Product classification
HS code for Purebred buffalo: 0102.31
Buffalo, live, pure-bred breeding animals.
Classification of purebred buffalo under HS 0102.31
Live purebred buffalo are classified under HS code 0102.31. This classification is found within Chapter 1 (Live Animals) and Heading 0102 (Live bovine animals). The Harmonized System distinguishes buffalo from other bovine species like cattle. Within the buffalo category (0102.3x), a further distinction is made between pure-bred breeding animals (0102.31) and others (0102.39). To be classified under 0102.31, the animal must meet specific criteria established by national or international breeding standards, typically requiring a pedigree certificate or registration in a recognized herd book. This classification is vital for statistical tracking and for applying specific agricultural policies or tariff preferences intended for the improvement of livestock genetics. The term buffalo includes species such as the Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), which is common in many parts of Asia and Europe. The classification is based on the animal's genetic status and intended use for reproduction rather than its weight or age, which are factors used in other livestock categories.
- Covers
- Pure-bred breeding water buffalo
- Certified pedigree Bubalus bubalis
- Registered breeding buffalo bulls
- Registered breeding buffalo heifers
- Pure-bred Mediterranean buffalo for breeding
- Also under 0102.31
- Mozzarella di Bufala dairy farms
- specialized buffalo breeding centers in India
- genetic improvement programs in Southeast Asia
- high-yield dairy buffalo farms
Codes often confused with 0102.31
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for purebred buffalo is HS code 0102.39, which is the category for other live buffalo that are not certified for breeding. This includes buffalo intended for slaughter or general draft work. Another error is using 0102.21, which is reserved for pure-bred breeding cattle (Bos taurus). While both are bovines, the HS system maintains a strict separation between cattle and buffalo at the four-digit and six-digit levels. Additionally, yaks and other bovines are classified under 0102.90. Importers must ensure they have the correct pedigree documentation to justify the use of 0102.31, as customs authorities often scrutinize breeding claims to prevent tariff evasion.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010231 (the code used for purebred buffalo), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010231 (the code used for purebred buffalo) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 99% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 76% of world imports. Mexico reports $135M of its chapter 01 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Nigeria reports $207M of its chapter 01 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 010231, not only purebred buffalo.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $112M 99% of world exports
- 2 Australia $575K 0.5% of world exports
- 3 India $152K 0.1% of world exports
Mexico reports $135M of its chapter 01 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $113M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$86M 76% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Laos* ~$27M 23% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $275K 0.2% of world imports
Nigeria reports $207M of its chapter 01 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $113M 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 codes for purebred buffalo
Brazil splits HS 0102.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0102.31.10Pure-bred breeding buffalo, pregnant or with calf
- 0102.31.90Other pure-bred breeding buffalo
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about purebred buffalo
What is the HS code for Purebred buffalo?
The HS code for Purebred buffalo is 010231 (Buffalo; live, pure-bred breeding animals). The HS code for live pure-bred breeding buffalo is 0102.31.
How do I classify Purebred buffalo for customs?
Purebred buffalo is classified under HS code 010231 — Buffalo; live, pure-bred breeding animals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What documentation is required for this classification?
Importers typically must provide a pedigree certificate or proof of registration in an official breed book to qualify the animal as a pure-bred breeding buffalo.
Which countries are the top exporters of purebred buffalo (HS 010231)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010231 (the code used for purebred buffalo) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($112M, 99% of world exports), Australia ($575K) and India ($152K). World exports came to about $113M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $135M of its chapter 01 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of purebred buffalo (HS 010231)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010231 (the code used for purebred buffalo) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $86M, 76% of world imports), Laos (about $27M) and Malaysia ($275K). World imports came to about $113M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Nigeria reports $207M of its chapter 01 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Purebred buffalo the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010231 for Purebred buffalo 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 purebred buffalo in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 010231 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for purebred buffalo depends on the product's details: 0102.31.10 (Pure-bred breeding buffalo, pregnant or with calf), 0102.31.90 (Other pure-bred breeding buffalo).