HS Code 16.02 – Prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects

HS code 1602 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects. Heading 1602 broadly covers 'Prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects,' encompassing a vast range of products that are not classified as sausages (1601) or extracts/juices (1603). This heading includes any meat, meat offal, blood, or insect products that have undergone processing beyond simple chilling or freezing, such as cooking, curing, smoking, canning, drying, or marinating. The scope is extensive, ranging from pre-cooked roasts and deli meats to canned stews, pâtés, jerky, and ready meals where meat is the predominant ingredient. The inclusion of 'insects' acknowledges their growing role in the global food supply chain. The key boundary is the 'prepared or preserved' aspect, which differentiates these items from raw meats of Chapter 02. This classification is critical for trade compliance due to varying tariffs, import quotas, and stringent sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations that govern international trade in processed animal products. It also influences labeling requirements, which vary significantly by country. Historically, methods of preserving meat were essential for food security and long-distance travel, evolving into today's diverse array of convenience foods. This heading forms a central part of Chapter 16, representing the bulk of processed meat products available in international commerce.

Canned corned beef, canned ham, chicken nuggets, pre-cooked roast beef slices, pork luncheon meat, canned pâté, goose liver foie gras, beef jerky, dried cured ham (e.g., prosciutto), turkey deli slices, pre-cooked bacon, canned chicken, insect protein bars (if primarily insect meat), frozen chicken strips, ready-to-eat stews with meat, preserved duck confit, meat-based baby food, meat spreads, prepared insect larvae for consumption, canned meat spreads, chicken curry ready meals, beef bourguignon ready meals, cooked whole hams, smoked turkey breast, shredded pork for tacos.

A common mistake is confusing 1602 products with fresh, chilled, or frozen raw meat (Chapter 02, Meat and Edible Meat Offal). The distinction is that 1602 items are *prepared or preserved* beyond basic temperature control. Another error is misclassifying sausages and similar products (1601) under this heading; 1601 is specific to comminuted, often cased products, whereas 1602 covers a broader range of prepared meats. Furthermore, food preparations where meat is not the predominant ingredient, such as pizzas or sandwiches (often Chapter 19 or 21), are frequently confused. For 1602, the meat component must characterize the product or be the main ingredient.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1602 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($3.3B, 14% of world exports), Poland ($2.5B) and Germany ($2.2B). World exports came to about $23.7B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1602 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($3.4B, 15% of world imports), Japan ($3.2B) and Germany ($1.6B). World imports came to about $23.2B, 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.

HS code 1602 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 16 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (16) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.