Product classification
HS code for Paleontological specimens: 9705.22
Collections and collectors' pieces, of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, extinct or endangered species and parts thereof.
Classification of paleontological specimens under HS 9705.22
Paleontological specimens are classified under HS code 9705.22, a designation that falls within Chapter 97 for works of art, collectors' pieces, and antiques. This specific code was refined in recent Harmonized System updates to better categorize collections of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, or paleontological interest. Specifically, 9705.22 is reserved for specimens of extinct or endangered species and parts thereof. The classification is determined by the item's status as a collectors' piece, meaning it is intended for display, study, or preservation in a collection rather than for commercial utility or industrial use. Under General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, the classification is dictated by the terms of the headings. For a specimen to be classified here, it must typically show evidence of preparation, such as being cleaned, stabilized, or mounted for scientific study. The scientific value of the fossil, whether it be a vertebrate, invertebrate, or plant remain, is the primary driver for its inclusion in this category rather than as a simple mineral substance.
- Covers
- Dinosaur skeletal remains and fossilized bones
- Trilobite and ammonite fossils
- Petrified wood specimens for scientific collections
- Mammoth tusks and prehistoric ivory
- Fossilized insects preserved in amber
- Coprolites (fossilized dung)
- Also under 9705.22
- Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils
- woolly mammoth ivory (pre-ban, with permits)
- specimens of extinct insects
- preserved thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) remains
- fossilized trilobites
Codes often confused with 9705.22
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 9706.00, which covers antiques exceeding 100 years of age. While fossils are significantly older, 9705 is more specific to scientific collections and takes precedence. Another common error is using HS code 2530.90 for mineral substances not elsewhere specified. This occurs when raw fossils are imported without being identified as collectors' items. Additionally, if the specimen is from a non-extinct or non-endangered species, it must be classified under 9705.21 or 9705.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 970522 (the code used for paleontological specimens), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970522 (the code used for paleontological specimens) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 55% 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 970522, not only paleontological specimens.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $36M 53% of world exports
- 2 Germany $22M 33% of world exports
- 3 Canada $3.0M 4.4% of world exports
World total: $68M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Denmark $33M 55% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $6.6M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$3.5M 6.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $59M 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 paleontological specimens
Brazil classifies paleontological specimens under NCM 9705.22.00: HS 9705.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paleontological specimens
What is the HS code for Paleontological specimens?
The HS code for Paleontological specimens is 970522 (Collections and collectors' pieces; of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, extinct or endangered species and parts thereof). The primary HS code for paleontological specimens of extinct species is 9705.22.
How do I classify Paleontological specimens for customs?
Paleontological specimens is classified under HS code 970522 — Collections and collectors' pieces; of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical or palaeontological interest, extinct or endangered species and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to decorative fossil slabs?
If the fossil is sold primarily as a decorative item or furniture (like a fossilized marble table), it may be classified under Chapter 68 or 94 instead of 9705.
Which countries are the top exporters of paleontological specimens (HS 970522)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970522 (the code used for paleontological specimens) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($36M, 53% of world exports), Germany ($22M) and Canada ($3.0M). World exports came to about $68M, 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 paleontological specimens (HS 970522)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970522 (the code used for paleontological specimens) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($33M, 55% of world imports), Belgium ($6.6M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $3.5M). World imports came to about $59M, 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 Paleontological specimens the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970522 for Paleontological 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 paleontological specimens in Brazil?
In Brazil, paleontological specimens (HS 970522) is classified under NCM 9705.22.00.