Product classification
HS code for Canned beef: 1602.50
Meat preparations, of bovine animals, meat or meat offal, prepared or preserved (excluding livers and homogenised preparations).
Classification of canned beef under HS 1602.50
Canned beef is classified under HS code 1602.50, which falls within Chapter 16 of the Harmonized System. This chapter is dedicated to preparations of meat, fish, or other aquatic invertebrates. The primary reason for this classification is the extensive processing the meat undergoes. While Chapter 2 covers meat in its fresh, chilled, or frozen state, Chapter 16 applies once the meat has been prepared or preserved by processes such as cooking, boiling, steaming, or canning. For canned beef, the product is typically cooked and sealed in an airtight container to ensure shelf stability. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, the product is specifically described by the subheading 1602.50 for bovine animals. It is essential that the meat content exceeds 20% by weight to remain in this chapter; otherwise, it may be classified as a food preparation under Chapter 21.
- Covers
- Corned beef in tins
- Canned beef stew (where meat is the primary ingredient)
- Canned roast beef in gravy
- Beef chunks preserved in brine
- Canned ground beef
- 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. Canned beef is frequently confused with HS code 0202, which covers frozen meat of bovine animals. However, 0202 is only for meat that has not been cooked or prepared beyond freezing. Another common error is using 1602.10, which is reserved for homogenized preparations (finely ground meat intended for infant use). If the product contains a high volume of vegetables and liquid, it might be misclassified under 2104.10, which covers soups and broths.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160250 (the code used for canned beef), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160250 (the code used for canned beef) 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 canned beef.
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 canned beef
Brazil classifies canned beef 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 canned beef
What is the HS code for Canned beef?
The HS code for Canned beef is 160250 (Meat preparations; of bovine animals, meat or meat offal, prepared or preserved (excluding livers and homogenised preparations)). The standard HS code for prepared or preserved beef of bovine animals is 1602.50.
How do I classify Canned beef for customs?
Canned beef 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.
Does this code include beef jerky?
Yes, beef jerky is generally classified under 1602.50 because it is a prepared meat product, though specific national customs may vary based on moisture content.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned beef (HS 160250)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160250 (the code used for canned beef) 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 canned beef (HS 160250)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160250 (the code used for canned beef) 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 Canned beef the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160250 for Canned beef 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 canned beef in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned beef (HS 160250) is classified under NCM 1602.50.00.