HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0203.21 – Meat; of swine, carcasses and half-carcasses, frozen
HS code 0203.21 is the 6-digit subheading for meat, of swine, carcasses and half-carcasses, frozen. It is used for frozen whole pig carcass, frozen half pig carcass, frozen pork carcass, frozen butcher-ready pig carcass and bulk frozen pig carcass.
What HS 0203.21 covers
This HS code specifically covers whole or half pig carcasses that have been frozen. The freezing process allows for extended shelf life and facilitates long-distance international trade, making it a staple for large-volume commodity transactions. Countries with significant pork processing industries, but perhaps insufficient domestic supply, or those looking to build strategic reserves, are primary importers. China, for instance, is a massive importer of frozen pork carcasses to meet its vast consumer demand and industrial processing needs. Major exporters are typically large-scale agricultural producers with advanced freezing and logistics infrastructure, such as the European Union (Germany, Spain), the United States, Brazil, and Canada. Key aspects of this trade include efficient cold chain logistics from slaughter to destination, adherence to international food safety standards, and managing the impact of global supply and demand fluctuations, often influenced by disease outbreaks or geopolitical factors.
- Covers
- Frozen whole pig carcass
- Frozen half pig carcass
- Frozen pork carcass
- Frozen butcher-ready pig carcass
- Bulk frozen pig carcass
- Examples
- JBS Swift frozen pork carcass
- Tyson Fresh Meats frozen pig halves
- Danish Crown frozen pork carcass
- BRF frozen whole pig
Codes often confused with 0203.21
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 020311 (fresh or chilled swine carcasses) due to the identical product form but different preservation method. It's critical to verify the frozen state to ensure correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 020321, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 020321 in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 32% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$63M 30% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Spain $32M 15% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $17M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $207M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $68M 32% of world imports
- 2 Poland $39M 18% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $12M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $209M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 0203.21
Brazil does not split HS 0203.21: its NCM code is 0203.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 02.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0203.21
What is HS code 020321?
HS code 020321 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Meat; of swine, carcasses and half-carcasses, frozen. This HS code specifically covers whole or half pig carcasses that have been frozen. The freezing process allows for extended shelf life and facilitates long-distance international trade, making it a staple for large-volume commodity transactions. Countries with significant pork processing industries, but perhaps insufficient domestic supply, or those looking to build strategic reserves, are primary importers. China, for instance, is a massive importer of frozen pork carcasses to meet its vast consumer demand and industrial processing needs. Major exporters are typically large-scale agricultural producers with advanced freezing and logistics infrastructure, such as the European Union (Germany, Spain), the United States, Brazil, and Canada. Key aspects of this trade include efficient cold chain logistics from slaughter to destination, adherence to international food safety standards, and managing the impact of global supply and demand fluctuations, often influenced by disease outbreaks or geopolitical factors.
What products fall under HS code 020321?
Frozen whole pig carcass, Frozen half pig carcass, Frozen pork carcass, Frozen butcher-ready pig carcass, Bulk frozen pig carcass
What are common misclassifications for HS code 020321?
This code is frequently confused with 020311 (fresh or chilled swine carcasses) due to the identical product form but different preservation method. It's critical to verify the frozen state to ensure correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 020321?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 020321 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $63M, 30% of world exports), Spain ($32M) and Brazil ($17M). World exports came to about $207M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 020321?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 020321 in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($68M, 32% of world imports), Poland ($39M) and Singapore ($12M). World imports came to about $209M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 020321 structured?
HS code 020321 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (02) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 020321?
In Brazil, HS code 020321 is NCM 0203.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.