HS Code 23.09 – Preparations of a kind used in animal feeding

HS code 2309 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Preparations of a kind used in animal feeding. Heading 2309 is a comprehensive and critically important classification for "Preparations of a kind used in animal feeding." This heading encompasses a vast array of products specifically formulated, mixed, or prepared to provide complete or supplementary nutrition for animals. Unlike other headings in Chapter 23 that deal with raw residues, 2309 focuses on *manufactured* feeds. The scope is extremely broad, covering everything from complete feeds for livestock (poultry, swine, cattle, aquaculture), to pet food for companion animals (dogs, cats, birds, rodents), and specialized nutritional supplements, premixes, and milk replacers. The defining characteristic is that these are 'preparations' – they are intentionally blended or processed to meet specific dietary requirements. Key sub-categories include complete compound feeds, feed supplements (mineral or vitamin premixes), medicated feeds, and various types of pet food. This classification is paramount for trade compliance due to the sheer volume and value of trade in animal feed, impacting tariff rates, import quotas, and stringent sanitary and phytosanitary regulations (e.g., ingredient origin, disease prevention, additive approvals). Historically, the development of prepared animal feeds has revolutionized animal husbandry, improving efficiency, health, and productivity across the global livestock and pet industries. This heading represents the pinnacle of Chapter 23, transforming basic residues and other ingredients into scientifically formulated, high-value animal nutrition products, reflecting the sophistication of modern agricultural and pet care industries.

Complete dry dog food kibble, complete wet cat food pouches, poultry starter feed pellets, cattle dairy feed concentrates, pig grower feed meal, fish feed pellets (aquaculture), horse mineral lick blocks, vitamin premixes for poultry, medicated animal feed for swine, milk replacers for calves, bird seed mixtures with added nutrients, rabbit pellets with hay, guinea pig fortified feed, parrot food with fruits and nuts, ferret complete diet, rodent laboratory diet, reptile specialized feed, insectivore complete feed, complete horse feed pellets, lamb creep feed, goat mineral supplements, duck layer pellets, turkey finisher feed, shrimp feed

Misclassification under 2309 is common due to its broad scope. Traders often confuse raw ingredients or simple mixtures of unground cereals (Chapter 10/11) or raw residues (2308) with actual 'preparations.' The key is the 'prepared' aspect – a product is under 2309 if it's a *mixture* or *compound* designed for specific animal nutrition, not just a single raw material. For example, a bag of plain wheat bran is 2308, but wheat bran mixed with vitamins and minerals for specific animal use is 2309. Pet food is sometimes wrongly classified as human food, but its ingredients and intended use clearly point to 2309. Another error is classifying animal products not fit for human consumption (e.g., animal guts) under 2309; these typically fall under Chapter 05 or 2301 (flours, meals of meat).

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2309 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($5.5B, 11% of world exports), the Netherlands ($5.0B) and the United States ($4.2B). World exports came to about $51.1B, 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 2309 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($4.6B, 9.0% of world imports), the United States ($3.5B) and the United Kingdom ($2.5B). World imports came to about $51.3B, 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 2309 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 23 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (23) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (09) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.