Meat of bovine animals; fresh or chilled (heading 0201): importing markets
Code 0201 groups fresh and chilled beef. The United States, Germany, and Italy are the largest importers globally, together accounting for over USD 13…
Published on 27 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Code 0201 groups fresh and chilled beef. The United States, Germany, and Italy are the largest importers globally, together accounting for over USD 13 billion in annual purchases. Before shipping, verify the specific tariff under your applicable trade agreement and confirm veterinary and food safety requirements for each destination.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 0201
- Chapter
- 02 · Meat and edible meat offal
- Subheadings
- 3
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | 6,886,169,909 |
| Germany | 3,183,333,616 |
| Italy | 3,082,038,429 |
| Netherlands | 2,724,335,310 |
| France | 1,976,456,545 |
| United Kingdom | 1,652,683,888 |
| Chile | 1,480,100,991 |
| Japan | 1,444,249,311 |
| Mexico | 1,384,118,232 |
| Spain | 1,278,304,224 |
| South Korea | 1,259,141,647 |
| Portugal | 1,117,854,901 |
| Canada | 979,652,804 |
| Greece | 892,950,583 |
| China | 800,486,400 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 22 September 2026
What to check before exporting beef
Tariffs on fresh beef depend on the specific subheading within code 0201 and the trade agreement between Spain and the importer's country. The EU maintains preferential rates with some markets under bilateral or multilateral agreements; others face standard rates. Check your exact tariff in Access2Markets by entering the subheading, the destination country, and confirming the date, since rates change with trade policy.
Veterinary certification is mandatory for all destinations outside the EU. Each importing country sets its own health requirements: some require specific disease-free status certificates, others demand proof of inspection by a recognized authority. Contact the competent veterinary authority in your region or your sector association before your first shipment to understand what certificates the destination requires.
Food safety rules vary by market. The EU applies its own standards for domestic trade, but non-EU importers may require additional documentation: traceability records, cold chain proof, or certifications from approved facilities. These are not tariff issues; they are entry conditions that can block a shipment if missing. Verify them with the importer or a customs broker in the destination country.
The size of your shipment affects logistics but not duty status. Whether you export one container or ten, the tariff classification and regulatory burden are the same. However, smaller volumes may face higher per-unit handling costs, so factor in logistics expenses when setting your price.
Common questions
Where do I find the exact tariff for my shipment?
Use Access2Markets (ec.europa.eu) or your national customs authority's tool. Enter code 0201 with the specific subheading (0201.1, 0201.2, or 0201.3), select the destination country, and the tool will show the applied rate under the relevant trade agreement. Tariffs change with policy, so check before each quote.
What veterinary documents do I need?
This depends entirely on the destination country. EU importers require only your standard EU veterinary certificate. Non-EU buyers may require additional health certificates, proof of regional disease-free status, or approval from their own veterinary authority. Ask your importer for their specific requirements, or contact a customs broker in that country.
Can I export beef to any country from Spain?
Not all countries accept EU beef. Some have import bans or severe restrictions due to health regulations. Before approaching a buyer, verify that the destination country's authority accepts beef from the EU. Your customs broker or chamber of commerce can confirm this for a specific market.
How long does fresh beef stay valid during transport?
Fresh beef must remain chilled throughout transport. Temperature and duration depend on the specific conditions of your logistics provider and the importer's requirements. Plan your shipment to arrive within the buyer's acceptance window; if you ship by sea to distant markets, ask whether they accept chilled rather than fresh beef, as frozen beef falls under a different code.
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