HS2022 Chapter 1: Live animals — Practical Working Guide

0. Bottom line first: What is in / not in this Chapter (ultra-summary)

  • Typical examples INCLUDED in this Chapter (3–6):
  • Typical examples commonly EXCLUDED (3–6; include likely alternative Chapter/Heading):
  • The top practical decision points (1–3):
    1. Is it a “live animal” for HS purposes, or is it an aquatic species classified in Chapter 3, or a micro-organism culture in 3002? (世界カスタム機関)
    2. Which animal group is it? Equines (0101) / bovines (0102) / swine (0103) / sheep-goats (0104) / listed poultry (0105) / “other” (0106). (世界カスタム機関)
    3. Do the key subheading splits apply? Commonly: pure-bred breeding vs other; swine <50 kg vs ≥50 kg; poultry ≤185 g vs other. (世界カスタム機関)
  • (Optional) Situations where misclassification tends to be “high-cost” in practice:
    • Live animal imports are frequently tied to animal quarantine / veterinary controls, and documentation mismatches can cause holds and rework. (農林水産省)
    • Some animals (especially “other live animals” in 0106) may trigger CITES or other wildlife controls depending on species. (cites.org)

1. How to reach this Chapter (classification logic)

1-1. Core classification rules (where GIR matters)

  • What usually matters most here
    • GIR 1: classify by the heading text + relevant Section/Chapter Notes. In Chapter 1, the Chapter Note is especially important because it excludes key “live aquatic” categories and micro-organism cultures. (世界カスタム機関)
    • GIR 6: after selecting the correct 4‑digit heading, choose the correct 6‑digit subheading (e.g., breeding vs other; weight splits). (世界カスタム機関)
  • Terms you should keep straight (avoid HS misunderstandings)
  • Perspectives to avoid “classifying by product name only”
    • Species/group drives everything (horse vs cattle vs pig vs sheep/goat vs listed poultry vs “other”). (世界カスタム機関)
    • Use-case labels (“pet”, “zoo animal”, “breeding stock”) do not automatically decide the HS—check the legal headings and the breeding subheadings. (世界カスタム機関)

1-2. Decision flow (pseudo flowchart)

  • Step 1: Confirm what it is
    • A live animal (as traded), not a product derived from animals, and not a micro-organism culture.
    • If it’s a live aquatic animal in the excluded group (fish/crustaceans/molluscs/other aquatic invertebrates), you are likely in Chapter 3, not Chapter 1. (世界カスタム機関)
  • Step 2: Apply the Chapter 1 exclusions early
    • Aquatic exclusions → 0301/0306/0307/0308
    • Micro-organism cultures/related → 3002
    • Special case → 9508 (世界カスタム機関)
  • Step 3: Pick the heading (4-digit) by animal group
  • Common boundary disputes (high frequency)
    • Chapter 1 vs Chapter 3: “live animal” in plain language ≠ “Chapter 1” if it’s fish/crustaceans/molluscs/aquatic invertebrates. (世界カスタム機関)
    • 0105 vs 0106: “poultry” in business talk may include birds not listed in 0105 (e.g., ostriches) → often 0106. (世界カスタム機関)
    • Breeding vs non-breeding subheadings (0101/0102/0103) → classification can depend on proof accepted by customs. (世界カスタム機関)

2. Main Headings (4-digit) and what they cover

2-1. Table of key 4-digit Headings (REQUIRED)

Heading (4-digit)Plain-English summaryTypical examples (products)Key decision criteria / exclusions / cautions
0101Live horses, asses, mules and hinniesRiding horses; breeding horses; live assesIncludes pure-bred breeding vs other for horses. Confirm what the animal actually is (horse vs ass vs mule/hinny). (世界カスタム機関)
0102Live bovine animalsLive cattle; live buffalo; other bovinesSeparate subheadings for cattle vs buffalo, and pure-bred breeding vs other. (世界カスタム機関)
0103Live swinePiglets; breeding swine; feeder pigsKey split: pure-bred breeding vs “other”; and for “other” swine a <50 kg vs ≥50 kg weight split. (世界カスタム機関)
0104Live sheep and goatsLive sheep (incl. lambs); live goatsStraight split: sheep vs goats. (世界カスタム機関)
0105Live poultry (only the listed domesticated species)Day-old chicks; live chickens; live ducks/turkeys/geeseHas an operational weight split: ≤185 g vs “other”, and species splits in the ≤185 g group. Birds outside the list go to 0106. (世界カスタム機関)
0106Other live animalsPets (dogs/cats); zoo animals; reptiles; parrots; ostriches; bees; other insects“Catch-all” for live animals not covered by 0101–0105. Still has major 6‑digit splits (mammals/reptiles/birds/insects/other). (世界カスタム機関)

2-2. Operationally important splits at the 6-digit Subheading level (REQUIRED)

  • The split criteria that drive most Chapter 1 classifications:
  • 2–5 confusing Subheading pairs/groups:
    1. 0105 (listed poultry) vs 0106 (other birds)
      • Where the split happens:
        • 0105 is limited to the listed domesticated poultry species; other birds are generally in 0106 (e.g., ostriches/emus are explicitly in 0106.33). (世界カスタム機関)
      • Information needed to decide:
        • Species (common + scientific name if possible); whether the bird is one of the 0105 species list.
      • Typical mistake pattern:
        • Declaring “ostrich = poultry” → using 0105 instead of 0106.33.
    2. Day‑old chicks / poults etc. (≤185 g) vs “other” poultry
      • Where the split happens:
        • 0105 has a dedicated ≤185 g group (0105.11–0105.15) and “other” poultry (0105.94/0105.99). (世界カスタム機関)
      • Information needed to decide:
        • Weight at import/export (and how the shipment is packaged/declared).
      • Typical mistake pattern:
        • “Live chicks” declared as 0105.94 (other chickens) without confirming the ≤185 g threshold.
    3. Swine <50 kg vs ≥50 kg (non-breeding)
      • Where the split happens:
      • Information needed to decide:
        • Typical per-head weight, supported by farm/shipping records.
      • Typical mistake pattern:
        • “Piglets” assumed <50 kg without evidence → misdeclared when mixed weights exist.
    4. Pure-bred breeding animals vs “other” (equines/bovines/swine)
      • Where the split happens:
      • Information needed to decide:
        • Evidence accepted by the importing customs that the animals qualify as “pure-bred breeding” (see Section 5 & 11).
      • Typical mistake pattern:
        • Sales contract says “breeding cattle”, but no pedigree/registration documents are prepared → declared as “other”.
    5. Bees vs other insects (0106)
      • Where the split happens:
      • Information needed to decide:
        • Species/description (honey bees vs other insects), and whether the shipment is live.
      • Typical mistake pattern:
        • Declaring live bees under “other” because the invoice says “insects”.

3. Interpreting Section Notes and Chapter Notes (legal text → practical meaning)

3-1. Relevant Section Notes

  • Key points (summary):
    • In Section I, a reference to an animal genus/species generally includes the young of that animal (unless context requires otherwise). (世界カスタム機関)
    • Across the Nomenclature, “dried” generally includes dehydrated/evaporated/freeze‑dried (rarely relevant to Chapter 1 itself, but important elsewhere in Section I). (世界カスタム機関)
  • Practical meaning (with concrete examples):
    • Foals, calves, lambs, kids, piglets, chicks are still classified in the relevant live-animal heading; you do not move out of Chapter 1 just because the animal is “young.” (世界カスタム機関)
  • Typical patterns where a Section Note “moves you to another Chapter”:
    • For Chapter 1, movement to another Chapter usually happens because of the Chapter 1 Note exclusions, not because of “dried” wording. (世界カスタム機関)

3-2. Chapter Notes for this Chapter

  • Key points (summary):
    • Chapter 1 is broadly “live animals,” but it carves out:
      • Certain live aquatic animals classified in Chapter 3 (specified headings).
      • Cultures of micro-organisms and certain related goods in 3002.
      • A special case under 9508. (世界カスタム機関)
  • Definitions (if any):
    • The Chapter 1 Note is primarily an exclusion note, not a detailed definition note. If you need a narrow definition (e.g., what qualifies as “pure-bred breeding” in practice), treat it as Information needed to decide and confirm with the importing customs authority’s guidance/advance ruling process. (世界カスタム機関)
  • Exclusions (state alternative Chapter/Heading explicitly):

4. How the Chapter Notes change classification outcomes (where the code flips)

Purpose: make “note-driven splits” visible.

  • Impact point 1: Aquatic live animals are excluded from Chapter 1
    • What to check (information needed):
      • Is the animal a fish/crustacean/mollusc/other aquatic invertebrate and is it within the excluded headings?
    • Evidence to collect in practice:
      • Species name (common + scientific), product description, use (ornamental food, aquaculture seed stock, etc.).
    • Typical misclassification:
  • Impact point 2: Micro-organism cultures are not “live animals” for Chapter 1
    • What to check (information needed):
      • Is it a culture of micro-organisms (lab culture, starter culture, etc.) rather than an animal?
    • Evidence to collect in practice:
      • Technical datasheet (organism type), intended use, form (vial/petri dish/frozen culture), safety documentation.
    • Typical misclassification:
  • Impact point 3: Special case—animals of heading 9508
    • What to check (information needed):
      • Are the animals being imported/exported as part of a shipment that falls under heading 9508 (special classification treatment)?
    • Evidence to collect in practice:
      • Contract/shipping context, full set description, whether customs treats the transaction as a 9508 case.
    • Typical misclassification:
      • Declaring the animals in 01.xx without checking whether the transaction context triggers 9508. (世界カスタム機関)

5. Common mistakes in practice (cause → correction)

Write 5–10 items using this exact pattern:

  1. Mistake:
    • Declaring live fish as 0106 (“other live animals”).
    • Why it happens:
      • “Live animals” is read literally; staff miss the Chapter 1 exclusion for aquatic categories.
    • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
      • Chapter 1 excludes certain aquatic animals to Chapter 3 headings (e.g., live fish → 0301). (世界カスタム機関)
    • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
      • Verify: species list (common + scientific); ask “Is it fish/crustacean/mollusc/aquatic invertebrate?”
  2. Mistake:
    • Declaring live day‑old chicks as 0105.94 (“other chickens”) without checking weight.
    • Why it happens:
      • Chicks are assumed to be “chickens” and declared generically.
    • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
      • 0105 separates poultry ≤185 g (0105.11–0105.15) from “other” poultry (0105.94/0105.99). (世界カスタム機関)
    • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
      • Verify: hatchery documents; average weight; ask “Is the shipment ≤185 g per bird?”
  3. Mistake:
    • Declaring ostriches/emus under 0105 because the invoice says “poultry.”
    • Why it happens:
      • Commercial “poultry” ≠ HS 0105 list.
    • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
    • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
      • Verify: species; ask “Is it one of the 0105 species list, or another bird?”
  4. Mistake:
    • Declaring “breeding cattle” as 0102.29 (other cattle) when they should be “pure-bred breeding animals.”
    • Why it happens:
      • The shipment is intended for breeding but lacks the documentation customs requires to accept the breeding subheading.
    • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
      • Use “pure-bred breeding” subheadings only when the classification condition is met and supportable; otherwise classify under “other.” (世界カスタム機関)
    • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
      • Verify: pedigree/registry certificates; breeding contract; ask “What proof does the importing customs accept for ‘pure-bred breeding’?”
  5. Mistake:
    • Misapplying the swine weight split: using 0103.91 (<50 kg) for mixed shipments that include heavier animals.
    • Why it happens:
      • “Piglets” assumed <50 kg; mixed lots not controlled.
    • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
      • 0103 “other” swine are split by <50 kg vs ≥50 kg; confirm the applicable category for the declared goods. (世界カスタム機関)
    • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
      • Verify: farm shipment records / weights; ask “Are any animals ≥50 kg?”
  6. Mistake:
    • Declaring live dogs/cats as 0106.90 (“other”) without considering the proper 0106 structure and national line requirements.
    • Why it happens:
      • Staff treat 0106 as a single bucket; national tariff line subdivisions may require more detail.
    • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
      • At HS6, dogs/cats are generally within 0106 (mammals → “other”), but national tariff lines may require further detail; keep HS6 and national code separate. (世界カスタム機関)
    • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
      • Verify: tariff schedule line details; ask “Do we store HS6 separately from the national tariff line code?”
  7. Mistake:
    • Treating micro-organism cultures as 0106 because they are “living.”
    • Why it happens:
      • Confusion between “living biological materials” and “live animals” under HS.
    • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
    • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
      • Verify: technical datasheet; ask “Is it an animal, or a micro-organism culture/product of 3002?”
  8. Mistake:
    • Using a national tariff line code (8/9/10 digits) as if it were the universal HS6 in cross-border documentation (e.g., origin paperwork).
    • Why it happens:
      • ERP/master data stores only national codes; staff assume it’s “the HS.”
    • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
      • HS is standardized at 6 digits; national subdivisions must be labelled explicitly as national codes. (税関総合情報)
    • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
      • Verify: master data fields; ask “Which code is required: HS6 or national code?”

6. Points to watch for FTA/EPA origin certification

6-1. Relationship between HS classification and PSR (Product-Specific Rules)

  • HS assignment drives PSR selection: wrong HS6 → wrong PSR line → incorrect origin logic.
  • For Chapter 1 goods, origin analysis often depends on where the animals were born and raised (frequently covered by “wholly obtained” concepts), but each agreement’s structure differs—check the applicable agreement and operational guidance. (税関総合情報)

6-2. HS version differences referenced by agreements (HS2012 / HS2017 / HS2022)

  • Many agreements’ PSR annexes were negotiated using older HS editions, so you must ensure the HS version in the agreement matches your code list.

Examples relevant for Japan (illustrative; always check the applicable agreement text and any transposition notice):

AgreementHS edition referenced in PSR annex (typical)EvidencePractical note for Chapter 1
CPTPP (TPP11) Annex 3‑DHS2012Annex table header shows “HS Classification (HS2012)” and gives a Chapter 1 PSR line for 01.01–01.06. (mfat.govt.nz)Interpret together with the agreement’s “wholly obtained” provisions and operational guidance when animals are involved.
RCEP Annex 3A (original)HS2012Annex states it is based on HS2012 and shows Chapter 1 as WO. (Australian Border Force Website)Chapter 1 is often straightforward, but still verify the agreement’s definitions for “WO”.
RCEP PSR transposed (operational)HS2022 transposition; implemented from 1 Jan 2023Transposed PSR document states it is “in HS 2022” and implemented from 1 January 2023; Chapter 1 is WO. (税関総合情報)Use the operational transposed list when required by customs practice.
Japan–UK EPA Annex 3‑BHS2017Annex header shows “classification (2017)” and states “All animals of Chapter 1 are wholly obtained.” (税関総合情報)Good example of an agreement that explicitly treats Chapter 1 as wholly obtained.
Japan–EU EPA (general operational note)HS2017 (commonly used for Japan–EU origin operations)Japan Customs practical materials describe that Japan–EU uses HS2017 (while TPP11 uses HS2012). (税関総合情報)Confirm which “HS edition” your internal PSR lookup uses for the specific agreement.
  • Practical cautions if the agreement’s HS edition differs from HS2022
    • Do not assume the PSR annex HS edition equals the operational customs HS edition; manage “Operational HS (declaration)” vs “Agreement HS (PSR)”.
    • Even when Chapter 1 codes are stable across editions, your process controls should still record which HS edition you used for PSR selection.
  • How to handle transposition (old → new mapping) in general
    • Prefer official correlation/transposition tools where available.
    • Keep a controlled mapping file and retain evidence for audits (see 6‑3 and 11).

6-3. Practical checklist (data needed for origin analysis)

  • Data you typically need:
    • Where the animal was born, raised, and (if relevant) slaughtered (for live animals: typically born/raised is the key).
    • For breeding stock claims: supporting evidence for breeding status (pedigree/registration).
    • Agreement HS edition HS6 + documentation that your HS edition selection is correct.
  • Supporting documents & retention (general guidance):
    • Supplier declarations (where applicable), veterinary/health certificates, farm records, transport documents.
    • Keep the HS mapping justification if the agreement uses a different HS edition.

7. Differences between HS2022 and earlier HS editions (what changed and why)

7-1. Change summary (REQUIRED TABLE)

Comparison (e.g., HS2017→HS2022)Change type (new / deleted / split / merged / wording / scope)Codes affectedPractical meaning of the changeOperational impact
HS2017 → HS2022No change identified in the “changes list” (for Chapter 1 HS6 structure)(No Chapter 1 entries in the change list)Based on the HS2022↔HS2017 “changes” correlation list, Chapter 1 does not appear among amended codes, suggesting no HS6 restructuring for 0101–0106 in this revision cycle. (世界カスタム機関)Still validate borderline cases (e.g., 0105 vs 0106; Chapter 1 vs Chapter 3) and ensure internal code lists match HS2022.
HS2012 → HS2017No change identified in the “changes list” for Chapter 1(No Chapter 1 entries in the change list)The HS2017↔HS2012 “changes” list begins in Chapter 3, indicating no Chapter 1 HS6 changes were recorded in that change list. (税関総合情報)Minimal transposition risk for Chapter 1, but keep HS edition controls for PSR annexes.
HS2007 → HS2012Refinement / splits (subheading subdivisions; new detail for some animal groups)Examples include 0101, 0102, 0105, 0106 subheading restructuresHS2012 introduced more detail within Chapter 1 (e.g., refining equines and bovines into clearer subheadings; creating/clarifying subheadings for bees/other insects and certain animals), driven by monitoring/data needs (notably FAO-related monitoring goals). (税関総合情報)Legacy HS2007 databases need mapping; master data for insects/bees and certain animal groups must be checked when old codes are still in use.

7-2. Why it changed (REQUIRED)

  • Sources relied on:
    • WCO HS2022 Chapter 1 legal text (headings and exclusions). (世界カスタム機関)
    • WCO/Japan Customs correlation tables showing historical changes (HS2007→HS2012; HS2012→HS2017). (税関総合情報)
    • WCO Table I (HS2022→HS2017) “changes list” indicating Chapter 1 is not among changed codes in that list. (世界カスタム機関)
  • Explanation (what changed and why, based on these documents):
    • HS2007→HS2012: Chapter 1 gained finer granularity in several places (examples include clearer breakdowns for equines/bovines and more specific insect subheadings), with remarks tied to better monitoring of trade/food security and similar policy/statistical needs. (税関総合情報)
    • HS2012→HS2017 and HS2017→HS2022: No Chapter 1 HS6 restructures are indicated in the reviewed “changes list” correlation tables for those cycles. (税関総合情報)

8. HS codes added or removed before HS2022 (historical perspective)

Major additions/deletions/restructures across HS2007 → HS2012 → HS2017 → HS2022 (based on available correlation tables):

TransitionChange (high level)Example mapping / note
HS2007 → HS2012Refinement (splits/subdivisions within Chapter 1)Examples shown in the correlation table include new/clearer subheadings for equines and bovines, finer poultry/insect detail (e.g., bees vs other insects), and other refinements within 0106. (税関総合情報)
HS2012 → HS2017No Chapter 1 changes shown in the “changes list” tableThe reviewed “changes list” begins in Chapter 3, implying no Chapter 1 HS6 changes were recorded in that list. (税関総合情報)
HS2017 → HS2022No Chapter 1 changes shown in the “changes list” tableThe HS2022↔HS2017 “changes list” starts at a later point and does not list Chapter 1. (世界カスタム機関)

9. Clearance trouble scenarios caused by violating Notes (case-style)

Provide 3–5 cases in this exact pattern:

  • Case name (short): “Aquarium fish declared as 0106”
    • What went wrong (which Chapter Note / Section Note was violated):
      • Live fish are excluded from Chapter 1 by the Chapter 1 Note and belong under Chapter 3 (0301). (世界カスタム機関)
    • Why it happens:
      • “Live animal” is read literally; the aquatic carve-out is missed.
    • Typical impacts:
      • HS correction/amendment; document rework; potential inspection or quarantine re-routing.
    • Prevention:
      • Mandatory question in intake: “Is it fish/crustacean/mollusc/aquatic invertebrate?”
  • Case name (short): “Day‑old chicks treated as ‘other poultry’”
    • What went wrong (which Chapter Note / Section Note was violated):
      • The HS6 split for live poultry hinges on the ≤185 g threshold; the wrong subheading was used. (世界カスタム機関)
    • Why it happens:
      • Weight data is not collected; invoice says “chicks” only.
    • Typical impacts:
      • HS correction; delays while clarifying quantities/weights and possibly quota or statistical reporting impacts (country-specific).
    • Prevention:
      • Require hatchery certificate/weight declaration for any “day‑old” shipments.
  • Case name (short): “Ostriches declared as 0105 poultry”
    • What went wrong (which Chapter Note / Section Note was violated):
      • 0105 is limited to listed poultry species; ostriches/emus fall under 0106 (birds category). (世界カスタム機関)
    • Why it happens:
      • Commercial “poultry” category is broader than HS 0105.
    • Typical impacts:
      • Amendment + supporting documents update (species clarification).
    • Prevention:
      • Require species (Latin name) on invoices for all live birds.
  • Case name (short): “CITES-listed reptile import blocked” (optional)
    • What went wrong (which Chapter Note / Section Note was violated):
      • HS heading may be correct (e.g., 0106 reptiles), but the shipment failed a species-control compliance check (CITES permits/requirements). (cites.org)
    • Why it happens:
      • Teams treat HS classification as the only gate; wildlife compliance is not embedded in workflow.
    • Typical impacts:
      • Clearance hold/refusal; seizure risk depending on jurisdiction; reputational risk.
    • Prevention:
      • Add a “CITES/species restriction” gate when invoices include reptiles/primates/rare birds.

10. Import/export regulatory considerations (compliance)

  • For Japan, summarize frequent regulations/permits/quarantine relevant to this Chapter (only if applicable)

Assumption for this add‑on: Japan / Import (HS structure is global; procedures are country-specific).

  • Use these axes (only those that apply):
    • Quarantine / sanitary & phytosanitary (SPS)
      • Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) provides official guidance for importing animals and lists animal categories subject to import quarantine/requirements (including livestock and other animals). (農林水産省)
    • Public health / notifications (where applicable)
      • Japan also operates a Notification System for Importation of Animals, administered through quarantine stations, for certain animals (scope and procedures depend on species/category). (厚生労働省)
    • CITES / species restrictions
      • Many live animals (especially in 0106) can overlap with CITES controls depending on species. Japan’s METI provides CITES procedure information, and CITES maintains the official appendices list. (経済産業省)
      • Japan Customs also provides general guidance on CITES-related import/export restrictions. (税関総合情報)
    • Other permits / notifications
      • Depending on species and origin, additional documentation may apply (health/veterinary certificates, pre-export approvals, facility approvals, etc.). Always confirm with AQS and the relevant authorities. (農林水産省)
  • Official places to verify (agencies / official guides / contact points):
    • MAFF Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) import guidance and species-based requirements. (農林水産省)
    • MHLW quarantine stations: notification system for importation of animals (where applicable). (厚生労働省)
    • METI / CITES procedures and the official CITES appendices list. (経済産業省)
    • Japan Customs tariff schedule pages (for classification + national tariff lines). (税関総合情報)
  • Typical preparatory documents (general):
    • Commercial invoice, packing list, transport docs
    • Species identification (common + scientific name), headcount, weights (as needed for HS splits)
    • Veterinary/health certificates and quarantine-related documents (as required) (農林水産省)
    • CITES permits/certificates (if applicable) (経済産業省)
    • FTA origin documentation (if claiming preference)

11. Practical checklist (classification → clearance → origin → regulations)

  • Before classification (collect product information)
    • Species (Latin/common), animal group (equine/bovine/swine/sheep-goat/poultry/other)
    • Breeding status claim (if any): what proof exists?
    • For swine: typical per-head weight (<50 kg vs ≥50 kg)
    • For poultry: whether ≤185 g category applies
    • Confirm it is not an excluded live aquatic category or a micro-organism culture (世界カスタム機関)
  • After classification (re-check Notes / exclusions / boundaries)
  • Before declaration (invoice description, units, supporting documents)
    • Ensure invoice line description includes: species + headcount + weight where relevant + breeding status claim where relevant
    • Align HS6 with national code requirements (Japan tariff line may require more detail) (税関総合情報)
  • FTA/EPA checks (PSR, materials, processes, retention)
    • Confirm agreement HS edition (HS2012/HS2017/HS2022) and apply correct PSR line (mfat.govt.nz)
    • Keep evidence for “wholly obtained”/origin where relevant (birth/raising records)
  • Regulatory checks (permits/notifications/inspection)

12. References (sources)

  • WCO (HS2022 legal text, correlation tables, amendment package, etc.)
    • World Customs Organization (WCO), HS Nomenclature 2022 — Section I Notes (PDF). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (世界カスタム機関)
    • WCO, HS Nomenclature 2022 — Chapter 1: Live animals (PDF). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (世界カスタム機関)
    • WCO, Correlation Table I: HS2022 → HS2017 (changes list) (PDF). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (世界カスタム機関)
    • WCO correlation (published via Japan Customs), HS2012 → HS2007 correlation table (PDF). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (税関総合情報)
    • WCO correlation (published via Japan Customs), HS2017 → HS2012 correlation table (PDF). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (税関総合情報)
  • Japan customs and public-agency guidance
    • MAFF Animal Quarantine Service, Importing Animals (guidance/requirements). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (農林水産省)
    • MHLW Quarantine Stations, Notification System for Importation of Animals. Accessed: 2026-02-13. (厚生労働省)
    • Japan Customs, Customs Tariff Schedule of Japan (national tariff line codes/subdivisions). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (税関総合情報)
    • Japan Customs, Advance Ruling / Prior Classification Consultation (tariff classification). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (税関総合情報)
  • CITES / wildlife compliance sources
    • CITES, Appendices I, II and III. Accessed: 2026-02-13. (cites.org)
    • Japan METI, CITES import/export procedure information. Accessed: 2026-02-13. (経済産業省)
    • Japan Customs, CITES-related import/export restrictions (guidance). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (税関総合情報)
  • FTA/EPA texts, annexes, operational guidance
    • New Zealand MFAT, CPTPP Annex 3‑D (PSR; HS2012) (PDF). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (mfat.govt.nz)
    • Australia Border Force (ABF), RCEP Annex 3A PSR (HS2012) (PDF). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (Australian Border Force Website)
    • Japan Customs, RCEP PSR transposed to HS2022 (implemented from 2023-01-01) (PDF). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (税関総合情報)
    • Japan Customs, Japan–UK EPA Annex 3‑B (PSR; HS2017) (PDF). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (税関総合情報)
    • Japan Customs, Origin rules practical materials noting HS editions used (e.g., TPP11 HS2012; Japan–EU HS2017) (PDF). Accessed: 2026-02-13. (税関総合情報)

Disclaimer (MUST BE INCLUDED VERBATIM; DO NOT MODIFY)

This material is provided for general informational purposes regarding HS classification, customs clearance, FTA/EPA rules of origin, and import/export regulations. It does not constitute legal advice, tax advice, customs advice, or a definitive classification ruling for any specific transaction. Final HS classification is determined by the customs authority of the importing/exporting country, and classification outcomes may differ for the same or similar products depending on specifications, composition, end-use, form, degree of processing, commercial reality, documentation, and other transaction-specific facts. Tariff rates, origin rules, import/export regulations, permits, and inspection requirements may change due to legal amendments or administrative updates; you must always verify the latest official laws, regulations, public notices, and agreement texts. For important transactions, you should consider using the customs advance ruling system and/or consulting qualified professionals (customs brokers, attorneys, tax advisors) and conduct appropriate verification before making decisions. The author assumes no liability for any damages arising from the use of, or inability to use, this material.

Appendix A. Key national tariff line subdivisions in Japan (optional)

  • This guide focuses on HS6 (internationally standardized). Japan’s tariff schedule subdivides HS6 into national tariff line codes for duty/quota/statistical administration. (税関総合情報)
  • Operational tip:
    • For live animals, national subdivisions may require extra detail beyond HS6 (species/breeding/age/weight categories depending on the tariff line).
    • Information needed to decide: consult the current Japan tariff schedule line for your exact product specification. (税関総合情報)

Appendix B. How to find customs advance rulings / decisions (optional)

  • Practical approach (general guidance):
    • Use the importing country’s advance ruling / prior consultation mechanism when:
      • The product sits near a boundary (Chapter 1 vs Chapter 3; 0105 vs 0106; breeding status disputes).
      • Regulatory impact is high (quarantine/CITES risks).
    • Japan Customs provides information on advance rulings/prior consultations for tariff classification. (税関総合情報)
  • Prepare a “ruling package”:
    • Species (common + scientific), photos, shipment description
    • Weight evidence where relevant (swine 50 kg split; poultry 185 g split)
    • Breeding evidence where relevant (pedigree/registry)
    • Proposed HS6 with rationale + exclusions checked
    • Sample documents (invoice, spec sheet, certificates)

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