Product classification
HS code for Meat extract: 1603.00
Extracts and juices, of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates.
Classification of meat extract under HS 1603.00
Meat extracts and juices are classified under HS code 1603.00. This heading covers products obtained by the prolonged boiling of meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates in water, followed by the concentration of the resulting liquid through evaporation. The resulting product is typically a thick liquid, a paste, or a solid block. Classification under 1603.00 requires that the product consists essentially of the essence of the animal matter, without the addition of significant quantities of other food substances like fats, salt, or vegetable extracts that would change its character into a prepared soup or sauce. These extracts are highly concentrated and are primarily used in the food industry as a base for soups, gravies, and flavorings. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, as 1603 is a specific heading for these extracts regardless of the animal source, provided they have been processed to the point of being an extract or juice rather than just cooked meat.
- Covers
- Concentrated beef extract paste for industrial food flavoring
- Chicken essence or juices in liquid or dehydrated form
- Clam juice and other aquatic invertebrate extracts
- Fish extracts used as flavor enhancers in processed foods
- Soluble meat powders derived from concentrated juices
- Also under 1603.00
- Bovril Beef Extract
- Knorr Chicken Bouillon
- Maggi Seasoning
- Red Boat Fish Sauce
- Lee Kum Kee Oyster Sauce
- Campbell's Broth Concentrates
Codes often confused with 1603.00
Common mistake. Meat extracts are frequently confused with HS code 2104.10, which covers soups and broths and preparations therefor. The distinction lies in the composition: 1603.00 is a pure essence, while 2104.10 includes products that contain added ingredients like vegetables, starches, or high levels of salt and fats (such as bouillon cubes). Another potential error is classification under 0210, which is for meat that has been salted, dried, or smoked but remains in the form of meat; 1603.00 products have lost the cellular structure of the original meat through the extraction process.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160300 (the code used for meat extract), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160300 (the code used for meat extract) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 160300, not only meat extract.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $45M 16% of world exports
- 2 France $35M 13% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $28M 10% of world exports
World total: $277M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $29M 13% of world imports
- 2 Japan $28M 13% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $23M 10% of world imports
World total: $224M 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 meat extract
Brazil classifies meat extract under NCM 1603.00.00: HS 1603.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about meat extract
What is the HS code for Meat extract?
The HS code for Meat extract is 160300 (Extracts and juices; of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates). The HS code for meat extracts and juices, including those from fish and aquatic invertebrates, is 1603.00.
How do I classify Meat extract for customs?
Meat extract is classified under HS code 160300 — Extracts and juices; of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are bouillon cubes classified under 1603.00?
Generally, no. Bouillon cubes usually contain salt, fats, and other seasonings, which typically places them under HS code 2104.10 as prepared soup bases.
Which countries are the top exporters of meat extract (HS 160300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160300 (the code used for meat extract) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($45M, 16% of world exports), France ($35M) and Belgium ($28M). World exports came to about $277M, 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 meat extract (HS 160300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160300 (the code used for meat extract) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($29M, 13% of world imports), Japan ($28M) and Hong Kong ($23M). World imports came to about $224M, 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 Meat extract the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160300 for Meat extract 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 meat extract in Brazil?
In Brazil, meat extract (HS 160300) is classified under NCM 1603.00.00.