Product classification
HS code for Purebred horses: 0101.21
Horses, live, pure-bred breeding animals.
Classification of purebred horses under HS 0101.21
Purebred horses intended for breeding purposes are classified under HS code 0101.21. This code is situated within Chapter 1, which covers live animals, and specifically under heading 0101 for horses, asses, mules, and hinnies. To be classified under 0101.21, the horse must be a pure-bred breeding animal. This status is usually verified through official studbook records or certificates of pedigree issued by recognized equine organizations. The Harmonized System makes a clear distinction between horses for breeding and those for other purposes, such as racing, jumping, or slaughter. Even if a horse is of a pure breed, if it is not imported specifically for breeding purposes or lacks the necessary documentation, it may be classified elsewhere. This classification is critical for customs purposes, as many jurisdictions provide tax exemptions or reduced duties for high-value breeding stock to support the local equine industry and genetic preservation.
- Covers
- Pure-bred breeding stallions
- Registered breeding mares
- Certified pedigree Thoroughbreds for breeding
- Registered Arabian breeding horses
- Pure-bred Quarter Horse breeding stock
- Also under 0101.21
- Darley Stud (Godolphin) breeding stock
- Coolmore Stud stallions
- Olympic show jumping prospects
- elite polo pony broodmares
Codes often confused with 0101.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for purebred horses is HS code 0101.29, which covers other live horses. This includes horses for riding, racing, or work that do not meet the breeding criteria or lack documentation. Another error involves HS code 0101.30, which is for asses, or 0101.90, which covers mules and hinnies. Traders must be careful not to use 0101.21 for horses intended for competition or leisure unless their primary purpose for import is breeding and they have the certificates to prove it. In some regions, if a horse is imported for racing but is also a pure-bred, it may still be pushed to 0101.29 if the breeding intent is not primary or documented.
Top exporters and importers of HS 010121 (the code used for purebred horses), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 010121 (the code used for purebred horses) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 39% 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 010121, not only purebred horses.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $428M 25% of world exports
- 2 Ireland $414M 24% of world exports
- 3 United States $273M 16% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $608M 39% of world imports
- 2 Ireland $387M 25% of world imports
- 3 France $115M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 purebred horses
Brazil classifies purebred horses under NCM 0101.21.00: HS 0101.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about purebred horses
What is the HS code for Purebred horses?
The HS code for Purebred horses is 010121 (Horses; live, pure-bred breeding animals). The HS code for live pure-bred breeding horses is 0101.21.
How do I classify Purebred horses for customs?
Purebred horses is classified under HS code 010121 — Horses; live, pure-bred breeding animals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are ponies included in this HS code?
Yes, ponies can be classified under 0101.21 if they are certified pure-bred breeding animals of a recognized pony breed.
Which countries are the top exporters of purebred horses (HS 010121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 010121 (the code used for purebred horses) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($428M, 25% of world exports), Ireland ($414M) and the United States ($273M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 horses (HS 010121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 010121 (the code used for purebred horses) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($608M, 39% of world imports), Ireland ($387M) and France ($115M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 horses the same in all countries?
The base HS code 010121 for Purebred horses 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 horses in Brazil?
In Brazil, purebred horses (HS 010121) is classified under NCM 0101.21.00.