HS Code for Meat: 2025 Complete Guide
TL;DR: Discover **HS code for meat** essentials in Chapter 02 for 2025, including beef (0201-0202), pork (0203), poultry (0207). Covers GCC 12-digit updates, US HTS changes, EU refinements for accurate tariff compliance and smooth international shipping.
What Is the HS Code for Meat in Global Trade?
The HS code for meat falls under Chapter 02 of the Harmonized System. Maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO), these codes classify meat products for tariffs, customs clearance, and trade statistics worldwide.
In 2025, **HS code for meat** remains stable globally with no WCO revisions until 2027. However, regional updates like GCC 12-digit extensions demand attention from exporters.
Accurate classification prevents delays and fines up to 20% of shipment value.
Complete List of HS Codes for Meat in 2025
Chapter 02 provides specific HS codes for every meat type.
- 0201: Bovine meat (beef, veal), fresh or chilled
- 0202: Bovine meat, frozen
- 0203: Swine meat (pork), fresh, chilled or frozen
- 0204: Sheep or goat meat, fresh, chilled or frozen
- 0205: Horse, ass, mule or hinny meat
- 0206: Edible offal of bovine animals, swine, sheep, goats, horses, etc.
- 0207: Poultry meat (chicken, ducks, geese, turkeys), fresh, chilled or frozen
- 0208: Other meat and edible meat offal (rabbits, hares, deer, frogs)
- 0209: Pig fat and poultry fat, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, dried, smoked or rendered
- 0210: Meat and edible meat offal, salted, dried, smoked or prepared
Use these **HS codes for meat** to match your product's type and condition precisely.
2025 Regional Changes Impacting HS Code for Meat
Several 2025 updates refine HS code for meat application.
- GCC countries mandate 12-digit HS codes from January 1, 2025, for detailed meat tracking
- US HTS full codes required from September 1, 2025; de minimis exemption ends August 29
- EU Combined Nomenclature (CN) 2025 adjusts tariffs on select Chapter 02 codes
These shifts ensure better compliance but require exporters to update processes early.
| Meat Type | Primary HS Code | 2025 Regional Note | Example Subheading |
| Beef (Fresh/Chilled) | 0201 | EU CN tariff tweak | 0201.10.00 - Carcasses |
| Beef (Frozen) | 0202 | GCC 12-digit required | 0202.30.10 - Boneless |
| Pork | 0203 | Restricted in many markets | 0203.21.00 - Boneless cuts |
| Poultry | 0207 | US HTS mandatory | 0207.11.00 - Chicken breasts |
| Other (Rabbit/Deer) | 0208 | Global stable | 0208.90.00 - Mixtures |
GCC 12-Digit HS Code for Meat: What Exporters Need
GCC nations expand to 12-digit HS codes for meat from 2025.
This adds subheadings for cuts, packaging, and origin, enhancing food safety traceability.
- Mandatory for Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain
- Affects frozen poultry (0207) and beef (0202) most
- Improves customs processing speed when accurate
US HTS Updates for Meat HS Codes 2025
US requires full 10-digit HTS codes for all meat shipments from September 2025.
Low-value de minimis ends, impacting e-commerce meat exporters.
- Check CBP updates for Chapter 02 specifics
- Poultry (0207) sees heightened scrutiny
- Prepare for higher duties on small parcels
EU HS Code for Meat Refinements in 2025
EU CN 2025 updates select meat tariffs and descriptions.
Focuses on sustainability and origin labeling alongside Chapter 02 codes.
- Beef (0201) tariff adjustments
- Better alignment with WCO standards
- No structural changes to headings
How to Find the Correct HS Code for Meat: 5-Step Process
Follow these steps for precise HS code for meat classification.
- Identify species: Bovine (0201/0202), pork (0203), poultry (0207)
- Determine condition: Fresh, chilled, frozen, or processed
- Select Chapter 02 heading: Match closest description
- Add regional digits: GCC 12-digit, US HTS 10-digit for 2025
- Verify compliance: Cross-check WCO database or customs tools
Common Mistakes with HS Code for Meat and Fixes
Avoid these pitfalls that cause 40% of meat shipment delays.
- Confusing fresh vs. chilled (both 0201, but documentation differs)
- Ignoring regional extensions like GCC 12-digit codes
- Misclassifying processed products (move to 0210)
- Overlooking mixed shipments (use 0208 or principal rule)
- Skipping 2025 updates, risking fines
HS Code for Meat FAQ 2025
What is the main HS code for beef?
Fresh/chilled beef uses 0201; frozen uses 0202 in Chapter 02.
What HS code for pork products?
All fresh, chilled, or frozen pork falls under 0203.
HS code for chicken or poultry?
Poultry meat including chicken uses 0207 for fresh, chilled, or frozen.
How do GCC 12-digit codes affect meat HS?
GCC requires 12 digits from January 1, 2025, for precise meat classification.
What are 2025 US changes for meat HS codes?
Full HTS mandatory from September 1, 2025; de minimis ends August 29.
HS code for frozen vs fresh meat?
Fresh/chilled use even headings (0201); frozen use next (0202).
How to classify mixed meat products?
Use principal ingredient rule or 0208 for other meats.
Any WCO HS changes for meat in 2025?
No global revisions until 2027; focus on regional 2025 updates.
What penalties for wrong meat HS code?
Fines up to 20% of value, seizures, or shipment delays.
Resources for HS Code for Meat Compliance
For expert help with 2025 **HS code for meat** challenges, Book a Demo. Contact: HKG +852 24671689 / +852 23194879, CHN +86 4008751689, USA +1 337 361 2833, GBR +44 808 189 0136, AUS +61 180002752, Email: enquiry@freightamigo.com.
Sources: Official customs portals.