African Grey Parrot
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 010631 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 010639 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 010631 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 010639 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π¦ African Grey Parrot (Live Birds β Psittaciformes)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Strategy
π One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is an African Grey Parrot?
The African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is a highly intelligent, long-lived, and socially complex bird native to the rainforests of Central and West Africa. In international trade, live birds are classified under Chapter 01 β Live Animals, with specific subheadings based on species and taxonomic order.
β οΈ Key Classification Rule:
- If the bird belongs to the Psittaciformes order (parrots, including African Greys), it falls under HS Code 0106.31.
- If the bird is not a psittaciform (e.g., non-parrot species like canaries, pigeons), it goes to 0106.39.β African Grey Parrots are clearly within Psittaciformes β Must be classified under 0106.31.
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Match)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | CITES Status | Export Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0106.31 |
Live birds, psittaciformes (including African grey parrots) | All live African Grey Parrots, regardless of age, sex, or origin | β CITES Appendix I (Strictly regulated) | π« Requires CITES permit for international trade |
0106.39 |
Live birds, other (not psittaciformes) | Non-parrot birds (e.g., canaries, finches, doves) | β Not applicable | β Generally less restricted |
π Critical Note:
- Even if the African Grey Parrot is captive-bred, it still requires CITES Appendix I permits for export and import. - Do not classify African Greys under0106.39β this is a major error that can lead to seizure, fines, or criminal charges.
π° Three, 2026 Updated Tariff & Duty Breakdown (Includingιε Taxes & Legal Penalties)
β Applicable Countries: United States (US), European Union (EU), Canada (CA), Australia (AU), Japan (JP)
β Origin: Africa (e.g., Cameroon, Gabon), or captive-bred in Asia/Europe
β Effective Date: 2025β2026 (CITES & customs rules updated)
π― 1. 0106.31 β Live Birds, Psittaciformes (Including African Grey Parrots)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| CITES-Related Fees | $100β$500 per permit (varies by country) |
| Import Permit Fee (US/EU) | $200β$1,000 (USFWS, CITES Authority) |
| Quarantine & Health Inspection | Mandatory (e.g., 30β90 days in US/UK/AU) |
| Total Effective Cost | $1,000β$2,000+ per bird (excluding purchase price) |
| Is De Minimis Exemption Available? | β No β CITES-controlled species are excluded from de minimis thresholds |
| Legal Basis Path | CITES: Appendix I β HS: 0106.31 β USFWS: 50 CFR 15.25 β EU Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 |
π Explanation:
- No direct import duty on the bird itself (0% tariff), but massive compliance costs due to CITES. - The CITES permit is non-negotiable β no permit = no legal import. - Quarantine is required in most countries (especially US, UK, Australia) to prevent avian diseases (e.g., psittacosis). - Failure to comply can result in fines up to $100,000, confiscation, or criminal prosecution.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Disaster)
β 1. Required Documentation (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide? | Why Itβs Critical |
|---|---|---|
| β CITES Permit (Appendix I) | βοΈ Mandatory | Without it, the bird cannot be imported |
| β Veterinary Health Certificate | βοΈ | Issued by national animal health authority |
| β Proof of Captive Breeding (if applicable) | βοΈ | Helps avoid suspicion of wild capture |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Live African Grey Parrot, CITES Appendix I, Captive-Bred" |
| β Airway Bill / Shipping Manifest | βοΈ | Must list species, quantity, and CITES number |
| β Export Permit (from source country) | βοΈ | Required before shipment |
| β Quarantine Facility Booking Confirmation | βοΈ | Required in US, UK, AU, etc. |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Key Rules to Remember)
π₯ "CITES First, Permit Second, Bird Last!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Live African Grey Parrot (captive-bred) | 0106.31 |
β 0106.39 β Seizure |
| Wild-caught African Grey Parrot | 0106.31 |
β No permit β Confiscation + Fines |
| Parrot + Cage + Food (as a set) | Declare as one unit | β Splitη³ζ₯ β Higher scrutiny |
| Bird from non-CITES country | 0106.31 |
β No CITES β Illegal |
π Pro Tip:
Always use the exact name in the invoice:"Live African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus), CITES Appendix I, Captive-Bred, Export Permit No. XYZ123, Health Certificate No. ABC456"
β 3. Special Cases & Risk Management
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Bird from a country with CITES restrictions (e.g., Gabon, Cameroon) | Apply for CITES permit 6β12 months in advance |
| Bird intended for breeding or research | Request special permit (e.g., USFWS Form 3-177) |
| Bird dies during transit | Report immediately; do not declare as "lost" β may trigger investigation |
| Bird sold as "pet" but used for exhibition | Must reclassify β not allowed under pet permit |
| Bird shipped via courier (DHL, FedEx) | Use CITES-compliant shipping β many couriers refuse CITES I birds |
π Five, Global Customs Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | CITES Required? | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 0106.31 |
0% | β Yes (Appendix I) | USFWS permit, 30-day quarantine |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 0106.31 |
0% | β Yes | CITES permit, EU Animal Health Certificate |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 0106.31 |
0% | β Yes | CFIA permit, 30-day quarantine |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 0106.31 |
0% | β Yes | DAFF permit, 60-day quarantine |
| π―π΅ Japan | 0106.31 |
0% | β Yes | Ministry of Agriculture permit, 30-day quarantine |
π Summary:
- All major markets require CITES Appendix I permits for African Grey Parrots. - No country allows import without CITES β even if tariff is 0%. - Quarantine is mandatory in all listed countries.
π Six, Common Mistakes & Warning Signs (Avoid These Traps!)
β Mistake 1: Classifying African Grey Parrot as 0106.39 (other birds)
π Result: Seizure, fines, criminal investigation β CITES violation
β Mistake 2: Using a generic "pet bird" description on invoice
π Result: Customs flags it β delayed clearance, request for CITES
β Mistake 3: Shipping without CITES permit
π Result: Bird confiscated, exporter fined, importer blacklisted
β Mistake 4: Assuming "captive-bred" = no CITES
π Result: Still requires CITES β Appendix I applies to all African Greys, wild or captive
β Correct Practice:
Use this exact declaration:
"Live African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus), CITES Appendix I, Captive-Bred, Export Permit No. XYZ123, Health Certificate No. ABC456, Quarantine Facility: [Name], Arrival Date: [Date]"
π― Seven, Final Verdict: Smart Importing Starts with CITES
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "No CITES, No Import β Not Even for Pets!"
πΉ "HS Code 0106.31 is correct β but only if CITES is in place!"
πΉ "Quarantine is not optional β itβs law!"
π Pro Tip:
β Apply for a CITES permit 6β12 months before shipment
β Use a licensed wildlife broker or customs broker with CITES experience
β Keep all documentation for 10 years β audits can happen later
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact a CITES-licensed customs broker
π Apply for pre-approval (Advance Ruling) for your shipment
π¦ Let your African Grey Parrot travel legally, safely, and stress-free!
β¨ Professional Compliance Starts with Precision!
πΌ Your birdβs life β and your business β depend on it.
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.