Product classification
HS code for Zoological 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 zoological specimens under HS 9705.29
Zoological specimens are classified under HS code 970529, which falls under the category of Collections and collectors' pieces. This classification is governed by the notes to Chapter 97, which state that items must be of zoological, botanical, mineralogical, anatomical, historical, archaeological, palaeontological, ethnographic, or numismatic interest. For a specimen to be classified here rather than as a standard animal product in Chapter 5, it must meet the criteria of being a collectors' piece. This usually implies that the item is intended for a museum, university, or private collection and is not a commodity of standard trade. Subheading 9705.29 specifically excludes specimens of extinct or endangered species, which are classified under 9705.21. The specimens in 9705.29 might include preserved insects, stuffed birds (not endangered), or skeletal remains of common animals. The classification is based on the intent of the item as a scientific or historical record rather than a raw material for industry. If the specimens are intended for commercial use, such as fur for clothing or bone for carving, they would be classified in their respective material chapters.
- Covers
- Preserved insect collections
- Taxidermy specimens of non-endangered animals
- Animal skeletons for scientific study
- Preserved marine life specimens
- Dried or fluid-preserved zoological samples
- 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. Zoological specimens are often misclassified under 970521 if the species is extinct or endangered. They are also confused with 051199, which covers general animal products not elsewhere specified, or 0106, which is for live animals. If the item is a modern mass-produced replica, it may be classified by its constituent material (e.g., plastic or plaster).
Top exporters and importers of HS 970529 (the code used for zoological specimens), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 970529 (the code used for zoological 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 zoological 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 zoological specimens
Brazil classifies zoological 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 zoological specimens
What is the HS code for Zoological specimens?
The HS code for Zoological 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 zoological specimens of non-endangered species is 970529.
How do I classify Zoological specimens for customs?
Zoological 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.
Do these specimens require CITES permits?
While 970529 covers non-endangered species, many zoological items still require health certificates or CITES documentation depending on the specific genus and country of origin.
Which countries are the top exporters of zoological specimens (HS 970529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 970529 (the code used for zoological 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 zoological specimens (HS 970529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 970529 (the code used for zoological 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 Zoological specimens the same in all countries?
The base HS code 970529 for Zoological 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 zoological specimens in Brazil?
In Brazil, zoological specimens (HS 970529) is classified under NCM 9705.29.00.