Product classification
HS code for Liver sausage: 1602.20
Meat preparations, of the prepared or preserved liver of any animal (excluding homogenised preparations).
Classification of liver sausage under HS 1602.20
Liver sausage is classified under HS code 160220. Chapter 16 of the Harmonized System covers preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 1602 is for "Other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal or blood." While heading 1601 covers sausages and similar products made of meat, meat offal, or blood, the specific subheading 160220 is reserved for preparations of the liver of any animal. According to the hierarchy of the HS nomenclature and the General Rules of Interpretation, specific descriptions take precedence over general ones. Therefore, even though liver sausage is a sausage, its primary characteristic is the liver content, which directs it to 160220 in many jurisdictions, especially when it is prepared as a pâté or spread. This code excludes homogenized preparations (which fall under 160210), meaning the sausage must have a discernible texture or be a standard commercial preparation of liver to qualify for 160220. This classification is vital for applying the correct food safety standards and tariffs.
- Covers
- Liverwurst (liver sausage)
- Pâté de foie gras (not homogenized)
- Liver-based meat spreads
- Braunschweiger
- Prepared liver sausages in casings
- Also under 1602.20
- Rougié Foie Gras
- Alexian Pâté
- Oscar Mayer Liverwurst (if primarily liver spread)
- Goya Canned Liver
Codes often confused with 1602.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using HS code 160100, which is the general code for sausages. While liver sausage is a sausage, the specific liver content often triggers the use of 160220. Another common error is using 160210, which is for homogenized preparations. To be classified under 160210, the product must be finely leveled and intended for infant food or dietetic purposes, usually in small containers. If the liver sausage is sold in standard retail sizes or as a whole sausage, 160220 is more appropriate. Additionally, raw liver is classified in Chapter 2, not Chapter 16.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160220 (the code used for liver sausage), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160220 (the code used for liver sausage) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 15% 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 160220, not only liver sausage.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $96M 38% of world exports
- 2 France $48M 19% of world exports
- 3 China $19M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $251M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $35M 15% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $28M 12% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $28M 12% of world imports
World total: $237M 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 liver sausage
Brazil classifies liver sausage under NCM 1602.20.00: HS 1602.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about liver sausage
What is the HS code for Liver sausage?
The HS code for Liver sausage is 160220 (Meat preparations; of the prepared or preserved liver of any animal (excluding homogenised preparations)). The HS code for liver sausage and other prepared liver products is 160220.
How do I classify Liver sausage for customs?
Liver sausage is classified under HS code 160220 — Meat preparations; of the prepared or preserved liver of any animal (excluding homogenised preparations). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 160100 and 160220?
HS code 160100 is for general sausages made of meat or offal, while 160220 is specifically for preparations made from the liver of any animal.
Which countries are the top exporters of liver sausage (HS 160220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160220 (the code used for liver sausage) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($96M, 38% of world exports), France ($48M) and China ($19M). World exports came to about $251M, 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 liver sausage (HS 160220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160220 (the code used for liver sausage) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($35M, 15% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($28M) and the Netherlands ($28M). World imports came to about $237M, 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 Liver sausage the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160220 for Liver sausage 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 liver sausage in Brazil?
In Brazil, liver sausage (HS 160220) is classified under NCM 1602.20.00.