Product classification

HS code for Reptile meat: 0208.50

Meat and edible meat offal, of reptiles (including snakes and turtles), fresh, chilled or frozen.

Classification of reptile meat under HS 0208.50

Reptile meat is classified under HS code 0208.50. This classification falls within Chapter 2 of the Harmonized System, which covers meat and edible meat offal. Heading 02.08 is reserved for "other" meat and edible meat offal, fresh, chilled, or frozen, which are not covered by the more specific headings for bovine, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, or horses. The subheading 0208.50 was specifically created to harmonize the trade of reptile meat, including that of snakes, turtles, crocodiles, and alligators. The classification is strictly for meat that is fresh, chilled, or frozen. If the meat has been further processed—such as being salted, in brine, dried, smoked, or prepared as a meal—it would move to different chapters or headings. The inclusion of reptiles in Chapter 2 reflects their status as a food source in international trade, requiring specific monitoring for both health standards and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) compliance. Proper classification is essential for ensuring that the correct sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures are applied during customs clearance.

Covers
  • Fresh or chilled crocodile steaks
  • Frozen alligator tail meat
  • Snake meat (fresh or frozen)
  • Turtle meat (excluding sea turtles protected by specific bans)
  • Lizard meat for human consumption
  • Edible offal of reptiles, fresh or frozen
Also under 0208.50
  • Louisiana Alligator Meat
  • Exotic Meat Market (alligator, python)
  • specialty Asian markets
  • Florida Alligator Meat.

Codes often confused with 0208.50

Common mistake. Reptile meat is often misclassified under HS code 0210.99, which covers meat that is salted, dried, or smoked. If the crocodile meat has been jerky-processed, it belongs in 0210, not 0208. Another common error is using HS code 1602.90 for prepared or preserved meat. If the meat is canned, cooked, or part of a prepared meal, it must be classified under Chapter 16. Furthermore, live reptiles are classified under HS code 0106.20, and confusion between live animals and their meat products can lead to significant regulatory delays.

0210.99Meat and edible meat offal; salted, in brine, dried or smoked, and edible flours and meals of meat or meat offal, other than of primates, whales, dolphins, porpoises, manatees, dugongs, seals, sea lions, walruses, reptiles (including snakes and turtles)02.10Meat and edible meat offal; salted, in brine, dried or smoked; edible flours and meals of meat or meat offal02.08Meat and edible meat offal, n.e.c. in chapter 2; fresh, chilled or frozen1602.90Meat preparations; of meat, meat offal or the blood of any animal, n.e.c. in heading no. 16020106.20Reptiles; live (including snakes and turtles)

Top exporters and importers of HS 020850 (the code used for reptile meat), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 020850 (the code used for reptile meat) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 17% 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 020850, not only reptile meat.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Thailand $824K
  2. 2 Netherlands $443K
  3. 3 South Africa $298K

World total: $2.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Canada $307K
  2. 2 Japan $271K
  3. 3 Hong Kong $248K

World total: $1.8M 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 reptile meat

Brazil classifies reptile meat under NCM 0208.50.00: HS 0208.50 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about reptile meat

What is the HS code for Reptile meat?

The HS code for Reptile meat is 020850 (Meat and edible meat offal; of reptiles (including snakes and turtles), fresh, chilled or frozen). The HS code for fresh, chilled, or frozen reptile meat is 0208.50.

How do I classify Reptile meat for customs?

Reptile meat is classified under HS code 020850 — Meat and edible meat offal; of reptiles (including snakes and turtles), fresh, chilled or frozen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is canned crocodile meat classified under 0208.50?

No, canned or otherwise preserved reptile meat is classified under HS code 1602.90, as Chapter 2 only covers fresh, chilled, or frozen products.

Which countries are the top exporters of reptile meat (HS 020850)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 020850 (the code used for reptile meat) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($824K, 30% of world exports), the Netherlands ($443K) and South Africa ($298K). World exports came to about $2.8M, 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 reptile meat (HS 020850)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 020850 (the code used for reptile meat) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($307K, 17% of world imports), Japan ($271K) and Hong Kong ($248K). World imports came to about $1.8M, 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 Reptile meat the same in all countries?

The base HS code 020850 for Reptile meat 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 reptile meat in Brazil?

In Brazil, reptile meat (HS 020850) is classified under NCM 0208.50.00.