Product classification
HS code for Snake meat: 0208.50
Meat and edible meat offal, of reptiles (including snakes and turtles), fresh, chilled or frozen.
Classification of snake meat under HS 0208.50
Snake meat is classified under HS code 0208.50. This code is part of Chapter 2, which encompasses meat and edible meat offal. Heading 0208 is a residual category for "other meat," covering animal meat that does not fit into the more common categories like bovine (0201-0202), swine (0203), or poultry (0207). Subheading 0208.50 specifically identifies the meat of reptiles, which includes snakes, turtles, and crocodiles. For a product to be classified here, it must be fresh, chilled, or frozen. The classification is based on the biological origin of the meat and the lack of extensive processing beyond temperature control for preservation. This code applies to all species of snakes, whether the meat is sold as whole carcasses, steaks, or fillets. It is essential for importers to ensure that the species is not protected under CITES regulations, as this may require additional documentation even though the HS code remains the same.
- Covers
- Frozen python meat fillets
- Chilled rattlesnake steaks
- Fresh cobra meat
- Whole dressed frozen snakes
- Frozen water snake meat
- 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. Snake meat is frequently misclassified under HS code 0210.93 if it has been smoked, salted, or dried. HS code 0208.50 is strictly for fresh, chilled, or frozen states. Another common error is using HS code 0106.20, which is for live reptiles; once the animal is slaughtered for food, it must move to Chapter 2. Additionally, prepared snake meat, such as meat that has been cooked or canned, should be classified under HS code 1602.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 020850 (the code used for snake meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 020850 (the code used for snake 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 snake meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $824K 30% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $443K 16% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $298K 11% of world exports
World total: $2.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $307K 17% of world imports
- 2 Japan $271K 15% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $248K 14% of world imports
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 snake meat
Brazil classifies snake 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 snake meat
What is the HS code for Snake meat?
The HS code for Snake meat is 020850 (Meat and edible meat offal; of reptiles (including snakes and turtles), fresh, chilled or frozen).
How do I classify Snake meat for customs?
Snake 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.
What is the HS code for frozen snake meat?
The HS code for frozen snake meat is 0208.50, which covers fresh, chilled, or frozen meat of reptiles.
Does this code apply to live snakes?
No, live snakes are classified under HS code 0106.20. HS code 0208.50 is only for meat and edible offal.
Which countries are the top exporters of snake meat (HS 020850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 020850 (the code used for snake 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 snake meat (HS 020850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 020850 (the code used for snake 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 Snake meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 020850 for Snake 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 snake meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, snake meat (HS 020850) is classified under NCM 0208.50.00.