Product classification
HS code for Chilled pork shoulder: 0203.12
Meat, of swine, hams, shoulders and cuts thereof, with bone in, fresh or chilled.
Classification of chilled pork shoulder under HS 0203.12
Chilled pork shoulder is classified under HS code 0203.12. This classification follows the hierarchical structure of Chapter 2, which deals with meat and edible meat offal. Heading 0203 specifically covers meat of swine, fresh, chilled, or frozen. The code is further subdivided by the state of the meat (fresh or chilled versus frozen) and the specific cut of the carcass. Subheading 0203.12 is strictly reserved for hams, shoulders, and cuts thereof, provided they are "with bone in" and are either fresh or chilled. If the bone is removed, the classification shifts to a different subheading (0203.19). The term "chilled" implies the product has been cooled to a low temperature to maintain freshness without reaching the freezing point of the muscle tissue. This distinction is critical for customs valuation and sanitary inspections.
- Covers
- Whole chilled pork shoulders with bone
- Picnic shoulders, bone-in, fresh
- Chilled shoulder butts with bone
- Fresh pork shoulder cuts, bone-in
- Also under 0203.12
- Spanish bone-in Serrano ham (uncured)
- Italian Prosciutto di Parma (uncured)
- US fresh bone-in pork shoulder
- Danish Crown fresh bone-in ham
Codes often confused with 0203.12
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 0203.19, which covers other fresh or chilled cuts of swine that are boneless. If the shoulder has been deboned, it cannot stay in 0203.12. Furthermore, if the shoulder is frozen, it moves to 0203.22. Processed pork, such as salted, in brine, or smoked shoulder, is classified under heading 0210 rather than 0203.
Top exporters and importers of HS 020312 (the code used for chilled pork shoulder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 020312 (the code used for chilled pork shoulder) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 46% 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 020312, not only chilled pork shoulder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.9B 35% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $757M 14% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $743M 14% of world exports
World total: $5.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $2.8B 46% of world imports
- 2 Italy $1.5B 24% of world imports
- 3 Poland $467M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $6.2B 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 chilled pork shoulder
Brazil classifies chilled pork shoulder under NCM 0203.12.00: HS 0203.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled pork shoulder
What is the HS code for Chilled pork shoulder?
The HS code for Chilled pork shoulder is 020312 (Meat; of swine, hams, shoulders and cuts thereof, with bone in, fresh or chilled). The HS code for fresh or chilled pork shoulders and cuts thereof with the bone in is 0203.12.
How do I classify Chilled pork shoulder for customs?
Chilled pork shoulder is classified under HS code 020312 — Meat; of swine, hams, shoulders and cuts thereof, with bone in, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include boneless shoulder?
No, boneless pork shoulder cuts are classified under HS code 0203.19 as "other" fresh or chilled cuts of swine.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled pork shoulder (HS 020312)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 020312 (the code used for chilled pork shoulder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.9B, 35% of world exports), Denmark ($757M) and the Netherlands ($743M). World exports came to about $5.3B, 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 chilled pork shoulder (HS 020312)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 020312 (the code used for chilled pork shoulder) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($2.8B, 46% of world imports), Italy ($1.5B) and Poland ($467M). World imports came to about $6.2B, 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 Chilled pork shoulder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 020312 for Chilled 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 chilled pork shoulder in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled pork shoulder (HS 020312) is classified under NCM 0203.12.00.