Product classification
HS code for Frozen whole chicken: 0207.12
Meat and edible offal, of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, not cut in pieces, frozen.
Classification of frozen whole chicken under HS 0207.12
The classification of frozen whole chicken under HS code 0207.12 is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the specific nomenclature of Chapter 2, which covers meat and edible meat offal. This specific code applies to fowls of the species Gallus domesticus. To qualify for this heading, the product must meet three primary criteria: it must be meat or edible offal, it must be frozen (typically maintained at temperatures of -18°C or lower to ensure long-term preservation), and it must be presented "not cut in pieces." This means the carcass is intact, although it may be plucked, gutted, and have the head or feet removed. The distinction between "whole" and "cuts" is vital for customs valuation and regulatory compliance, as different tariffs often apply to processed poultry parts compared to whole carcasses. Furthermore, the product must not be cooked or prepared beyond the basic freezing process, as such treatments would shift the classification to Chapter 16. The freezing process must be sufficient to freeze the product to the core, distinguishing it from chilled products which are merely kept at low temperatures without reaching a frozen state.
- Covers
- Frozen whole broilers
- Frozen whole roasters
- Frozen whole Cornish hens
- Frozen whole stewing hens
- Frozen whole capons
- Also under 0207.12
- Sadia Whole Frozen Chicken
- BRF Whole Frozen Chicken
- Tyson Whole Frozen Chicken
Codes often confused with 0207.12
Common mistake. Frozen whole chicken is frequently confused with HS code 0207.11, which is reserved for fresh or chilled whole chickens. The primary difference lies in the temperature and preservation method. Another common error is using 0207.14, which covers frozen chicken cuts and offal (such as wings, breasts, or thighs). If the bird has been divided into any portions, it must be moved from 0207.12 to 0207.14. Additionally, if the chicken is seasoned or breaded, it may fall under 1602.32.
Top exporters and importers of HS 020712 (the code used for frozen whole chicken), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 020712 (the code used for frozen whole chicken) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 14% of world imports. Ukraine did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 28% of its exports here ($71M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 020712, not only frozen whole chicken.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $1.7B 53% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $310M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 Poland $170M 5.4% of world exports
Ukraine did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 28% of its exports here ($71M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $3.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$456M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Saudi Arabia $424M 13% of world imports
- 3 Iraq* ~$247M 7.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.2B 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 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 codes for frozen whole chicken
Brazil splits HS 0207.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0207.12.10Whole frozen chickens, with giblets
- 0207.12.20Whole frozen chickens, without giblets
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen whole chicken
What is the HS code for Frozen whole chicken?
The HS code for Frozen whole chicken is 020712 (Meat and edible offal; of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, not cut in pieces, frozen). The HS code for frozen whole chicken (Gallus domesticus) is 0207.12.
How do I classify Frozen whole chicken for customs?
Frozen whole chicken is classified under HS code 020712 — Meat and edible offal; of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, not cut in pieces, frozen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 0207.12 and 0207.14?
HS code 0207.12 is strictly for whole birds that are frozen, while 0207.14 is used for frozen chicken parts, cuts, and edible offal like hearts or livers.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen whole chicken (HS 020712)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 020712 (the code used for frozen whole chicken) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($1.7B, 53% of world exports), Türkiye ($310M) and Poland ($170M). World exports came to about $3.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Ukraine did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 28% of its exports here ($71M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of frozen whole chicken (HS 020712)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 020712 (the code used for frozen whole chicken) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $456M, 14% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($424M) and Iraq (about $247M). World imports came to about $3.2B, 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 Frozen whole chicken the same in all countries?
The base HS code 020712 for Frozen whole chicken 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 whole chicken in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 020712 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for frozen whole chicken depends on the product's details: 0207.12.10 (Whole frozen chickens, with giblets), 0207.12.20 (Whole frozen chickens, without giblets).