Product classification
HS code for Purebred cattle: 0102.21
Cattle, live, pure-bred breeding animals.
Classification of purebred cattle under HS 0102.21
Live cattle that are certified as pure-bred breeding animals are classified under HS code 0102.21. This classification is part of the broader category for bovine animals under heading 0102. The distinction of pure-bred breeding is significant because it implies the animal is intended to maintain or improve the genetic quality of a herd. Customs authorities typically require proof of pedigree or registration in a herd book to accept this classification. This code covers various breeds of the genus Bos, such as Bos taurus and Bos indicus, provided they meet the breeding criteria. If the cattle are not certified as pure-bred or are intended for meat production or dairy without specific breeding certification, they fall into different subheadings based on their weight and purpose. The 0102.21 code is used globally to facilitate the trade of high-value genetic stock, often attracting lower duty rates than commercial cattle to encourage agricultural development and genetic diversity.
- Covers
- Pure-bred breeding bulls (Bos taurus)
- Registered breeding heifers
- Certified pedigree Angus cattle
- Certified pedigree Holstein breeding stock
- Pure-bred Hereford cattle for reproduction
- Also under 0102.21
- ABS Global (breeding stock)
- Semex Alliance (genetics)
- top-tier dairy farms
- elite beef ranches
- embryo transfer programs
Codes often confused with 0102.21
Common mistake. Purebred cattle are often misclassified under HS code 0102.29, which covers other live cattle. The 0102.29 code is used for animals intended for slaughter, fattening, or dairy production that do not possess official pure-bred certification. Another potential error is using 0102.31, which is specifically for pure-bred breeding buffalo. While both are bovines, the HS system separates cattle (0102.2x) from buffalo (0102.3x). Furthermore, if the animal is a wild bovine or a yak, it should be classified under 0102.90. Misclassification often occurs when the required pedigree documentation is missing at the time of import, leading customs to default to the non-breeding category 0102.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010221 (the code used for purebred cattle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010221 (the code used for purebred cattle) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 28% 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 010221, not only purebred cattle.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $156M 12% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $153M 12% of world exports
- 3 France $146M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $360M 28% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $139M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $120M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 codes for purebred cattle
Brazil splits HS 0102.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0102.21.10Pure-bred breeding cattle, pregnant or with calf
- 0102.21.90Other pure-bred breeding cattle
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about purebred cattle
What is the HS code for Purebred cattle?
The HS code for Purebred cattle is 010221 (Cattle; live, pure-bred breeding animals). The HS code for live pure-bred breeding cattle is 0102.21.
How do I classify Purebred cattle for customs?
Purebred cattle is classified under HS code 010221 — Cattle; live, pure-bred breeding animals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can dairy cows be classified under 0102.21?
Yes, dairy cows can be classified under 0102.21 if they are certified pure-bred breeding animals and are intended for that purpose rather than general milk production.
Which countries are the top exporters of purebred cattle (HS 010221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010221 (the code used for purebred cattle) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($156M, 12% of world exports), the Netherlands ($153M) and France ($146M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 purebred cattle (HS 010221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010221 (the code used for purebred cattle) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($360M, 28% of world imports), Türkiye ($139M) and the Netherlands ($120M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Purebred cattle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010221 for Purebred cattle 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 cattle in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 010221 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for purebred cattle depends on the product's details: 0102.21.10 (Pure-bred breeding cattle, pregnant or with calf), 0102.21.90 (Other pure-bred breeding cattle).