HS Code 0510

Ambergris and Animal Glands

HS code 0510 covers animal products like ambergris, musk, and various glands used primarily in perfume manufacture or pharmaceutical production.

4-digit Section IAir

HS Code 0510 — Ambergris and Animal Glands

This code covers specialized animal secretions like ambergris and musk, as well as glands and bile used in the pharmaceutical industry. These materials are often used for luxury fragrances or traditional medicine.

What's included

  • Ambergris
  • Musk (pods or grain)
  • Civet
  • Bile (dried or fresh)

What's excluded

  • Synthetic musk → use 2904 (Chemical substitutes for animal secretions are classified as organic chemicals.)

Common examples

  • Fresh ambergris for perfumery
  • Dried gallbladders for medicine
  • Civet musk for fragrance
  • Castoreum from beavers

Frequently asked questions

Why is ambergris so valuable?

It is a rare sperm whale secretion used as a fixative in high-end perfumes to make scents last longer.

Trade & shipping notes

  • Typical duty range: 0%
  • Documentation: Ambergris trade is banned in some countries (e.g., USA) even though it is naturally expelled by whales.
  • Typical shipping mode: Air
  • Top exporters: New Zealand, Canada, France
  • Top importers: Switzerland, France, United Arab Emirates, China

Key takeaway

Niche, high-value code for the luxury fragrance and pharmaceutical industries; requires careful regulatory check.

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