HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0205.00 – Meat; of horses, asses, mules or hinnies, fresh, chilled or frozen
HS code 0205.00 is the 6-digit subheading for meat, of horses, asses, mules or hinnies, fresh, chilled or frozen. It is used for fresh horse steaks, frozen horse mince, chilled donkey meat, frozen mule fillets and fresh horse sausages.
What HS 0205.00 covers
This specific code covers meat from equids, including horses, asses, mules, or hinnies, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen. While not as globally widespread as beef or pork, horse meat is a traditional food in certain cultures, particularly in parts of Europe (e.g., Belgium, France, Italy), Central Asia, and Japan. Trade in this commodity is highly specialized, driven by specific culinary traditions and niche markets. Exporters must adhere to stringent veterinary and labeling regulations, as consumer acceptance and legal status vary significantly across regions. Importers typically serve specific ethnic or traditional food sectors, where demand for these unique meats persists, requiring careful handling and certification throughout the supply chain.
- Covers
- Fresh horse steaks
- Frozen horse mince
- Chilled donkey meat
- Frozen mule fillets
- Fresh horse sausages
- Frozen horse stew meat
- Frozen horse roasts
- Examples
- Chevaline (French horse meat)
- Belgian horse meat products
- Italian horse meat specialties
Codes often confused with 0205.00
Common mistake. Unlikely to be confused with other common meats due to its distinct source, but proper identification is crucial to avoid mislabeling and meet specific import regulations for equids.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 020500, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 020500 in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 45% 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 Belgium $58M 18% of world exports
- 2 Poland $53M 16% of world exports
- 3 Spain $33M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $333M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $185M 45% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $64M 15% of world imports
- 3 Japan $36M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $413M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 0205.00
Brazil does not split HS 0205.00: its NCM code is 0205.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 02.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0205.00
What is HS code 020500?
HS code 020500 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Meat; of horses, asses, mules or hinnies, fresh, chilled or frozen. This specific code covers meat from equids, including horses, asses, mules, or hinnies, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen. While not as globally widespread as beef or pork, horse meat is a traditional food in certain cultures, particularly in parts of Europe (e.g., Belgium, France, Italy), Central Asia, and Japan. Trade in this commodity is highly specialized, driven by specific culinary traditions and niche markets. Exporters must adhere to stringent veterinary and labeling regulations, as consumer acceptance and legal status vary significantly across regions. Importers typically serve specific ethnic or traditional food sectors, where demand for these unique meats persists, requiring careful handling and certification throughout the supply chain.
What products fall under HS code 020500?
Fresh horse steaks, frozen horse mince, chilled donkey meat, frozen mule fillets, fresh horse sausages, frozen horse stew meat, frozen horse roasts
What are common misclassifications for HS code 020500?
Unlikely to be confused with other common meats due to its distinct source, but proper identification is crucial to avoid mislabeling and meet specific import regulations for equids.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 020500?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 020500 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($58M, 18% of world exports), Poland ($53M) and Spain ($33M). World exports came to about $333M, 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 020500?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 020500 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($185M, 45% of world imports), Belgium ($64M) and Japan ($36M). World imports came to about $413M, 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 020500 structured?
HS code 020500 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (02) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 020500?
In Brazil, HS code 020500 is NCM 0205.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.