Product classification
HS code for Natural history specimens: 9705.29
Collections and collectors' pieces, of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, other than human species, extinct or endangered species and parts thereof.
Classification of natural history specimens under HS 9705.29
HS code 9705.29 is used for collections and collectors' pieces of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, or palaeontological interest. This code is part of Chapter 97, which covers works of art, collectors' pieces, and antiques. The classification is determined by the scientific or historical interest of the item—specifically its value to researchers, museums, or private collectors rather than its utility or commercial value as a raw material. Subheading 9705.29 is a residual category for specimens that do not involve human remains (9705.21) or extinct/endangered species (9705.22). To qualify for this code, the items must typically be part of a collection or intended for one, often characterized by being rare, preserved in a specific manner (like taxidermy, herbarium sheets, or alcohol preservation), and not intended for industrial use. The classification process requires verifying that the specimen is not protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), as that would shift the classification to 9705.22. These items are often exempt from standard duties but are subject to strict sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations depending on the biological nature of the specimen. The key factor is that the specimen must represent a stage in the progression of natural history or be of significant interest to a specific branch of science.
- Covers
- Preserved insect collections
- Dried plant specimens (herbaria)
- Mineralogical specimens (not for jewelry)
- Non-human anatomical models or parts
- Fossils and palaeontological remains
- Taxidermy of non-endangered species
- Also under 9705.29
- Butterfly collections
- geological core samples
- mounted deer heads
- fossilized ammonites
- herbarium sheets
- seashell collections
- meteorite fragments
Codes often confused with 9705.29
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 9705.21, which is strictly for human specimens (anatomical or skeletal). It is also frequently confused with 9705.22, which covers specimens of extinct or endangered species. Importers often mistakenly use Chapter 05 (Products of animal origin) for biological specimens, but if the item is for a collection and has scientific value, Chapter 97 takes precedence. Antiques over 100 years old that are not specimens of natural history may fall under 9706.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 970529 (the code used for natural history specimens), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970529 (the code used for natural history specimens) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 970529, not only natural history specimens.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $32M 29% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $29M 27% of world exports
- 3 Namibia $4.8M 4.4% of world exports
World total: $109M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $16M 22% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$11M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $5.9M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $71M 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 natural history specimens
Brazil classifies natural history specimens under NCM 9705.29.00: HS 9705.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about natural history specimens
What is the HS code for Natural history specimens?
The HS code for Natural history specimens is 970529 (Collections and collectors' pieces; of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, other than human species, extinct or endangered species and parts thereof). The HS code for natural history specimens that are not human and not endangered is 9705.29.
How do I classify Natural history specimens for customs?
Natural history specimens is classified under HS code 970529 — Collections and collectors' pieces; of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, other than human species, extinct or endangered species and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include dinosaur fossils?
Yes, dinosaur fossils and other palaeontological remains are classified under 9705.29, provided they are not considered endangered species parts (though most fossils are exempt from CITES, they fall here due to scientific interest).
Which countries are the top exporters of natural history specimens (HS 970529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970529 (the code used for natural history specimens) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($32M, 29% of world exports), South Africa ($29M) and Namibia ($4.8M). World exports came to about $109M, 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 natural history specimens (HS 970529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970529 (the code used for natural history specimens) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($16M, 22% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $11M) and Germany ($5.9M). World imports came to about $71M, 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 Natural history specimens the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970529 for Natural history specimens 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 natural history specimens in Brazil?
In Brazil, natural history specimens (HS 970529) is classified under NCM 9705.29.00.