Chapter 16 is the major category in the HS classification system for 'preparations of meat, of fish, of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates', covering processed animal food products (such as cooked, cured, smoked, homogenized, etc.), but excluding unprocessed products that have only been simply frozen, cut or packaged (classified in Chapters 2 and 3). The core of this chapter lies in 'depth of processing', i.e., the manufacturing process that changes the original form or nature of the product. Heading 1602 covers 'other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal or blood', i.e., all cooked, cured, smoked, canned and other meat products other than sausages (1601) and homogenized meat preparations (1602.10). It includes whole or sliced cooked meat, meat paste, meat powder, meat extracts, etc., but excludes fresh or chilled meat of Chapter 2 or products already named earlier in Chapter 16. First 2 digits 16: indicates Chapter 16, preparations of animal food products. Digits 3-4 02: indicates heading 1602, other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal or blood. Digits 5-6 10: indicates subheading 1602.10, homogenized meat preparations. Homogenized meat preparations refer to uniform paste products made by finely grinding and homogenizing meat or meat offal, suitable for infant consumption or direct consumption, usually in retail packaging. Subheading division is based on processing method and product form, parallel to 1602.20 (liver preparations), 1602.31 (turkey preparations), etc. This commodity is classified under 1602.10 because it has undergone homogenization treatment to form a uniform paste, meeting the definition of 'homogenized meat preparations'. It is not classified under 1601 (sausages) or 1602.20 (liver preparations), nor is it fresh meat of Chapter 2. Homogenization is the core characteristic, and it is usually in retail packaging, suitable for infants or special diets.

Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'homogenized chicken paste', 'homogenized mixed meat preparations'. It must reflect the homogenization characteristic and main raw materials. Ingredient content: List the meat types and percentages, such as 'chicken 60%, water 30%, starch 10%'. It is necessary to indicate whether other animal ingredients are contained. Processing method: Describe the homogenization process in detail, such as 'filled after grinding, homogenizing and sterilizing'. The homogenization treatment must be emphasized. Packaging specifications: Indicate the retail packaging form, such as '110g glass bottle', '200g flexible packaging'. Homogenized meat preparations are usually in retail packaging. Brand: Declare the commodity brand, such as 'Heinz', 'Gerber'. If there is no brand, fill in 'None'. Production date: Specific production date, in the format '2025-03-01'. Used for shelf life and food safety supervision. Shelf life: Indicate the shelf life duration, such as '24 months'. It must be consistent with the packaging label. Customs declaration example: Product name: Homogenized chicken paste Ingredient content: chicken 65%, water 25%, rice starch 8%, salt 2% Processing method: raw meat minced, ground, homogenized, high-temperature sterilized, then aseptically filled Packaging specifications: 110g/glass bottle, 24 bottles/carton Brand: Heinz Production date: 2025-03-01 Shelf life: 24 months HS code: 16021000 Mistakenly classifying non-homogenized meat paste under 1602.10, when it should actually be classified under 1602.90 or another subheading. Ignoring the retail packaging requirement; large-package homogenized meat preparations may be classified under other headings. Declaring as homogenized meat preparations when the meat content in the ingredients is less than 50%, which may be determined to be other food.

Core basis for classification: 1) whether the product has undergone homogenization treatment to form a uniform paste; 2) whether it is suitable for direct consumption or as infant food; 3) whether it is in retail packaging; 4) whether the meat ingredient is the main ingredient. Homogenized meat preparations must meet the definition of 1602.10 in the HS Explanatory Notes: finely homogenized meat, offal or blood, prepared for infant consumption or direct consumption in retail packaging. If not homogenized or not in retail packaging, it is classified under other subheadings of 1602 or Chapter 2. 160100 Sausages and similar products: Sausages are meat products stuffed into casings, in sausage form, not homogenized paste. Homogenized meat preparations have no casing and a uniform texture. 160220 Liver preparations: Liver preparations use animal liver as the main ingredient, while homogenized meat preparations are not limited to liver and must be homogenized. If homogenized liver paste, it is still classified under 1602.10. 160250 Beef preparations: 1602.50 is for specific beef preparations; if homogenized beef, it is classified under 1602.10. Homogenization takes priority over meat type. 0210 Dried, smoked, salted meat: Chapter 2 products are only simply preserved and not homogenized. Homogenized meat preparations have undergone deep processing, changing the physical form. 190110 Infant formula food: 1901.10 is cereal-based or milk-based infant food; if the meat content is low and cereal is the main component, it is classified under 1901; homogenized meat preparations are mainly meat. Has the product undergone homogenization treatment to form a uniform paste? Is it in retail packaging, for direct consumption or infant consumption? Is the meat ingredient the main ingredient (usually >50%)? Is it not classified under 1601 sausages or Chapter 2 fresh meat? Does the processing method include key steps such as grinding and homogenizing?

How to query the HS code for homogenized meat preparations? First determine that the product is a homogenized meat preparation, then follow the HS structure: Chapter 16 → heading 1602 → subheading 1602.10. You may consult the Import and Export Tariff or customs classification decisions, and search using the keyword 'homogenized meat preparations'. Note that the last few digits of codes may differ among countries, but the first 6 digits are internationally uniform. What is the difference in classification between homogenized meat preparations and ordinary meat paste? Homogenized meat preparations must undergo homogenization treatment to form a uniform paste and are usually in retail packaging, classified under 1602.10. Ordinary meat paste, if not homogenized, may be classified under 1602.90 (other preserved meat preparations) or Chapter 2. The key difference lies in the processing technology and product form. What is the most common error when declaring homogenized meat preparations? The most common error is not indicating the 'homogenization' process, resulting in classification under another subheading; or not providing proof of retail packaging; or false declaration of ingredient content with too low a meat proportion. It is recommended to keep the production process flow and packaging photos for inspection. Can homogenized meat preparations enjoy free trade agreement tariff rates? It is necessary to check the tariff reduction list of the specific free trade agreement (such as RCEP, China-ASEAN). Homogenized meat preparations are usually in Chapter 16, and most agreements have tariff reduction arrangements. When querying, it is necessary to confirm the rules of origin, such as regional value content or change in tariff classification. What regulatory requirements are there for cross-border e-commerce retail import of homogenized meat preparations? They must comply with the 'Cross-border E-commerce Retail Import Commodity List'. If homogenized meat preparations are on the list, they can be imported under the cross-border e-commerce model. Note that Chinese labels, overseas manufacturer registration, and accompanying qualification certificates are required. There is a limit on the quantity for personal use. What certifications are required to export homogenized meat preparations to the EU? The EU requires meat preparations to come from registered establishments and be accompanied by a health certificate. Homogenized meat preparations may need to comply with EU Regulation (EC) No 853/2004. Before export, it is necessary to confirm that the factory is on the EU registration list and that product labels comply with EU requirements. If homogenized meat preparations contain multiple meats, how are they classified? They are still classified under 1602.10, because the subheading division of homogenized meat preparations is not based on meat type but on processing method. However, when declaring, all meat ingredients and proportions must be listed to ensure that the main ingredient is meat. How to distinguish homogenized meat preparations from infant complementary food (1901)? If the product is mainly meat (usually >50%) and has been homogenized, it is classified under 1602.10. If it is mainly cereal, milk or sugar, with only a small amount of meat, it is classified under 1901.10 (infant formula food). Customs will determine based on ingredients and main function.