% of world exports
World total: $11M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $6.9M 50% of world imports
- 2 Ireland $2.6M 19% of world imports
- 3 Spain $1.2M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $14M 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 mules
Brazil classifies live mules under NCM 0101.90.00: HS 0101.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live mules
What is the HS code for Live mules?
The HS code for Live mules is 010190 (Mules and hinnies; live). The HS code for live mules is 0101.90, which also includes live hinnies.
How do I classify Live mules for customs?
Live mules is classified under HS code 010190 — Mules and hinnies; live. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are mules classified as horses for customs purposes?
No, while they are equines, they are classified separately from horses (0101.2x) and asses (0101.30) under the subheading 0101.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of live mules (HS 010190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010190 (the code used for live mules) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.0M, 63% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($1.6M) and Ireland ($578K). World exports came to about $11M, 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 mules (HS 010190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010190 (the code used for live mules) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($6.9M, 50% of world imports), Ireland ($2.6M) and Spain ($1.2M). World imports came to about $14M, 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 mules the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010190 for Live mules 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 mules in Brazil?
In Brazil, live mules (HS 010190) is classified under NCM 0101.90.00.