Product classification
HS code for Game meat: 0208.90
Meat and edible meat offal, n.e.c. in chapter 2, fresh, chilled or frozen.
Classification of game meat under HS 0208.90
The classification of game meat under HS code 0208.90 serves as a comprehensive residual category for edible meat and offal that are not specifically named in the preceding headings of Chapter 2. While headings 0201 through 0207 are dedicated to common livestock such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry, and horses, heading 0208 captures all other edible meats. Subheading 0208.90 is particularly broad, encompassing meat from a diverse range of animals including venison (deer), kangaroo, antelope, camel, and even more exotic sources like ostrich or frog legs. For a product to be classified here, it must be fresh, chilled, or frozen and intended for human consumption. It is important to note that this code excludes meat that has been prepared or preserved beyond basic chilling or freezing; for instance, meat that has been salted, dried, or smoked would be classified under heading 0210. Additionally, the classification does not include live animals (Chapter 1) or animal fats (Chapter 15). The use of 0208.90 ensures that the international trade of non-traditional meats is accurately tracked and regulated, following the hierarchical logic of the Harmonized System which prioritizes specific animal types before moving to general categories.
- Covers
- Fresh or frozen venison and elk meat
- Kangaroo meat and offal
- Camel meat
- Frog legs and reptile meat
- Pigeon and other game bird meat (excluding 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. Game meat is often misclassified under 0201-0207 if the specific animal species is not clearly identified on the commercial invoice. It is also confused with 0208.10, which is specifically for rabbits and hares. If the meat has been seasoned, cooked, or preserved with salt, it must be classified under 0210 or Chapter 16 rather than 0208.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 020890 (the code used for game meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 020890 (the code used for game 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 game 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 game meat
Brazil classifies game 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 game meat
What is the HS code for Game meat?
The HS code for Game meat is 020890 (Meat and edible meat offal; n.e.c. in chapter 2, fresh, chilled or frozen). The HS code for fresh, chilled, or frozen game meat not specified elsewhere in Chapter 2 is 0208.90.
How do I classify Game meat for customs?
Game 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 wild boar meat classified here?
No, wild boar is generally classified under heading 0203 (swine meat) or 0210 if preserved, as it falls under the biological category of swine regardless of its wild status.
Which countries are the top exporters of game meat (HS 020890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 020890 (the code used for game 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 game meat (HS 020890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 020890 (the code used for game 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 Game meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 020890 for Game 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 game meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, game meat (HS 020890) is classified under NCM 0208.90.00.