Product classification
HS code for Prepared chicken: 1602.32
Meat preparations, of the poultry of heading no. 0105, (i.e. of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus).
Classification of prepared chicken under HS 1602.32
Prepared chicken is classified under HS code 1602.32. Chapter 16 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, or other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 1602 specifically covers "other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, or blood." Within this heading, the 30-series subheadings cover poultry, and 1602.32 is reserved specifically for the species Gallus domesticus (chicken). To fall under this code, the product must contain more than 20% by weight of meat or meat offal. The term "prepared" includes meat that has been cooked (boiled, steamed, grilled, fried, or roasted) or otherwise preserved (e.g., by chemical processes) in a way that goes beyond the simple processes described in Chapter 2. This classification is essential for distinguishing between raw agricultural poultry products and value-added processed food items, which often face different tariff rates and sanitary regulations.
- Covers
- Canned chicken breast in water or brine
- Fully cooked chicken nuggets or patties
- Pre-cooked chicken strips or chunks
- Chicken sausages (if not classified under 1601)
- Ready-to-eat chicken meals where chicken is the primary component
- Also under 1602.32
- Tyson Chicken Nuggets
- Perdue Short Cuts
- Spam (chicken variety)
- Dinty Moore Chicken Stew (if primarily chicken prep)
Codes often confused with 1602.32
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is placing prepared chicken in Chapter 2 (e.g., 0207.11 to 0207.14). Chapter 2 is strictly for meat that is fresh, chilled, or frozen and has not been cooked or prepared. Another area of confusion is HS code 1601.00, which covers sausages; while many chicken sausages fall under 1601, some specific preparations might be directed to 1602.32 depending on regional customs rulings. Additionally, if a preparation contains less than 20% meat, it may be classified under Chapter 19 (pasta/bread) or Chapter 21 (sauces/soups).
Top exporters and importers of HS 160232 (the code used for prepared chicken), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160232 (the code used for prepared chicken) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 19% 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 160232, not only prepared chicken.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $3.1B 24% of world exports
- 2 China $1.5B 11% of world exports
- 3 Poland $1.4B 11% of world exports
World total: $12.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $2.4B 19% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $2.2B 18% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $897M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $12.5B 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 codes for prepared chicken
Brazil splits HS 1602.32 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1602.32.10Uncooked chicken preparations, 57%+ meat or offal
- 1602.32.20Cooked chicken preparations, 57%+ meat or offal
- 1602.32.30Chicken preparations, 25% to under 57% meat/offal
- 1602.32.90Other prepared or preserved chicken
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 prepared chicken
What is the HS code for Prepared chicken?
The HS code for Prepared chicken is 160232 (Meat preparations; of the poultry of heading no. 0105, (i.e. of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus)).
How do I classify Prepared chicken for customs?
Prepared chicken is classified under HS code 160232 — Meat preparations; of the poultry of heading no. 0105, (i.e. of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for cooked chicken?
Cooked chicken, such as roasted or fried chicken, is classified under HS code 1602.32.
Does this code apply to raw frozen chicken?
No, raw frozen chicken is classified under heading 0207. HS code 1602.32 only applies to chicken that has been prepared or cooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared chicken (HS 160232)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160232 (the code used for prepared chicken) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($3.1B, 24% of world exports), China ($1.5B) and Poland ($1.4B). World exports came to about $12.9B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of prepared chicken (HS 160232)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160232 (the code used for prepared chicken) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($2.4B, 19% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($2.2B) and the Netherlands ($897M). World imports came to about $12.5B, 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 Prepared chicken the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160232 for Prepared chicken 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 prepared chicken in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 160232 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for prepared chicken depends on the product's details: 1602.32.10 (Uncooked chicken preparations, 57%+ meat or offal), 1602.32.20 (Cooked chicken preparations, 57%+ meat or offal), 1602.32.30 (Chicken preparations, 25% to under 57% meat/offal), 1602.32.90 (Other prepared or preserved chicken).