Product classification
HS code for Frozen pork carcass: 0203.21
Meat, of swine, carcasses and half-carcasses, frozen.
Classification of frozen pork carcass under HS 0203.21
HS code 0203.21 is specifically designated for frozen carcasses and half-carcasses of swine. In the context of the Harmonized System, a carcass is the entire body of the slaughtered animal after it has been bled and eviscerated, and after the removal of the hair and bristles. A half-carcass is produced by the longitudinal splitting of a whole carcass through the center of each cervical, dorsal, lumbar, and sacral vertebra and through the center of the sternum and the ischio-pubic symphysis. Classification under this code follows GRI 1, which prioritizes the specific terms of the heading. Because 0203.21 is the first subheading under the frozen swine meat category, it takes precedence for whole or half animals before any further butchery occurs. The frozen requirement is a technical state where the product temperature has been reduced below its freezing point to ensure long-term preservation and safety during maritime or land transport. This code is primarily used by primary processors and wholesalers who import whole animals for further breakdown in the destination country. If the carcass is divided into smaller primal cuts, such as loins or bellies, it can no longer be classified here and must be moved to 0203.22 or 0203.29. The accuracy of this classification is essential for applying correct tariff rates, which often differ between whole carcasses and processed cuts.
- Covers
- Whole frozen pig carcasses
- Frozen half-carcasses
- Split frozen swine bodies
- Frozen carcasses with head attached
- Frozen carcasses without trotters
- Also under 0203.21
- JBS Swift frozen pork carcass
- Tyson Fresh Meats frozen pig halves
- Danish Crown frozen pork carcass
- BRF frozen whole pig
Codes often confused with 0203.21
Common mistake. Confused with 0203.11, which covers fresh or chilled carcasses. It is also frequently confused with 0203.29; if a carcass is further butchered into primary cuts like loins or bellies, it no longer qualifies for 0203.21. Additionally, if the carcass is from a wild boar, it still falls under 0203.21, but some importers mistakenly look for separate wild game codes in Chapter 2.
Top exporters and importers of HS 020321 (the code used for frozen pork carcass), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 020321 (the code used for frozen pork carcass) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 32% 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 020321, not only frozen pork carcass.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$63M 30% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Spain $32M 15% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $17M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $207M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $68M 32% of world imports
- 2 Poland $39M 18% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $12M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $209M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 frozen pork carcass
Brazil classifies frozen pork carcass under NCM 0203.21.00: HS 0203.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen pork carcass
What is the HS code for Frozen pork carcass?
The HS code for Frozen pork carcass is 020321 (Meat; of swine, carcasses and half-carcasses, frozen). The HS code for frozen pork carcasses and half-carcasses is 0203.21.
How do I classify Frozen pork carcass for customs?
Frozen pork carcass is classified under HS code 020321 — Meat; of swine, carcasses and half-carcasses, frozen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a carcass include the head?
Yes, a carcass or half-carcass classified under 0203.21 may be presented with or without the head, although heads are often removed and classified as offal.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen pork carcass (HS 020321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 020321 (the code used for frozen pork carcass) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $63M, 30% of world exports), Spain ($32M) and Brazil ($17M). World exports came to about $207M, 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 frozen pork carcass (HS 020321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 020321 (the code used for frozen pork carcass) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($68M, 32% of world imports), Poland ($39M) and Singapore ($12M). World imports came to about $209M, 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 Frozen pork carcass the same in all countries?
The base HS code 020321 for Frozen pork carcass 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 frozen pork carcass in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen pork carcass (HS 020321) is classified under NCM 0203.21.00.