HS Code for Fresh boneless beef

Fresh boneless beef is classified under HS code 020130. This classification is part of Chapter 2 (Meat and edible meat offal) and heading 0201 (Meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled). The subheading 020130 is specifically for meat that has had all skeletal bones removed. This includes a wide variety of cuts used in both retail and industrial food processing. The "fresh or chilled" requirement means the meat must not have been frozen; it is typically maintained at temperatures between -1.5°C and +7°C. Boneless beef is often subject to different tariff rates than bone-in beef because the removal of bone increases the value per kilogram and changes the product's use case. Accurate classification requires verification that no bone fragments remain and that the meat has not been processed (e.g., salted or cooked) beyond simple chilling.

Products Included

• Boneless beef tenderloin
• Boneless sirloin and striploin
• Boneless rib-eye
• Ground beef (fresh and boneless)
• Boneless topside and silverside
• Boneless beef trimmings

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is with 020120, which is for bone-in cuts. Importers also frequently confuse this with 020230, which is the code for frozen boneless beef. Additionally, if the beef has been prepared, seasoned, or cooked, it may move to Chapter 16 (e.g., 160250), which covers prepared or preserved meat. It is vital to distinguish between simple chilling and preservation methods like light salting.

FAQ

What is the HS code for fresh boneless beef?

The HS code for fresh or chilled boneless beef is 020130.

Is ground beef classified under 020130?

Yes, if the ground beef is fresh or chilled and contains no bones or added ingredients like seasonings, it is classified under 020130.