Product classification
HS code for Canned ham: 1602.41
Meat preparations, of swine, hams and cuts thereof, prepared or preserved (excluding homogenised preparations).
Classification of canned ham under HS 1602.41
Canned ham is classified under HS code 1602.41 because it represents a prepared or preserved meat product derived from the swine species, specifically focusing on the ham (the hind leg) and cuts thereof. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically GRI 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. While fresh, chilled, or frozen pork is classified in Chapter 02, the process of canning involves cooking, curing, or heat treatment and sealing in a hermetic container, which moves the product into Chapter 16. Heading 1602 covers other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, or blood. Subheading 1602.41 is the most specific designation for hams and cuts thereof, ensuring that the product is distinguished from other parts of the swine, such as the shoulder or loin, which have their own specific subheadings. The preservation process, typically involving brine, salt, or other flavorings, combined with the thermal processing required for shelf stability, is the defining factor for this classification.
- Covers
- Cooked canned ham
- Cured canned ham in brine
- Sliced canned ham in hermetically sealed containers
- Hormel-style canned ham products
- Pear-shaped canned hams
- Also under 1602.41
- Parma Ham
- Smithfield Ham
- Hormel Black Label Bacon
- Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Ham
- Jamón Ibérico
Codes often confused with 1602.41
Common mistake. Canned ham is frequently misclassified under HS code 0203, which covers fresh, chilled, or frozen meat of swine. This error occurs when importers focus on the meat type rather than the state of preservation. Another common error is using HS code 1602.42, which is specifically for shoulders and cuts thereof. If the product is a mixture of different pork cuts or luncheon meat, it should fall under 1602.49 rather than 1602.41. Distinguishing between the hind leg (ham) and the foreleg (shoulder) is critical for correct application of these codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160241 (the code used for canned ham), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160241 (the code used for canned ham) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 16% 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 160241, not only canned ham.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $298M 19% of world exports
- 2 Italy $281M 18% of world exports
- 3 Poland $225M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $266M 16% of world imports
- 2 France $203M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $174M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 ham
Brazil classifies canned ham under NCM 1602.41.00: HS 1602.41 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 ham
What is the HS code for Canned ham?
The HS code for Canned ham is 160241 (Meat preparations; of swine, hams and cuts thereof, prepared or preserved (excluding homogenised preparations)). The primary HS code for canned ham, specifically hams and cuts of swine, is 1602.41.
How do I classify Canned ham for customs?
Canned ham is classified under HS code 160241 — Meat preparations; of swine, hams and cuts thereof, prepared or preserved (excluding homogenised preparations). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include canned luncheon meat like SPAM?
No, canned luncheon meat that is not exclusively made from the ham cut is typically classified under HS code 1602.49 as other preparations of swine.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned ham (HS 160241)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160241 (the code used for canned ham) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($298M, 19% of world exports), Italy ($281M) and Poland ($225M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 ham (HS 160241)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160241 (the code used for canned ham) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($266M, 16% of world imports), France ($203M) and Germany ($174M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 ham the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160241 for Canned ham 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 ham in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned ham (HS 160241) is classified under NCM 1602.41.00.