Product classification
HS code for Live ostriches: 0106.33
Birds, live, ostriches, emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae).
Classification of live ostriches under HS 0106.33
Live ostriches are classified under HS code 0106.33. Chapter 1 covers live animals, and heading 0106 is a "catch-all" category for other live animals not specified in headings 0101 through 0105 (which cover equines, bovines, swine, sheep/goats, and poultry). Subheading 0106.33 is specifically designated for ostriches and emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae). These are ratites, a group of flightless birds. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, as the subheading text explicitly names the species. It is important to note that even if ostriches are raised for meat or feathers, they remain under 0106 while live, rather than being classified as poultry under 0105, which is restricted to specific domestic fowl like chickens, ducks, and turkeys. This distinction is important for trade statistics and for the application of specific avian health protocols that differ between traditional poultry and exotic ratites. Proper classification ensures compliance with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) if applicable to specific subspecies.
- Covers
- Live ostriches (Struthio camelus)
- Live emus
- Chicks of ostriches or emus
- Breeding stock of ostriches
- Also under 0106.33
- Ostrichland USA (farm)
- American Ostrich Association (breeding)
- Emu Oil Institute (emu farming)
- San Diego Zoo (display)
Codes often confused with 0106.33
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for live ostriches is HS code 0105, which covers live poultry. However, the Explanatory Notes to heading 0105 specify that it only includes domestic birds of the species Gallus domesticus, ducks, geese, turkeys, and guinea fowls. Ostriches, despite being farmed, do not meet this definition. Another error is using 0106.39, which is the residual category for "other" birds; however, since ostriches are specifically named in 0106.33, the specific code must take precedence over the general one according to GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 010633 (the code used for live ostriches), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010633 (the code used for live ostriches) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mali, with about 47% 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 010633, not only live ostriches.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $180K 48% of world exports
- 2 United States $52K 14% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $39K 10% of world exports
World total: $378K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mali* ~$139K 47% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Angola $48K 16% of world imports
- 3 Senegal $29K 9.9% of world imports
World total: $296K 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 ostriches
Brazil splits HS 0106.33 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0106.33.10Live ostriches for breeding
- 0106.33.90Other live ostriches and emus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live ostriches
What is the HS code for Live ostriches?
The HS code for Live ostriches is 010633 (Birds; live, ostriches; emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae)). The specific HS code for live ostriches and emus is 0106.33.
How do I classify Live ostriches for customs?
Live ostriches is classified under HS code 010633 — Birds; live, ostriches; emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are ostriches considered poultry in the HS system?
No, for customs purposes, ostriches are classified under "Other live animals" (0106) rather than "Live poultry" (0105).
Which countries are the top exporters of live ostriches (HS 010633)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010633 (the code used for live ostriches) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($180K, 48% of world exports), the United States ($52K) and Belgium ($39K). World exports came to about $378K, 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 ostriches (HS 010633)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010633 (the code used for live ostriches) in UN Comtrade data were Mali (about $139K, 47% of world imports), Angola ($48K) and Senegal ($29K). World imports came to about $296K, 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 ostriches the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010633 for Live ostriches 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 ostriches in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 010633 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for live ostriches depends on the product's details: 0106.33.10 (Live ostriches for breeding), 0106.33.90 (Other live ostriches and emus).