Product classification
HS code for Live snakes: 0106.20
Reptiles, live (including snakes and turtles).
Classification of live snakes under HS 0106.20
Live snakes are classified under HS code 010620, which is situated within Chapter 1 of the Harmonized System. This chapter is dedicated to live animals, and heading 0106 serves as a residual category for animals that are not specifically addressed in headings 0101 through 0105 (which cover horses, bovine, swine, sheep, and poultry). Within this heading, the subheading 010620 is specifically reserved for reptiles. This classification is determined by the biological nature of the animal as a reptile. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1), classification is dictated by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since snakes are reptiles and do not fall under the primary livestock categories, they are grouped here. This code applies regardless of the snake's intended use, whether for the pet trade, scientific research, or venom extraction. The classification remains consistent for all species of snakes, provided they are imported or exported in a live state. It is important to note that while the HS code identifies the product, additional regulations like CITES often apply to the movement of snakes across borders.
- Covers
- Pet snakes (e.g., ball pythons, corn snakes)
- Venomous snakes for medical research
- Snakes for zoological displays
- Live snakes for the skin trade
- Constrictors and colubrids
- Also under 0106.20
- Reptile Basics (ball pythons)
- Zoo Med Laboratories (various reptiles)
- Backwater Reptiles (online sales)
- San Diego Zoo (crocodiles)
Codes often confused with 0106.20
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion occurs between HS code 010620 and 010690. While 010690 is a catch-all for other live animals, 010620 is more specific for reptiles; therefore, according to GRI 3(a), the more specific heading takes precedence. Another misclassification involves live eels, which are sometimes mistaken for snakes by inexperienced importers; however, eels are fish and must be classified under heading 0301. Additionally, if the snake is not live, it cannot be classified in Chapter 1. For example, preserved snake specimens for laboratory use would fall under heading 0511 or Chapter 97, depending on their state and purpose.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010620 (the code used for live snakes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010620 (the code used for live snakes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 010620, not only live snakes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $10M 17% of world exports
- 2 United States $7.2M 12% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $7.1M 11% of world exports
World total: $62M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $11M 20% of world imports
- 2 Japan $10M 18% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$7.1M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $56M 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 snakes
Brazil classifies live snakes under NCM 0106.20.00: HS 0106.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live snakes
What is the HS code for Live snakes?
The HS code for Live snakes is 010620 (Reptiles; live (including snakes and turtles)). The correct HS code for live snakes is 010620, which covers all live reptiles including snakes and turtles.
How do I classify Live snakes for customs?
Live snakes is classified under HS code 010620 — Reptiles; live (including snakes and turtles). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are there special requirements for shipping live snakes?
Yes, while the HS code is 010620, many snake species are protected under CITES, requiring specific export and import permits in addition to standard customs documentation.
Which countries are the top exporters of live snakes (HS 010620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010620 (the code used for live snakes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($10M, 17% of world exports), the United States ($7.2M) and the Netherlands ($7.1M). World exports came to about $62M, 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 snakes (HS 010620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010620 (the code used for live snakes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($11M, 20% of world imports), Japan ($10M) and Vietnam (about $7.1M). World imports came to about $56M, 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 snakes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010620 for Live snakes 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 snakes in Brazil?
In Brazil, live snakes (HS 010620) is classified under NCM 0106.20.00.