Product classification
HS code for Horse meat: 0205.00
Meat, of horses, asses, mules or hinnies, fresh, chilled or frozen.
Classification of horse meat under HS 0205.00
Horse meat is classified under HS code 020500, which specifically identifies the meat of horses, asses, mules, or hinnies, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen. This classification is determined by the biological origin of the animal and the state of the meat. Chapter 2 of the Harmonized System covers meat and edible meat offal, and 0205 is the dedicated spot for equines. It is essential that the meat is intended for human consumption; otherwise, different codes might apply. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the meat is a full carcass, a half-carcass, or specific cuts like steaks or roasts, provided it has not been further processed. The Harmonized System uses this specific code to monitor the trade of equine meat separately from more common livestock like cattle or poultry, which is important for both economic tracking and sanitary control. This heading is essential for international trade monitoring, especially in regions where equine meat is a significant dietary component or subject to specific sanitary regulations.
- Covers
- Fresh horse carcasses and half-carcasses
- Chilled horse meat cuts for retail sale
- Frozen donkey meat intended for human consumption
- Fresh or frozen meat of mules and hinnies
- Edible horse steaks and roasts
- Also under 0205.00
- Chevaline (French horse meat)
- Belgian horse meat products
- Italian horse meat specialties
Codes often confused with 0205.00
Common mistake. Horse meat is often misclassified under 0201 or 0202, which are the codes for bovine meat (beef). This usually happens due to clerical errors or a lack of specific knowledge regarding equine-specific codes. Another common mistake is using 0511, which covers animal products not elsewhere specified or included, particularly those unfit for human consumption. If the horse meat has been salted, dried, smoked, or cooked, it must be classified under heading 1602 instead of 0205. Proper identification is crucial because many countries have specific import bans or strict veterinary certification requirements for equine products that do not apply to other meats.
Top exporters and importers of HS 020500 (the code used for horse meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 020500 (the code used for horse meat) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 45% 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 020500, not only horse meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $58M 18% of world exports
- 2 Poland $53M 16% of world exports
- 3 Spain $33M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $333M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $185M 45% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $64M 15% of world imports
- 3 Japan $36M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $413M 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 horse meat
Brazil classifies horse meat under NCM 0205.00.00: HS 0205.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about horse meat
What is the HS code for Horse meat?
The HS code for Horse meat is 020500 (Meat; of horses, asses, mules or hinnies, fresh, chilled or frozen). The HS code for horse meat, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen, is 020500.
How do I classify Horse meat for customs?
Horse meat is classified under HS code 020500 — Meat; of horses, asses, mules or hinnies, fresh, chilled or frozen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen horse meat?
Yes, unlike many other meat categories that separate fresh and frozen products, HS code 020500 covers horse meat in fresh, chilled, and frozen states.
Which countries are the top exporters of horse meat (HS 020500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 020500 (the code used for horse meat) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($58M, 18% of world exports), Poland ($53M) and Spain ($33M). World exports came to about $333M, 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 horse meat (HS 020500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 020500 (the code used for horse meat) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($185M, 45% of world imports), Belgium ($64M) and Japan ($36M). World imports came to about $413M, 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 Horse meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 020500 for Horse 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 horse meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, horse meat (HS 020500) is classified under NCM 0205.00.00.