Product classification
HS code for Mules: 0101.90
Mules and hinnies, live.
Classification of mules under HS 0101.90
Live mules are classified under HS code 0101.90. Chapter 1 of the Harmonized System is reserved for live animals. Heading 0101 specifically covers live horses, asses, mules, and hinnies. Within this heading, the system distinguishes between pure-bred breeding animals and others. Since mules are hybrid animals (the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse) and are generally sterile, they do not typically fall under pure-bred breeding categories. Therefore, they are classified under the other category, which is 0101.90. This code is used for the international trade of these animals for labor, transport, or recreational purposes. The classification is based entirely on the biological identity of the animal as a live specimen. It is important to distinguish this from animal products or processed goods derived from the animal. The 0101.90 code is also used for hinnies, which are the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey. Because both mules and hinnies serve similar agricultural and transport roles, they are grouped together in the residual other category of the equine heading.
- Covers
- Live working mules
- Live transport mules
- Live hinnies
- Live pack mules
- Also under 0101.90
- Grand Canyon pack mules
- Amish farm mules
- logging mules in mountainous regions
- US Army pack mules (historical/training)
Codes often confused with 0101.90
Common mistake. The most common non-biological misclassification is with mule-style footwear, which falls under Chapter 64 (e.g., 6402.99). Biologically, they may be confused with pure-bred horses (0101.21) or live asses (0101.30), but the specific hybrid nature of the mule requires the use of 0101.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010190 (the code used for mules), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010190 (the code used for mules) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 50% 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 010190, not only mules.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $7.0M 63% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.6M 14% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $578K 5.2% of world exports
World total: $11M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $6.9M 50% of world imports
- 2 Ireland $2.6M 19% of world imports
- 3 Spain $1.2M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $14M 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 mules
Brazil classifies mules under NCM 0101.90.00: HS 0101.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mules
What is the HS code for Mules?
The HS code for Mules is 010190 (Mules and hinnies; live).
How do I classify Mules for customs?
Mules is classified under HS code 010190 — Mules and hinnies; live. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for live mules?
The HS code for live mules and hinnies is 0101.90.
Are breeding mules classified differently?
Generally no, because mules are sterile hybrids, they rarely qualify for the pure-bred breeding animal codes like 0101.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of mules (HS 010190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010190 (the code used for mules) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.0M, 63% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($1.6M) and Ireland ($578K). World exports came to about $11M, 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 mules (HS 010190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010190 (the code used for mules) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($6.9M, 50% of world imports), Ireland ($2.6M) and Spain ($1.2M). World imports came to about $14M, 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 Mules the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010190 for Mules 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 mules in Brazil?
In Brazil, mules (HS 010190) is classified under NCM 0101.90.00.