HTS US: 0205.XX.XXXX
Description
HTS Code 0205 falls under Section I of the Harmonized System and classifies the meat of horses, asses, mules, and hinnies. This code is essential for importers, processors, and traders of equine meat products. Proper classification is critical for determining applicable import duties and compliance with health and safety regulations.
Code Hierarchy
- Section I: Live Animals; Animal Products (Chapters 01-05)
- Chapter 02: Meat and Edible Meat Offal
- Heading 0205: Meat of horses, asses, mules, and hinnies.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
0205.XX.XXXX– The final digits specify the exact cut and preparation.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The 4-digit HS heading 0205 is broken down into specific 6-digit and 10-digit codes based on the cut and state of the meat.
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0205.10 | Carcasses and half-carcasses, fresh or chilled | The primary form after slaughter, often for further processing. |
0205.10.0000 |
Horse carcasses/half-carcasses, fresh or chilled | |
| 0205.20 | Carcasses and half-carcasses, frozen | Frozen whole or half bodies of horses. |
0205.20.0000 |
Horse carcasses/half-carcasses, frozen | |
| 0205.30 | Other meat, fresh or chilled | Includes fresh or chilled cuts of horse meat. |
0205.30.1000 |
Fresh or chilled horse meat cuts | |
| 0205.40 | Other meat, frozen | Includes all other frozen cuts of horse meat. |
0205.40.0000 |
Frozen horse meat cuts |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To avoid misclassification, note these exclusions:
- Sausages and similar prepared products (e.g., horse meat sausages) are classified in Chapter 16.
- Salted, brined, dried, or smoked horse meat falls under Chapter 16.
- Edible offal of horses is classified under a different heading, 0206.
Notes
- USDA/FSIS Regulations: The importation of fresh, chilled, or frozen horse meat into the United States is strictly controlled by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The meat must originate from countries and establishments approved by the USDA and meet U.S. safety standards.
- Duty Rates: Duty rates vary significantly depending on the specific 10-digit HTS code. Many horse meat products may be subject to tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), meaning a low duty rate applies to a certain quantity, and a higher rate applies to over-quota imports.
- Country of Origin Labeling (COOL): Accurate country-of-origin labeling is required for horse meat products.
Declaration Example
Product: A shipment of frozen horse meat cuts from Canada.
US HTS Code:
0205.40.0000(Frozen horse meat cuts)Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)
General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (Often subject to TRQ; may vary depending on country of origin)
Additional Requirements: USDA/FSIS import inspection and health certificate.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 0206: Edible offal of horses (fresh, chilled, frozen).
- HTS 1602.30: Prepared or preserved horse meat.
- HTS 0210.11: Horse meat that is salted, dried, or smoked.
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