Product classification
HS code for Exotic meat: 0208.90
Meat and edible meat offal, n.e.c. in chapter 2, fresh, chilled or frozen.
Classification of exotic meat under HS 0208.90
Exotic meat is classified under HS code 0208.90. This code is part of Chapter 2, which covers meat and edible meat offal. Heading 0208 is a residual category for "other meat and edible meat offal, fresh, chilled or frozen" that is not covered by the more specific headings 0201 through 0207 (which cover bovine, swine, sheep, goats, horses, and poultry). The classification 0208.90 is used for meat from animals that are not traditionally farmed in large industrial quantities or are considered non-standard in international trade. This includes a wide variety of wild game and specialized livestock. The meat must be unprocessed (other than chilled or frozen) to remain in this chapter.
- Covers
- Frog legs
- Camel meat
- Crocodile and alligator meat
- Ostrich and emu meat
- Snake meat
- Pigeon and game bird meat (not poultry)
- Also under 0208.90
- Exotic Meat Market (kangaroo, ostrich)
- D'Artagnan (wild boar, venison)
- specialty game butchers
- Fossil Farms (bison, elk).
Codes often confused with 0208.90
Common mistake. Exotic meat is frequently misclassified under HS code 1602, which covers prepared or preserved meat. If the meat has been cooked, seasoned, or canned, it must move to Chapter 16. Another common error involves rabbit or hare meat, which has its own specific subheading, 0208.10. Similarly, whale, dolphin, and seal meat are classified under 0208.40. Importers must ensure the specific animal species is not listed in 0208.10 through 0208.60 before using the residual 0208.90 code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 020890 (the code used for exotic meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 020890 (the code used for exotic meat) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% 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 020890, not only exotic meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $137M 21% of world exports
- 2 Spain $58M 8.9% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $57M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $654M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $113M 18% of world imports
- 2 France $63M 10% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $60M 9.7% of world imports
World total: $617M 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 exotic meat
Brazil classifies exotic meat under NCM 0208.90.00: HS 0208.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about exotic meat
What is the HS code for Exotic meat?
The HS code for Exotic meat is 020890 (Meat and edible meat offal; n.e.c. in chapter 2, fresh, chilled or frozen). The HS code for other edible meat not specified elsewhere, including many exotic varieties, is 0208.90.
How do I classify Exotic meat for customs?
Exotic meat is classified under HS code 020890 — Meat and edible meat offal; n.e.c. in chapter 2, fresh, chilled or frozen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is venison classified under this code?
No, meat of primates is 0208.30 and meat of rabbits is 0208.10, but venison (deer meat) is typically classified under 0208.90 in many jurisdictions, though some countries have specific subheadings for game.
Which countries are the top exporters of exotic meat (HS 020890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 020890 (the code used for exotic meat) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($137M, 21% of world exports), Spain ($58M) and the Netherlands ($57M). World exports came to about $654M, 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 exotic meat (HS 020890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 020890 (the code used for exotic meat) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($113M, 18% of world imports), France ($63M) and the Netherlands ($60M). World imports came to about $617M, 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 Exotic meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 020890 for Exotic 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 exotic meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, exotic meat (HS 020890) is classified under NCM 0208.90.00.