Product classification
HS code for Canned pork shoulder: 1602.42
Meat preparations, of swine, shoulders and cuts thereof, prepared or preserved (excluding homogenised preparations).
Classification of canned pork shoulder under HS 1602.42
Canned pork shoulder is classified under HS code 1602.42. This specific classification is found within Chapter 16, which covers preparations of meat. Heading 1602 is used for meat that has been prepared or preserved by processes such as cooking, salting, or chemical preservation, which go beyond the simple processes allowed in Chapter 2. Subheading 1602.42 is specifically reserved for "shoulders and cuts thereof" of swine. To qualify for this code, the product must be identifiable as originating from the shoulder of the pig. The canning process, which involves hermetic sealing and thermal processing to ensure shelf stability, confirms its status as a prepared meat product. The General Rules for Interpretation (GRI) require that when a product is specifically named or described by its cut, such as the shoulder in 1602.42, that specific code must be used over more general codes like 1602.49.
- Covers
- Canned picnic shoulder
- Canned pork shoulder cuts in brine
- Cured and cooked pork shoulder in tins
- Boneless pork shoulder preparations in cans
- Also under 1602.42
- Spam (shoulder-based)
- Tulip Pork Shoulder
- Hormel Pulled Pork
- Zwan Luncheon Meat
- Fray Bentos Canned Pork
Codes often confused with 1602.42
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 1602.41, which is strictly for hams (the hind legs of the pig). While both are swine preparations, the anatomical origin is the deciding factor. Another common error is using 1602.49, which is the "other" category for pork; however, because the shoulder is specifically mentioned in 1602.42, the latter must be used. It should also not be confused with 0203.12 or 0203.22, which are for fresh or frozen shoulders that have not been further prepared or canned.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160242 (the code used for canned pork shoulder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160242 (the code used for canned pork shoulder) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 76% 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 160242, not only canned pork shoulder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $102M 35% of world exports
- 2 Chile $48M 16% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $30M 10% of world exports
World total: $290M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $439M 76% of world imports
- 2 Germany $19M 3.2% of world imports
- 3 Panama $14M 2.5% of world imports
World total: $581M 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 pork shoulder
Brazil classifies canned pork shoulder under NCM 1602.42.00: HS 1602.42 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 pork shoulder
What is the HS code for Canned pork shoulder?
The HS code for Canned pork shoulder is 160242 (Meat preparations; of swine, shoulders and cuts thereof, prepared or preserved (excluding homogenised preparations)). The specific HS code for canned pork shoulder and its cuts is 1602.42.
How do I classify Canned pork shoulder for customs?
Canned pork shoulder is classified under HS code 160242 — Meat preparations; of swine, shoulders and cuts thereof, prepared or preserved (excluding homogenised preparations). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is it different from canned ham?
Canned ham is classified under 1602.41 and is derived from the hind leg, whereas 1602.42 is derived from the front leg or shoulder area.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned pork shoulder (HS 160242)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160242 (the code used for canned pork shoulder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($102M, 35% of world exports), Chile ($48M) and Ireland ($30M). World exports came to about $290M, 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 pork shoulder (HS 160242)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160242 (the code used for canned pork shoulder) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($439M, 76% of world imports), Germany ($19M) and Panama ($14M). World imports came to about $581M, 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 pork shoulder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160242 for Canned pork shoulder 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 pork shoulder in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned pork shoulder (HS 160242) is classified under NCM 1602.42.00.