Product classification
HS code for Hot dogs: 1601.00
Meat preparations, sausages and similar products, of meat, meat offal, blood or insects, and food preparations based on these products.
Classification of hot dogs under HS 1601.00
Hot dogs are classified under HS code 1601.00. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 16 covers preparations of meat, meat offal, or blood. Heading 1601 is specifically reserved for sausages and similar products. Hot dogs are considered "similar products" because they consist of minced or comminuted meat (beef, pork, or poultry) that has been seasoned and typically stuffed into a casing. Even if the casing is removed before retail sale (skinless hot dogs), the product retains the essential character of a sausage. The meat must be prepared—meaning it has undergone more processing than simple cutting or mincing—often involving cooking, smoking, or the addition of binders and flavorers. This distinguishes it from raw meat products in Chapter 2. Furthermore, the presence of non-meat ingredients like water, salt, and spices is standard for products under 1601.00. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the hot dogs are sold in bulk, vacuum-sealed packages, or canned in brine, as long as the primary component is the meat preparation itself.
- Covers
- Beef frankfurters
- Pork hot dogs
- Poultry-based sausages (chicken or turkey)
- Cocktail sausages
- Skinless hot dogs
- Bratwursts prepared for retail
- Also under 1601.00
- Johnsonville Brats
- Oscar Mayer Wieners
- Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage
- Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage
Codes often confused with 1601.00
Common mistake. Hot dogs are frequently confused with products under HS code 0201 or 0202, which cover fresh or chilled meat. However, because hot dogs are prepared and seasoned, they must move to Chapter 16. Another common error is using 1602.10 for homogenized preparations; while hot dogs are emulsified, 1601 is the more specific heading for sausage-shaped goods. Additionally, vegetarian or vegan "hot dogs" made from soy or wheat gluten are not classified here; they typically fall under HS code 2106.90 as food preparations not elsewhere specified.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160100 (the code used for hot dogs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160100 (the code used for hot dogs) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 160100, not only hot dogs.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $1.1B 13% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.0B 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $957M 12% of world exports
World total: $8.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $1.1B 14% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.0B 13% of world imports
- 3 France $574M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $7.9B 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 hot dogs
Brazil classifies hot dogs under NCM 1601.00.00: HS 1601.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hot dogs
What is the HS code for Hot dogs?
The HS code for Hot dogs is 160100 (Meat preparations; sausages and similar products, of meat, meat offal, blood or insects, and food preparations based on these products). The primary HS code for hot dogs is 1601.00, which covers sausages and similar products of meat, meat offal, or blood.
How do I classify Hot dogs for customs?
Hot dogs is classified under HS code 160100 — Meat preparations; sausages and similar products, of meat, meat offal, blood or insects, and food preparations based on these products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are frozen hot dogs classified differently?
No, the classification remains 1601.00 whether the product is fresh, chilled, or frozen, as the heading covers the preparation method rather than the temperature state.
Which countries are the top exporters of hot dogs (HS 160100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160100 (the code used for hot dogs) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.1B, 13% of world exports), Germany ($1.0B) and the United States ($957M). World exports came to about $8.3B, 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 hot dogs (HS 160100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160100 (the code used for hot dogs) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1B, 14% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($1.0B) and France ($574M). World imports came to about $7.9B, 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 Hot dogs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160100 for Hot dogs 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 hot dogs in Brazil?
In Brazil, hot dogs (HS 160100) is classified under NCM 1601.00.00.