Product classification
HS code for Live turtles: 0106.20
Reptiles, live (including snakes and turtles).
Classification of live turtles under HS 0106.20
Live turtles, including tortoises and terrapins, are classified under HS code 010620. This code is situated within Chapter 1 (Live Animals) and heading 0106 (Other live animals). Because turtles are biologically classified as reptiles, they fall under the subheading 010620, which is the specific category for all live reptiles. This includes snakes, turtles, and lizards. The classification process involves identifying that the animal is live and then determining that it does not fit into the specific livestock headings (0101 through 0105). Once it is identified as a reptile, 010620 is the only appropriate code. This classification is used globally to track the trade of reptiles for the pet industry, conservation efforts, and food markets. It is important to note that while the HS code identifies the product, additional regulations like CITES often apply to the movement of turtles across borders, as many species are endangered or protected. The code applies to both aquatic turtles and land-dwelling tortoises.
- Covers
- Live sea turtles
- Live tortoises (land-dwelling)
- Live terrapins (freshwater)
- Pet turtles (e.g., red-eared sliders)
- Turtles for research or conservation programs
- 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 common misclassification occurs when live turtles are confused with live fish or aquatic invertebrates, leading to the incorrect use of Chapter 3 codes. However, as reptiles, turtles must remain in Chapter 1. Another error is using the general catch-all code 010690 (other animals) instead of the more specific 010620 for reptiles. According to GRI 3(a), the more specific description takes precedence. Furthermore, if the turtle is not live (e.g., prepared turtle soup or shells), it would be classified in Chapter 16 or Chapter 5, respectively, rather than 010620.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010620 (the code used for live turtles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010620 (the code used for live turtles) 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 turtles.
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 turtles
Brazil classifies live turtles 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 turtles
What is the HS code for Live turtles?
The HS code for Live turtles is 010620 (Reptiles; live (including snakes and turtles)). The HS code for all live turtles, tortoises, and terrapins is 010620.
How do I classify Live turtles for customs?
Live turtles is classified under HS code 010620 — Reptiles; live (including snakes and turtles). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are tortoises classified differently than turtles?
No, for the purposes of the Harmonized System, both tortoises and turtles are considered reptiles and are classified under the same HS code, 010620.
Which countries are the top exporters of live turtles (HS 010620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010620 (the code used for live turtles) 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 turtles (HS 010620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010620 (the code used for live turtles) 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 turtles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010620 for Live turtles 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 turtles in Brazil?
In Brazil, live turtles (HS 010620) is classified under NCM 0106.20.00.