Product classification
HS code for Canned game meat: 1602.90
Meat preparations, of meat, meat offal or the blood of any animal, n.e.c. in heading no. 1602.
Classification of canned game meat under HS 1602.90
Canned game meat is classified under HS code 1602.90. This classification falls within Chapter 16, which covers preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 1602 is designated for other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, or blood. Since specific subheadings within 1602 exist for poultry, swine, and bovine animals, the subheading 1602.90 serves as the residual category for "other" meat preparations. This includes game animals such as venison, rabbit, wild boar, and ostrich. The classification applies when the meat has been subjected to processes like cooking, seasoning, or canning, which go beyond the simple preservation methods (like chilling or freezing) found in Chapter 02. For a product to remain in Chapter 16, it must generally contain more than 20% by weight of meat or meat offal.
- Covers
- Canned venison or deer meat
- Preserved rabbit meat in tins
- Canned wild boar preparations
- Game meat stews in airtight containers
- Canned pheasant or other wild game birds
- Also under 1602.90
- Tyson Canned Chicken
- Fray Bentos Steak & Kidney Pudding
- Goya Chicken Pâté
- various regional blood sausages
- Bernard Matthews Turkey Roast
Codes often confused with 1602.90
Common mistake. A common mistake is classifying canned game meat under HS code 0208.90, which covers other meat and edible meat offal, fresh, chilled, or frozen. However, once the meat is cooked or canned, it must move to Chapter 16. Additionally, if the product is a sausage made of game meat, it should be classified under HS code 1601.00 rather than 1602.90, as sausages have their own specific heading regardless of the animal source.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160290 (the code used for canned game meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160290 (the code used for canned game meat) in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% 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 160290, not only canned game meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$68M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Mongolia* ~$61M 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $50M 11% of world exports
World total: $473M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $60M 12% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $49M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Kuwait $45M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $499M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 game meat
Brazil classifies canned game meat under NCM 1602.90.00: HS 1602.90 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 game meat
What is the HS code for Canned game meat?
The HS code for Canned game meat is 160290 (Meat preparations; of meat, meat offal or the blood of any animal, n.e.c. in heading no. 1602). The HS code for canned game meat is 1602.90, which is the category for other prepared or preserved meat not elsewhere specified.
How do I classify Canned game meat for customs?
Canned game meat is classified under HS code 160290 — Meat preparations; of meat, meat offal or the blood of any animal, n.e.c. in heading no. 1602. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is canned rabbit meat classified differently than venison?
No, both are typically classified under 1602.90 as they are both considered "other" prepared meats outside of the common livestock categories.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned game meat (HS 160290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160290 (the code used for canned game meat) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $68M, 14% of world exports), Mongolia (about $61M) and China ($50M). World exports came to about $473M, 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 game meat (HS 160290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160290 (the code used for canned game meat) in UN Comtrade data were China ($60M, 12% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($49M) and Kuwait ($45M). World imports came to about $499M, 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 game meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160290 for Canned game meat 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 game meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned game meat (HS 160290) is classified under NCM 1602.90.00.