What exactly is mutton?

Mutton is meat from sheep, including lamb, typically sold as boneless cuts and often frozen.

How is frozen mutton processed and packaged for export?

The meat is halal‑slaughtered, blast‑frozen at –18 °C or below, and packed in standard export cartons of 20 kg (with options from 15–25 kg) using inner food‑grade poly bags.

What are the recommended storage conditions and shelf life for frozen mutton?

Frozen mutton should be stored at –18 °C or lower, where it can maintain quality for 18–24 months.

Mutton

Mutton is the meat of sheep, including lamb, sold as boneless cuts. It is commonly frozen to preserve freshness during transport and storage.

Prices, specifications and international trade for mutton under HS 020443.

Mutton Price

$9,705USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Mutton Historical Unit Values

Mutton is quoted in USD/t at AUS. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

Explore mutton prices

Mutton Exports and Imports

Loading trade map…

Australia led reported mutton exports in 2025, at $668M.

Compare mutton exporting countries

Mutton Specifications and Quality

Mutton grading factors include Conformation, Fat cover / marbling, and Colour and texture.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for mutton considers Conformation, Fat cover / marbling, and Colour and texture.

Conformation
Buyers assess well‑muscled cuts with superior shape and muscle development.
Fat cover / marbling
Adequate intramuscular fat is expected for tenderness and flavor.
Colour and texture
The meat should display a firm texture and natural, uniform colour.

Typical Specification Ranges

Mutton specifications record freezing temperature, shelf life. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.

Freezing temperature	-18 °C
Shelf life	18–24 months

Common Defects

Recorded defects for mutton include Bruising and Broken bones.

Bruising
Any visible bruises are considered a defect.
Broken bones
Presence of broken bones disqualifies the cut.

Certifications

Certifications documented for mutton include Halal and HACCP. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.

Halal
Halal‑certified slaughter according to religious standards.
HACCP
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point compliance for food safety.

Mutton Facts and HS Code

Mutton belongs to sheep, goat and other meat within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 020443.

Mutton HS Code

Product type	Raw
Form	Frozen
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Sheep, goat and other meat — Protein and dairy
HS codes	020443
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	AUS

Production & Handling

Processing steps for mutton include Slaughter, Bone removal (boning), Freezing (blast/IQF at -18 °C or below).

Production and Storage

Temperature regime	Frozen
Processing steps	Slaughter Bone removal (boning) Freezing (blast/IQF at -18 °C or below) Packaging in export cartons

Packaging

Typical mutton packaging includes Export cartons.

Export cartons
Standard cartons of 20 kg (options 15–25 kg) with inner food‑grade poly bags.

Uses & Risks

Mutton is used in Home cooking, Restaurant and catering, and Specialty meat products.

End Uses

Home cooking
Used for roasting, grilling, stewing, curries and other household meal preparation.
Restaurant and catering
Supplied to food service establishments for a variety of dishes.
Specialty meat products
Processed into value‑added items such as cured or marinated mutton products.

Uses and Related Commodities

Downstream industries	Food processing, Hospitality (restaurants, hotels), Retail distribution

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Pathogenic bacterial contamination Food safetyHigh Improper slaughter hygiene or inadequate chilling can allow growth of bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli in mutton.	Food safety	High	Implement strict sanitation, rapid cooling, and HACCP controls.
Parasitic infection (e.g., tapeworm) DiseaseMedium Mutton can harbor parasites like Taenia saginata if animals are not properly dewormed or meat is undercooked.	Disease	Medium	Ensure effective anthelmintic treatment of flocks and thorough cooking of meat.
Cold chain break LogisticsMedium Temperature abuse during transport or storage can lead to spoilage and microbial growth in mutton.	Logistics	Medium	Maintain continuous refrigeration and monitor temperatures throughout the supply chain.

Mutton Questions

What exactly is mutton?: Mutton is meat from sheep, including lamb, typically sold as boneless cuts and often frozen.
How is frozen mutton processed and packaged for export?: The meat is halal‑slaughtered, blast‑frozen at –18 °C or below, and packed in standard export cartons of 20 kg (with options from 15–25 kg) using inner food‑grade poly bags.
What are the recommended storage conditions and shelf life for frozen mutton?: Frozen mutton should be stored at –18 °C or lower, where it can maintain quality for 18–24 months.