Live American Bison Calf
A young American bison (Bison bison) under one year old, imported live for ranching or breeding purposes. Classified under HTS 0102.39.0010 as bison, a type of buffalo/other bovine distinct from cattle, horses, or asses. These animals are typically transported in specialized livestock trailers with veterinary oversight.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If genetically classified or marketed as industrial beef cattle
Purebred bison might be reclassified under purebred breeding cattle if bred for commercial beef production and meeting specific pedigree standards.
If imported as a mixed bovine species set for exhibition
When shipped as part of a multi-species live animal exhibit set, it falls under other live bovines rather than specifically bison.
If articles assembled abroad with U.S. components under HTS Chapter 98
If the bison is part of a U.S.-origin breeding program reassembled abroad, special Chapter 98 provisions for live animals may apply for duty-free entry.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain a USDA VS Form 17-29 import permit and health certificate from the exporting country verifying disease-free status, as bison are subject to strict animal health regulations
• Comply with CITES Appendix II requirements if applicable for wild-caught bison; provide proof of legal export and ranch-raised origin to avoid delays
• Avoid common pitfalls like insufficient quarantine documentation; pre-clear with APHIS and use bonded carriers for live animal transport
Related Products under HTS 0102.39.00.10
Live Wood Bison Breeding Female
An adult female wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) imported for conservation breeding programs. Falls under HTS 0102.39.0010 due to its classification as bison/buffalo, separate from standard cattle breeds. These are often sourced from Canadian or Alaskan preserves.
Live Plains Bison Bull
A mature male plains bison (Bison bison bison) for herd expansion on private ranches. HTS 0102.39.0010 applies specifically to bison as other buffalo/bovines, excluding purebred cattle. Valued for meat and ecotourism operations.
Live Bison Yearling for Ranch Stocking
A one-year-old bison yearling imported to stock commercial bison ranches for sustainable meat production. Precisely classified in HTS 0102.39.0010 as other buffalo/bison, not fitting cattle or ass categories. Healthy, weaned animals ready for integration into herds.
Live Hybrid Bison-Cattle (Beefalo)
A live beefalo, a fertile hybrid cross between bison and domestic cattle, primarily for commercial meat herds. While hybrids, they are classified under HTS 0102.39.0010 if bison-dominant traits prevail, as per buffalo/other bovine notes. Used in selective breeding for leaner beef.