Product classification
HS code for Turtle meat: 0208.50
Meat and edible meat offal, of reptiles (including snakes and turtles), fresh, chilled or frozen.
Classification of turtle meat under HS 0208.50
Turtle meat is classified under HS code 0208.50, which covers the meat and edible meat offal of reptiles, including snakes and turtles, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen. This classification falls within Chapter 2 of the Harmonized System, which is dedicated to meat and edible meat offal. The determination is based on the biological origin of the product. Since turtles are reptiles, they are excluded from the more common categories like bovine (0201/0202), swine (0203), or poultry (0207). Heading 0208 is a residual category for "other" meats, and subheading 0208.50 was specifically created to harmonize the trade of reptile meats. To remain in this classification, the meat must not be prepared or preserved beyond the basic processes of chilling or freezing. If the meat has been cooked, salted, dried, or smoked, it may move to Chapter 16, which covers prepared foodstuffs.
- Covers
- Fresh turtle steaks
- Chilled turtle flippers for culinary use
- Frozen turtle meat cubes
- Edible turtle offal (livers, hearts)
- Whole dressed turtles (fresh or frozen)
- Soft-shell turtle 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. Turtle meat is often misclassified under HS code 0307 or 0308, which cover molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. While turtles live in water, they are vertebrates (reptiles) and thus belong in Chapter 2. Another common error is using HS code 0106, which is for live animals; once the animal is slaughtered for food, it must be moved to Chapter 2. Furthermore, if the turtle meat is canned or part of a prepared soup, it must be classified under 1602.50 or 1605, as Chapter 2 only covers raw or minimally processed meats.
Top exporters and importers of HS 020850 (the code used for turtle meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 020850 (the code used for turtle 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 turtle 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 turtle meat
Brazil classifies turtle 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 turtle meat
What is the HS code for Turtle meat?
The HS code for Turtle 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 turtle meat is 0208.50.
How do I classify Turtle meat for customs?
Turtle 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 turtle soup classified under this code?
No, turtle soup is considered a prepared foodstuff and is typically classified under HS code 2104.10 for soups and broths, or 1605 if it is primarily meat-based and preserved.
Which countries are the top exporters of turtle meat (HS 020850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 020850 (the code used for turtle 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 turtle meat (HS 020850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 020850 (the code used for turtle 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 Turtle meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 020850 for Turtle 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 turtle meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, turtle meat (HS 020850) is classified under NCM 0208.50.00.