Chapter 02 covers meat and edible meat offal, including fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, smoked, salted and other types of meat. This chapter involves livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, etc.), poultry, game and some aquatic animals (such as frog legs). The core classification principles are based on animal species and degree of processing. Fresh, chilled and frozen meat is classified under the first few headings, while further processed products (such as cooked or seasoned) may be classified under Chapter 16. Goods in this chapter must meet sanitary and quarantine requirements, and typically involve strict tariff quotas and import controls. Heading 0202 refers specifically to frozen beef, including both bone-in and boneless forms. Frozen means a preservation method with a core temperature below -18°C, distinguished from fresh or chilled (heading 0201). This heading is subdivided into two subheadings: bone-in (0202.20) and boneless (0202.30). Bone-in beef refers to carcasses, half-carcasses, quarters and other cuts that retain the bone. This heading does not include beef offal (classified under 0206) or cooked or seasoned beef products (classified under 1602). First 2 digits 02: represents Chapter 02 'Meat and edible meat offal', covering all edible animal meat and offal. Digits 3-4, 02: sequential number within the chapter, 02 means 'frozen beef', corresponding to 01 (fresh or chilled beef), distinguishing the preservation state. Digits 5-6, 20: subdivision under heading 0202, 20 specifically refers to 'bone-in' frozen beef, distinguished from 30 'boneless' frozen beef. Therefore, the complete meaning of 020220 is: frozen bone-in beef, i.e., beef cuts that have undergone freezing treatment and retain the bone. This product is classified under 020220 because it simultaneously satisfies three key conditions: first, the animal species is cattle; second, the preservation state is frozen (core temperature ≤ -18°C); third, the physical form is bone-in. If fresh or chilled, it should be classified under 020120; if boneless, under 020230; if beef offal, under 0206; if cooked or seasoned, under 1602. Therefore, bone-in and frozen are the core characteristics that distinguish it from adjacent codes.
Chapter
Chapter 02 covers meat and edible meat offal, including fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, smoked, salted and other types of meat. This chapter involves livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, etc.), poultry, game and some aquatic animals (such as frog legs). The core classification principles are based on animal species and degree of processing. Fresh, chilled and frozen meat is classified under the first few headings, while further processed products (such as cooked or seasoned) may be classified under Chapter 16. Goods in this chapter must meet sanitary and quarantine requirements, and typically involve strict tariff quotas and import controls.
Heading
Heading 0202 refers specifically to frozen beef, including both bone-in and boneless forms. Frozen means a preservation method with a core temperature below -18°C, distinguished from fresh or chilled (heading 0201). This heading is subdivided into two subheadings: bone-in (0202.20) and boneless (0202.30). Bone-in beef refers to carcasses, half-carcasses, quarters and other cuts that retain the bone. This heading does not include beef offal (classified under 0206) or cooked or seasoned beef products (classified under 1602).
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 02: represents Chapter 02 'Meat and edible meat offal', covering all edible animal meat and offal. Digits 3-4, 02: sequential number within the chapter, 02 means 'frozen beef', corresponding to 01 (fresh or chilled beef), distinguishing the preservation state. Digits 5-6, 20: subdivision under heading 0202, 20 specifically refers to 'bone-in' frozen beef, distinguished from 30 'boneless' frozen beef. Therefore, the complete meaning of 020220 is: frozen bone-in beef, i.e., beef cuts that have undergone freezing treatment and retain the bone.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 020220 because it simultaneously satisfies three key conditions: first, the animal species is cattle; second, the preservation state is frozen (core temperature ≤ -18°C); third, the physical form is bone-in. If fresh or chilled, it should be classified under 020120; if boneless, under 020230; if beef offal, under 0206; if cooked or seasoned, under 1602. Therefore, bone-in and frozen are the core characteristics that distinguish it from adjacent codes.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'frozen bone-in beef', 'frozen beef quarters', etc., which must be consistent with the contract and invoice. Method of production or preservation: Explain the freezing method, such as 'frozen' or 'quick-frozen', and indicate whether the core temperature is below -18°C. State (bone-in/boneless): Clearly declare as bone-in, such as carcass, half-carcass, bone-in cuts, etc. Cut: Specific cut, such as beef foreleg, beef hindleg, beef rib, etc., which helps customs review documents. Country/region of origin: The country of origin of the beef, involving quarantine access and tariff quotas. Brand: Commodity brand, such as 'XX brand'; if no brand, fill in 'none'. Packaging specifications: Such as '20kg/carton', must match the actual packaging. Processing enterprise registration number: The China registration number of the overseas production enterprise, which must meet the requirements of the General Administration of Customs. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Frozen bone-in beef (beef quarters)
Method of production or preservation: Frozen, core temperature -20°C
State: Bone-in
Cut: Beef quarters
Country of origin: Australia
Brand: XX
Packaging specifications: 25kg/carton
Processing enterprise registration number: AU1234
HS code: 0202200090
Remarks: Attached with official quarantine certificate of the exporting country and certificate of origin. Mistakenly writing frozen as chilled, leading to classification under 0201 instead of 0202. Confusing bone-in with boneless, incorrectly classified under 020230 (boneless). Ignoring the processing enterprise registration number, affecting quarantine access. Failing to provide certificate of origin, unable to enjoy preferential tariff rates.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'frozen bone-in beef', 'frozen beef quarters', etc., which must be consistent with the contract and invoice.
⚠️ Writing only 'beef' without specifying frozen and bone-in, or mistakenly writing 'fresh beef'.
Method of production or preservation
Explain the freezing method, such as 'frozen' or 'quick-frozen', and indicate whether the core temperature is below -18°C.
⚠️ Vaguely writing 'chilled' when it is actually frozen, leading to classification errors.
State (bone-in/boneless)
Clearly declare as bone-in, such as carcass, half-carcass, bone-in cuts, etc.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring bone-in meat as boneless, or vice versa, affecting subheading classification.
Cut
Specific cut, such as beef foreleg, beef hindleg, beef rib, etc., which helps customs review documents.
⚠️ Writing only 'beef' without specifying the cut, which may be questioned for classification.
Country/region of origin
The country of origin of the beef, involving quarantine access and tariff quotas.
⚠️ Failing to provide proof of country of origin, or inconsistency with the quarantine license.
Brand
Commodity brand, such as 'XX brand'; if no brand, fill in 'none'.
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with the invoice and packing list.
Packaging specifications
Such as '20kg/carton', must match the actual packaging.
⚠️ Incorrect specification entry, leading to abnormal inspection.
Processing enterprise registration number
The China registration number of the overseas production enterprise, which must meet the requirements of the General Administration of Customs.
⚠️ Failure to fill in or incorrect entry, resulting in inability to clear customs.
Example： Customs declaration example:
Product name: Frozen bone-in beef (beef quarters)
Method of production or preservation: Frozen, core temperature -20°C
State: Bone-in
Cut: Beef quarters
Country of origin: Australia
Brand: XX
Packaging specifications: 25kg/carton
Processing enterprise registration number: AU1234
HS code: 0202200090
Remarks: Attached with official quarantine certificate of the exporting country and certificate of origin.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly writing frozen as chilled, leading to classification under 0201 instead of 0202.
Confusing bone-in with boneless, incorrectly classified under 020230 (boneless).
Ignoring the processing enterprise registration number, affecting quarantine access.
Failing to provide certificate of origin, unable to enjoy preferential tariff rates.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the 'Import and Export Tariff' and the 'HS Explanatory Notes'. First, Chapter 02 includes fresh, chilled and frozen meat, but frozen must meet the requirement of core temperature ≤ -18°C. Second, heading 0202 applies only to beef, excluding beef offal (0206). Subheading 020220 requires bone-in, i.e., the bone has not been removed. If boneless, it is classified under 020230. In addition, if the beef has been cooked, seasoned or canned, it should be classified under Chapter 16. Therefore, the determination requires a comprehensive consideration of animal species, preservation state, bone-in or not, and degree of processing. 020120 Fresh or chilled bone-in beef: Preservation state is fresh or chilled, temperature above -18°C, while 020220 is frozen. 020230 Frozen boneless beef: Boneless, i.e., bone removed, while 020220 retains the bone. 020610 Fresh or chilled beef offal: The commodity is beef offal (such as heart, liver, stomach), not muscle tissue, and the preservation state is different. 160250 Other prepared or preserved beef: Has undergone cooking, seasoning and other deep processing, beyond the scope of Chapter 02. 020210 Frozen bovine carcasses and half-carcasses: Carcasses or half-carcasses are whole or half-whole, while 020220 is bone-in cuts. Is the core temperature confirmed to be ≤ -18°C? Is it clearly bone-in rather than boneless? Is it beef rather than beef offal? Has it not been cooked or seasoned? Is it from an approved country and does it have a registration number?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the 'Import and Export Tariff' and the 'HS Explanatory Notes'. First, Chapter 02 includes fresh, chilled and frozen meat, but frozen must meet the requirement of core temperature ≤ -18°C. Second, heading 0202 applies only to beef, excluding beef offal (0206). Subheading 020220 requires bone-in, i.e., the bone has not been removed. If boneless, it is classified under 020230. In addition, if the beef has been cooked, seasoned or canned, it should be classified under Chapter 16. Therefore, the determination requires a comprehensive consideration of animal species, preservation state, bone-in or not, and degree of processing.
Confused Codes：
020120 - Fresh or chilled bone-in beef
Preservation state is fresh or chilled, temperature above -18°C, while 020220 is frozen.
020230 - Frozen boneless beef
Boneless, i.e., bone removed, while 020220 retains the bone.
020610 - Fresh or chilled beef offal
The commodity is beef offal (such as heart, liver, stomach), not muscle tissue, and the preservation state is different.
160250 - Other prepared or preserved beef
Has undergone cooking, seasoning and other deep processing, beyond the scope of Chapter 02.
020210 - Frozen bovine carcasses and half-carcasses
Carcasses or half-carcasses are whole or half-whole, while 020220 is bone-in cuts.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the core temperature confirmed to be ≤ -18°C?
✓ Is it clearly bone-in rather than boneless?
✓ Is it beef rather than beef offal?
✓ Has it not been cooked or seasoned?
✓ Is it from an approved country and does it have a registration number?
❓ FAQ
How to query the HS code for frozen bone-in beef? It can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the 'Import and Export Tariff'. First determine the chapter (02), then based on the preservation state (frozen) and cut (bone-in), find heading 0202, subheading 020220. It can also be confirmed using classification decisions or the advance ruling system. What is the code difference between frozen bone-in beef and frozen boneless beef? Bone-in is classified under 020220, boneless under 020230. The key is whether the bone has been removed. If uncertain, refer to the processing method or contract description, and apply for advance classification if necessary. What declaration elements are required for importing frozen bone-in beef? It is necessary to declare the product name, method of production, state, cut, country of origin, brand, packaging specifications, processing enterprise registration number, etc. Specific requirements are subject to customs requirements. It is recommended to prepare the quarantine license and certificate of origin in advance. How does the tariff quota for frozen bone-in beef affect classification? Tariff quotas are unrelated to classification, but the in-quota rate is lower. Classification errors may result in inability to enjoy quota treatment. It is necessary to ensure the HS code is correct and apply for a quota certificate. If frozen bone-in beef has been seasoned, can it still be classified under 020220? No. If it has undergone seasoning, cooking or other deep processing, it should be classified under Chapter 16 (such as 160250). Classification is based on the actual processing state; mere freezing does not change the Chapter 02 classification. Will the HS code differ when importing frozen bone-in beef from different countries? The HS code is globally unified, but individual countries may refine it to 8-10 digits. China uses a 10-digit code, with the first 6 digits consistent. The country of origin affects tariff rates and quarantine requirements but does not change the first 6 digits. What are the inspection and quarantine requirements for frozen bone-in beef? It must come from an approved country, the overseas processing enterprise must be registered in China, and an official quarantine certificate must be attached. Upon import, customs declaration and inspection are required, and customs may conduct inspection and sampling testing. What are the consequences of mistakenly classifying frozen bone-in beef under a fresh beef code? It may lead to tax evasion, evasion of quarantine, and result in tax recovery, fines, or even criminal liability. It also affects the enterprise's credit rating. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: How to query the HS code for frozen bone-in beef?
A: It can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the 'Import and Export Tariff'. First determine the chapter (02), then based on the preservation state (frozen) and cut (bone-in), find heading 0202, subheading 020220. It can also be confirmed using classification decisions or the advance ruling system.
Q: What is the code difference between frozen bone-in beef and frozen boneless beef?
A: Bone-in is classified under 020220, boneless under 020230. The key is whether the bone has been removed. If uncertain, refer to the processing method or contract description, and apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing frozen bone-in beef?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name, method of production, state, cut, country of origin, brand, packaging specifications, processing enterprise registration number, etc. Specific requirements are subject to customs requirements. It is recommended to prepare the quarantine license and certificate of origin in advance.
Q: How does the tariff quota for frozen bone-in beef affect classification?
A: Tariff quotas are unrelated to classification, but the in-quota rate is lower. Classification errors may result in inability to enjoy quota treatment. It is necessary to ensure the HS code is correct and apply for a quota certificate.
Q: If frozen bone-in beef has been seasoned, can it still be classified under 020220?
A: No. If it has undergone seasoning, cooking or other deep processing, it should be classified under Chapter 16 (such as 160250). Classification is based on the actual processing state; mere freezing does not change the Chapter 02 classification.
Q: Will the HS code differ when importing frozen bone-in beef from different countries?
A: The HS code is globally unified, but individual countries may refine it to 8-10 digits. China uses a 10-digit code, with the first 6 digits consistent. The country of origin affects tariff rates and quarantine requirements but does not change the first 6 digits.
Q: What are the inspection and quarantine requirements for frozen bone-in beef?
A: It must come from an approved country, the overseas processing enterprise must be registered in China, and an official quarantine certificate must be attached. Upon import, customs declaration and inspection are required, and customs may conduct inspection and sampling testing.
Q: What are the consequences of mistakenly classifying frozen bone-in beef under a fresh beef code?
A: It may lead to tax evasion, evasion of quarantine, and result in tax recovery, fines, or even criminal liability. It also affects the enterprise's credit rating. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification if necessary.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.