1602.32.00 - Of chickens

This HTS category, 1602.32.00, specifically classifies prepared or preserved meat and meat offal of chickens. This encompasses a broad range of products where chicken is the primary ingredient, processed through methods such as canning, cooking, salting, smoking, or freezing. The key distinguishing factor is that the product must be derived from chickens, differentiating it from other poultry preparations.

Unlike its sibling categories, 1602.31.00 (Of turkeys) and 1602.39.00 (Other poultry), this classification is exclusively for chicken-based items. For instance, canned chicken, chicken pâtés, cooked chicken pieces in sauces, and frozen chicken dinners all fall under this heading, provided chicken is the predominant meat. The processing method and final form are secondary to the origin of the meat.

Within this category, further distinctions exist to refine classification. The subcategory "Prepared meals" acknowledges that certain chicken preparations may constitute complete meals, often containing additional ingredients like vegetables, grains, or sauces. The residual category, "Other," captures all other prepared or preserved chicken products not fitting into specific sub-classifications. This hierarchical structure allows for precise identification of specific types of prepared chicken goods for customs purposes.