## Common ground
All options refer to beef products derived from bovine animals, differing only in processing, preservation method, and storage condition.
## Options at a glance
**0201 – Fresh or chilled**
- **Defining trait:** Not frozen or preserved; stored at temperatures just above freezing for short-term freshness.
- **Typical examples:** Fresh beef mince from a local butcher, refrigerated for sale.
- **Best fit when:** The product is sold unprocessed and kept cold but not frozen.
**0202 – Frozen**
- **Defining trait:** Frozen at or below -18°C for long-term storage and transport.
- **Typical examples:** Beef mince from a supermarket freezer section.
- **Best fit when:** The product is stored or shipped in frozen form.
**0210 – Salted, dried, or smoked**
- **Defining trait:** Preserved using salt, drying, or smoking; not fresh or frozen.
- **Typical examples:** Dried beef jerky, salted beef cubes, smoked mince.
- **Best fit when:** The product has undergone significant preservation beyond refrigeration.
**1602.50 – Prepared or preserved**
- **Defining trait:** Contains added ingredients (e.g., spices, fillers) or is cooked/preserved in a way that changes its nature from raw meat.
- **Typical examples:** Beef burgers, seasoned mince patties, canned beef stew.
- **Best fit when:** The product is mixed with other ingredients or processed beyond simple freezing.
## Key differences
| Option | Storage/Preservation | Processing Level | Added Ingredients |
|--------|------------------------|------------------|-------------------|
| 0201 | Chilled (above freezing) | Raw, unprocessed | None |
| 0202 | Frozen (≤ -18°C) | Raw, frozen | None |
| 0210 | Salted/dried/smoked | Preserved | Minimal (salt, smoke) |
| 1602.50| Cooked/preserved | Highly processed | Yes |
## How to choose
- Is the product frozen? → 0202
- Is it salted, dried, or smoked? → 0210
- Does it contain added spices, fillers, or is it cooked? → 1602.50
- Is it fresh and chilled (not frozen), with no additives? → 0201
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A product may be both frozen and prepared (e.g., frozen seasoned mince), which could fit both 0202 and 1602.50. In such cases, prioritize based on the **main function**: if it’s primarily raw meat stored frozen, use 0202; if it’s a ready-to-use or cooked product, use 1602.50. Do not assume processing level from storage alone