Product classification
HS code for Beef stew: 1602.50
Meat preparations, of bovine animals, meat or meat offal, prepared or preserved (excluding livers and homogenised preparations).
Classification of beef stew under HS 1602.50
Beef stew is classified under HS code 1602.50, which covers prepared or preserved meat of bovine animals. Chapter 16 is reserved for meat preparations where the meat has been cooked, seasoned, or otherwise processed beyond the simple preservation methods (like salting, drying, or smoking) found in Chapter 2. Beef stew typically consists of chunks of beef cooked in a sauce or gravy, often with vegetables. Under the General Rules of Interpretation, specifically GRI 3(b), composite goods are classified by the material that gives them their essential character. In the case of beef stew, the meat content is the defining characteristic. According to Chapter 16 Note 1, if the preparation contains more than 20% by weight of meat or meat offal, it must be classified in Chapter 16. Most commercial beef stews exceed this threshold and are thus classified under 1602.50, regardless of whether they are canned, frozen, or vacuum-sealed.
- Covers
- Canned beef stew
- Frozen beef stew meals
- Beef goulash (prepared)
- Beef chunks in gravy (preserved)
- Ready-to-eat beef stew pouches
- Also under 1602.50
- Libby's Corned Beef
- Hereford Corned Beef
- Jack Link's Beef Jerky
- Hormel Beef Roast
- Dinty Moore Beef Stew
Codes often confused with 1602.50
Common mistake. Beef stew is often misclassified under 0201 or 0202, which are for fresh or frozen raw beef; however, once the meat is cooked or prepared as a stew, it must move to Chapter 16. Another common error is using 2104.10 for soups and broths. While a very thin stew might resemble soup, 2104 is generally for liquid preparations where meat is not the primary component. If the product contains distinct chunks of meat and exceeds the 20% meat weight threshold, 1602.50 is the correct code. Finally, stews made with other meats must be classified by the specific animal (e.g., 1602.41 for swine).
Top exporters and importers of HS 160250 (the code used for beef stew), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160250 (the code used for beef stew) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 160250, not only beef stew.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $727M 21% of world exports
- 2 Poland $336M 9.8% of world exports
- 3 Germany $305M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $3.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $638M 21% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $330M 11% of world imports
- 3 Canada $237M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $3.1B 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 beef stew
Brazil classifies beef stew under NCM 1602.50.00: HS 1602.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about beef stew
What is the HS code for Beef stew?
The HS code for Beef stew is 160250 (Meat preparations; of bovine animals, meat or meat offal, prepared or preserved (excluding livers and homogenised preparations)). The HS code for prepared beef stew is 1602.50.
How do I classify Beef stew for customs?
Beef stew is classified under HS code 160250 — Meat preparations; of bovine animals, meat or meat offal, prepared or preserved (excluding livers and homogenised preparations). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the beef stew contains a large amount of vegetables?
As long as the meat content exceeds 20% by weight, it is still classified under 1602.50. If the meat content is below 20%, it may be classified as a vegetable preparation in Chapter 20 or a soup in Chapter 21.
Which countries are the top exporters of beef stew (HS 160250)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160250 (the code used for beef stew) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($727M, 21% of world exports), Poland ($336M) and Germany ($305M). World exports came to about $3.4B, 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 beef stew (HS 160250)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160250 (the code used for beef stew) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($638M, 21% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($330M) and Canada ($237M). World imports came to about $3.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Beef stew the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160250 for Beef stew is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for beef stew in Brazil?
In Brazil, beef stew (HS 160250) is classified under NCM 1602.50.00.