HTS Code: 0105

HTS US: 0105.XX.XXXX

Description

This heading covers all live poultry commonly raised for meat, egg production, or breeding. This includes:

Chickens (Gallus domesticus)
Ducks
Geese
Turkeys
Guinea Fowl

The classification is primarily based on the bird’s weight (often with a cutoff of 185 grams) to differentiate between adult birds and young chicks.

Code Hierarchy

Section I: Live Animals; Animal Products (Chapters 01-05)
Chapter 01: Live Animals
Heading 0105: Live poultry; that is to say, fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, ducks, geese, turkeys and guinea fowls.
US HTS Code (10-digit): 0105.XX.XXXX – The final digits specify the exact type and weight of the poultry.

Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings

The 4-digit HS heading 0105 is broken down into specific categories based on species and weight.

HS/HTS Code	Description	Examples & Notes
0105.12	Turkeys, weighing not more than 185 g	Day-old turkey poults.
	`0105.12.0000`	Turkeys, weighing not more than 185 g
0105.13	Turkeys, weighing more than 185 g	Adult or growing turkeys.
	`0105.13.0000`	Turkeys, weighing more than 185 g
0105.14	Guinea fowls	All live guinea fowl.
	`0105.14.0000`	Guinea fowls
0105.15	Chickens, weighing not more than 185 g	Day-old chicks (broilers or layers).
	`0105.15.0000`	Fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, weighing not more than 185 g
0105.94	Chickens, weighing more than 185 g but not more than 2000 g	Young chickens (e.g., pullets).
	`0105.94.0000`	Chickens within this weight range
0105.99	Other live poultry (Ducks, Geese, etc.)	This subheading covers ducks and geese.
	`0105.99.2000`	Ducks
	`0105.99.4000`	Geese

What is NOT Classified Here?

To avoid misclassification, note these exclusions:

Other live birds such as pigeons, parrots, or canaries are classified in HTS Code 0106 (Other live animals).
Birds for zoos or circuses are typically classified under HTS Code 9508 or 9706.
Edible poultry products (e.g., meat, eggs) are classified in Chapter 07 (eggs) and Chapter 16 (prepared meat).
Feathers and down are classified in Chapter 05 (0505).

Notes

Veterinary Certificates (USDA/APHIS): The importation of live poultry is subject to stringent regulations by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to prevent the introduction of avian diseases (e.g., Avian Influenza). Import permits and veterinary health certificates are mandatory.
Duty Rates: Many live poultry items under HTS 0105 enter the United States under Free (0%) duty rates. However, specific 10-digit codes must be checked in the latest HTS tariff schedule for precise rates.
Quarantine: Shipments may be subject to quarantine upon arrival. Importers must work closely with customs brokers who are experienced in USDA clearance procedures.

Declaration Example

Product: A shipment of 10,000 day-old broiler chicks.

US HTS Code: 0105.15.0000 (Fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, weighing not more than 185 g)

Unit of Quantity: Number (No.)

General Duty Rate: Free

Additional Requirements: USDA-APHIS Import Permit and Veterinary Health Certificate from the country of origin are required.