Product classification
HS code for Live primates: 0106.11
Mammals, live, primates.
Classification of live primates under HS 0106.11
Live primates are classified under HS code 0106.11. This code is situated within Chapter 1 (Live Animals) and Heading 0106, which encompasses "Other live animals" not covered by the primary livestock headings (0101-0105). The classification is based on the biological order Primates, which includes a wide range of species from prosimians to great apes. Under GRI 1, the specific mention of "Primates" in the subheading 0106.11 takes precedence over more general mammal classifications. This code is used for all live primates regardless of their purpose, including those destined for zoos, research facilities, or conservation programs. Because many primates are protected under international law, this HS code is frequently flagged for CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) compliance. Proper documentation must accompany the shipment to prove the legal origin of the animal. The classification is strictly for live specimens; skeletal remains or preserved tissues would be classified under Chapter 5 or Chapter 97.
- Covers
- Monkeys (Old World and New World)
- Apes (Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Orangutans)
- Lemurs and Lorises
- Tarsiers
- Gibbons
- Also under 0106.11
- Charles River Laboratories (research primates)
- Primate Products Inc.
- San Diego Zoo (gorillas)
- S.P.R.C. (primates for research)
Codes often confused with 0106.11
Common mistake. The most common error is classifying primates under the general mammal code 0106.19. However, because 0106.11 is a specific named subheading for primates, it must be used according to the principle of specificity in GRI 3(a). Another error is attempting to use Chapter 95 if the animal is for a traveling circus, but live animals are always excluded from Chapter 95 and must remain in Chapter 1.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010611 (the code used for live primates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010611 (the code used for live primates) in UN Comtrade data was Cambodia, with about 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 36% 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 010611, not only live primates.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Cambodia* ~$230M 43% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Vietnam* ~$152M 28% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Mauritius $121M 22% of world exports
World total: $540M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $198M 36% of world imports
- 2 China $135M 25% of world imports
- 3 Canada $56M 10% of world imports
World total: $543M 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 code for live primates
Brazil classifies live primates under NCM 0106.11.00: HS 0106.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live primates
What is the HS code for Live primates?
The HS code for Live primates is 010611 (Mammals; live, primates). The HS code for all live primates is 0106.11.
How do I classify Live primates for customs?
Live primates is classified under HS code 010611 — Mammals; live, primates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are there special requirements for importing primates?
Yes, imports under 0106.11 typically require veterinary health certificates, CITES permits, and often specific laboratory animal or zoo import licenses depending on the jurisdiction.
Which countries are the top exporters of live primates (HS 010611)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010611 (the code used for live primates) in UN Comtrade data were Cambodia (about $230M, 43% of world exports), Vietnam (about $152M) and Mauritius ($121M). World exports came to about $540M, 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 primates (HS 010611)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010611 (the code used for live primates) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($198M, 36% of world imports), China ($135M) and Canada ($56M). World imports came to about $543M, 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 primates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010611 for Live primates 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 primates in Brazil?
In Brazil, live primates (HS 010611) is classified under NCM 0106.11.00.