Product classification
HS code for Live seals: 0106.12
Mammals, live, whales, dolphins and porpoises (mammals of the order Cetacea), manatees and dugongs (mammals of the order Sirenia), seals, sea lions and walruses (mammals of the suborder Pinnipedia).
Classification of live seals under HS 0106.12
Live seals are classified under HS code 0106.12. This classification is found in Chapter 1 (Live Animals) under heading 0106 (Other live animals). Subheading 0106.12 is specifically designed to cover a variety of marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises (order Cetacea); manatees and dugongs (order Sirenia); and seals, sea lions, and walruses (suborder Pinnipedia). The classification logic is based on the biological characteristics of the animal as a mammal. Even though seals spend a significant portion of their lives in the water, they are mammals and are therefore excluded from Chapter 3, which is reserved for fish and crustaceans. The inclusion of seals in 0106.12 ensures that they are grouped with other aquatic mammals. This code is used for animals transported for public aquaria, research facilities, or conservation efforts. Because many pinnipeds are protected under international law, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act or CITES, the use of the correct HS code is vital for legal compliance and the tracking of international trade in sensitive species.
- Covers
- Live seals (e.g., harbor seals, fur seals)
- Live sea lions
- Live walruses
- Live elephant seals
- Other members of the suborder Pinnipedia
- Also under 0106.12
- SeaWorld (dolphins, orcas)
- Georgia Aquarium (beluga whales)
- Vancouver Aquarium (sea lions)
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (dolphins)
Codes often confused with 0106.12
Common mistake. Live seals are sometimes misclassified under HS code 0106.19, which covers 'Other' mammals. However, because subheading 0106.12 specifically lists seals and other pinnipeds, it is the correct and more specific code. They are also occasionally confused with live fish (Chapter 3) by inexperienced shippers, but their status as air-breathing mammals strictly places them in Chapter 1.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010612 (the code used for live seals), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010612 (the code used for live seals) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 97% 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 010612, not only live seals.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $4.1M 55% of world exports
- 2 Spain $3.0M 40% of world exports
- 3 Angola $334K 4.4% of world exports
World total: $7.5M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $25M 97% of world imports
- 2 Dominican Republic $325K 1.2% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $232K 0.9% of world imports
World total: $26M 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 seals
Brazil classifies live seals under NCM 0106.12.00: HS 0106.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live seals
What is the HS code for Live seals?
The HS code for Live seals is 010612 (Mammals; live, whales, dolphins and porpoises (mammals of the order Cetacea); manatees and dugongs (mammals of the order Sirenia); seals, sea lions and walruses (mammals of the suborder Pinnipedia)). The HS code for live seals, sea lions, and walruses is 0106.12.
How do I classify Live seals for customs?
Live seals is classified under HS code 010612 — Mammals; live, whales, dolphins and porpoises (mammals of the order Cetacea); manatees and dugongs (mammals of the order Sirenia); seals, sea lions and walruses (mammals of the suborder Pinnipedia). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are dolphins classified under the same HS code?
Yes, HS code 0106.12 also includes other marine mammals such as dolphins, whales, and manatees.
Which countries are the top exporters of live seals (HS 010612)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010612 (the code used for live seals) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($4.1M, 55% of world exports), Spain ($3.0M) and Angola ($334K). World exports came to about $7.5M, 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 seals (HS 010612)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010612 (the code used for live seals) in UN Comtrade data were China ($25M, 97% of world imports), the Dominican Republic ($325K) and Saudi Arabia ($232K). World imports came to about $26M, 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 seals the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010612 for Live seals 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 seals in Brazil?
In Brazil, live seals (HS 010612) is classified under NCM 0106.12.00.