HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0208.50 – Meat and edible meat offal; of reptiles (including snakes and turtles), fresh, chilled or frozen
HS code 0208.50 is the 6-digit subheading for meat and edible meat offal, of reptiles (including snakes and turtles), fresh, chilled or frozen. It is used for alligator tail meat, python fillets, turtle meat, crocodile steaks and snake meat.
What HS 0208.50 covers
This HS code covers fresh, chilled, or frozen meat and edible offal from various reptiles, including snakes and turtles. Reptile meat is considered a delicacy or a traditional foodstuff in certain cultures, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It caters to a niche market, supplying specialty restaurants, ethnic food stores, and adventurous consumers seeking exotic meats. Importers are typically specialized food distributors, while exporters are countries where these reptiles are farmed or legally harvested. Key considerations for international trade include ensuring the legality of sourcing, as many reptile species are endangered and subject to CITES regulations. Proper handling and processing are crucial to meet food safety standards, as these products can carry unique pathogens, requiring stringent health certifications.
- Covers
- Alligator tail meat
- Python fillets
- Turtle meat
- Crocodile steaks
- Snake meat
- Iguana meat
- Caiman meat.
- Examples
- Louisiana Alligator Meat
- Exotic Meat Market (alligator, python)
- specialty Asian markets
- Florida Alligator Meat.
Codes often confused with 0208.50
Common mistake. Can be confused with other exotic meats under 020890, but this code specifically covers reptiles. It's important to distinguish between reptiles and amphibians (like frogs, which fall under 020890).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 020850, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 020850 in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 17% 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 Thailand $824K 30% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $443K 16% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $298K 11% of world exports
World total: $2.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $307K 17% of world imports
- 2 Japan $271K 15% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $248K 14% of world imports
World total: $1.8M 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 0208.50
Brazil does not split HS 0208.50: its NCM code is 0208.50.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 02.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0208.50
What is HS code 020850?
HS code 020850 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Meat and edible meat offal; of reptiles (including snakes and turtles), fresh, chilled or frozen. This HS code covers fresh, chilled, or frozen meat and edible offal from various reptiles, including snakes and turtles. Reptile meat is considered a delicacy or a traditional foodstuff in certain cultures, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It caters to a niche market, supplying specialty restaurants, ethnic food stores, and adventurous consumers seeking exotic meats. Importers are typically specialized food distributors, while exporters are countries where these reptiles are farmed or legally harvested. Key considerations for international trade include ensuring the legality of sourcing, as many reptile species are endangered and subject to CITES regulations. Proper handling and processing are crucial to meet food safety standards, as these products can carry unique pathogens, requiring stringent health certifications.
What products fall under HS code 020850?
Alligator tail meat, python fillets, turtle meat, crocodile steaks, snake meat, iguana meat, caiman meat.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 020850?
Can be confused with other exotic meats under 020890, but this code specifically covers reptiles. It's important to distinguish between reptiles and amphibians (like frogs, which fall under 020890).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 020850?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 020850 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($824K, 30% of world exports), the Netherlands ($443K) and South Africa ($298K). World exports came to about $2.8M, 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 020850?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 020850 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($307K, 17% of world imports), Japan ($271K) and Hong Kong ($248K). World imports came to about $1.8M, 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 020850 structured?
HS code 020850 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (02) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 020850?
In Brazil, HS code 020850 is NCM 0208.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.