Product classification
HS code for Meat spreads: 1602.90
Meat preparations, of meat, meat offal or the blood of any animal, n.e.c. in heading no. 1602.
Classification of meat spreads under HS 1602.90
Meat spreads are classified under HS code 160290. This code falls within Chapter 16, which covers preparations of meat, fish, or crustaceans. Heading 1602 is a broad category for 'other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal or blood.' Since meat spreads are highly processed products—often containing finely minced meat mixed with fats, spices, and other binders—they are considered 'prepared' rather than simply 'preserved.' Subheading 160290 serves as a residual category for meat preparations that do not fit into the more specific subheadings for poultry, swine, or bovine meat. The classification depends on the meat content exceeding 20% by weight. If the spread is primarily vegetable-based with only a small amount of meat for flavoring, it might be classified in Chapter 21, but standard meat-heavy spreads belong here. The processing level, which includes homogenization and cooking, distinguishes these from raw meat products.
- Covers
- Potted meat spreads
- Canned meat pastes
- Mixed meat liver spreads (non-sausage)
- Deviled ham spreads
- Homogenized meat preparations
- Also under 1602.90
- Tyson Canned Chicken
- Fray Bentos Steak & Kidney Pudding
- Goya Chicken Pâté
- various regional blood sausages
- Bernard Matthews Turkey Roast
Codes often confused with 1602.90
Common mistake. Meat spreads are frequently confused with HS code 160100, which covers sausages and similar products. If the spread is presented in a casing (like a leberwurst), it may fall under 1601. They are also sometimes misclassified under 210390 (sauces and preparations) if they are used as a condiment, but the high meat content usually mandates a Chapter 16 classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160290 (the code used for meat spreads), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160290 (the code used for meat spreads) in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% 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 160290, not only meat spreads.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$68M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Mongolia* ~$61M 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $50M 11% of world exports
World total: $473M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $60M 12% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $49M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Kuwait $45M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $499M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 spreads
Brazil classifies meat spreads under NCM 1602.90.00: HS 1602.90 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 meat spreads
What is the HS code for Meat spreads?
The HS code for Meat spreads is 160290 (Meat preparations; of meat, meat offal or the blood of any animal, n.e.c. in heading no. 1602). The HS code for meat spreads and similar prepared meat pastes is 160290.
How do I classify Meat spreads for customs?
Meat spreads is classified under HS code 160290 — Meat preparations; of meat, meat offal or the blood of any animal, n.e.c. in heading no. 1602. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to liver pate?
Yes, most liver pates and spreads are classified under 160290, unless they are prepared as sausages, which would move them to 160100.
Which countries are the top exporters of meat spreads (HS 160290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160290 (the code used for meat spreads) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $68M, 14% of world exports), Mongolia (about $61M) and China ($50M). World exports came to about $473M, 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 spreads (HS 160290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160290 (the code used for meat spreads) in UN Comtrade data were China ($60M, 12% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($49M) and Kuwait ($45M). World imports came to about $499M, 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 spreads the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160290 for Meat spreads 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 spreads in Brazil?
In Brazil, meat spreads (HS 160290) is classified under NCM 1602.90.00.