Grade A chicken paws are one of the most requested poultry products in international trade. Restaurants, processors and wholesalers in China, Hong Kong and Vietnam buy them in full containers all year. Yet "Grade A" is a commercial label, not an official standard. Two suppliers can use the same words for very different cargo. This guide explains what buyers usually mean by the grade, how to check it, and how to source paws safely from Brazil.
You can see our standard offer on the frozen chicken paws product page, and the wider frozen chicken range.
Paws or feet: what is the difference?
In trade, "paws" are chicken feet with the lower leg (the shank) cut off. "Feet" usually still include part of the shank. Most Asian buyers want paws. The cut is cleaner, the yield is better and the product looks better in dishes such as dim sum and braised chicken feet.
Always state in the contract that you are buying paws, not feet. It sounds obvious, but it is a common cause of disputes.
What grade A chicken paws usually means
Buyers in Asia judge paws mostly by size, skin and appearance. A typical grade A chicken paws specification covers:
- Weight: a minimum of about 35 g per paw. Larger "jumbo" paws earn a premium in some markets.
- Yellow outer skin: removed. The paw should look clean and pale.
- Ammonia burns: none. These are dark marks caused by litter on the farm and are the main reason paws are downgraded.
- Black pads: none or within a very small agreed tolerance.
- Bruises, blood spots and broken bones: none beyond the agreed tolerance.
- Feathers and nails: fully clean. Some buyers also specify nails trimmed.
- Temperature: −18 °C or colder at loading.
Grade B paws have more burns, marks or smaller sizes. They sell at a lower price into processing and price-led markets. Neither grade is wrong. The problem only starts when a buyer pays for one and receives the other.
What to ask for in the inspection report
A good inspection protects you before the container leaves Brazil. Ask the inspector to open cartons from several pallets, not only from the door end of the container. The report should then show clear photos of what was found.
Useful points to request in the report:
- the number of cartons opened and the sample size;
- average paw weight and the share of paws under 35 g;
- the share of paws with ammonia burns, black pads or bruises;
- core temperature readings;
- photos of carton labels, showing the plant number, production date and net weight;
- the container number and seal number.
With this data you can compare every shipment with the contract. If a problem appears, the report is your strongest evidence. It also tells your own customers exactly what they are buying. Many importers share the photos with their wholesale buyers before the container arrives, which helps them sell faster.
Packing, loads and shelf life
Brazilian plants usually pack paws in 20 kg blocks inside poly-lined cartons. Some programmes offer inner 1 kg bags for retail. A 40ft high-cube reefer typically carries about 27 tonnes, and up to around 28.4 tonnes depending on cartons and route limits. Shelf life is generally 24 months from production when stored frozen.
Paws normally fall under HS code 0207.14, the heading for frozen cuts and offal of chicken. Check the full local tariff line with your customs broker. Our shipping and logistics page explains reefer settings, ports and transit times from Brazil.
Selling paws into China: plant registration comes first
China only accepts meat from overseas plants registered with its customs authority, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). Under GACC Decree 248, meat plants must be recommended by their own country's authority. The Chinese registration number must also appear on the packaging. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency publishes a courtesy English translation of Decree 248.
In practice, this means one simple rule for buyers. Before you sign anything, ask for the plant's SIF number and its GACC registration number. Then check them against the current approved list. Our China market page and certifications page explain how we confirm plant approvals.
Why demand for Brazilian paws is strong in 2026
China values imported paws because local paws are often smaller. The US Department of Agriculture notes in its China Poultry and Products Annual report that demand for US paws continues. However, state-level animal-health restrictions still limit US access.
Trade press reported in 2026 that US paw exports to China have fallen sharply under these limits. Brazil is one of the main alternative origins. Brazil's own exports to China also recovered strongly in 2026 after temporary bird flu curbs were lifted. For buyers, this means steady availability, but also firm prices and fast-moving offers. Plan your volumes early.
How to check a chicken paws supplier before paying
Chicken paws are also one of the products most used in online trade scams. Fake offers often show very low prices, stock photos and urgent deadlines. Protect yourself with these steps:
- Check the company on its official register. MARYTHUR LTD is listed on Companies House under number 16675563.
- Ask for the SIF and GACC numbers of the producing plant, and check them.
- Never pay before you receive a carrier booking confirmation that you can verify with the shipping line.
- Insist on independent inspection at loading, such as SGS, with photos of the paws and the cartons.
- Pay only to the supplier's own company account, and confirm any bank details by phone.
Our buyer security page explains each check in more detail. Our first market insight, on frozen chicken leg quarters, uses the same checks for another popular cut.
Ordering grade A paws from MARYTHUR LTD
We supply paws from SIF-registered Brazilian plants, including GACC-approved plants for China, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Every order follows our working procedure, from Letter of Intent to final balance.
Our only payment terms are T/T: 30–50% deposit + balance on arrival. The deposit is paid after we send the booking confirmation and proforma invoice. SGS inspects quality and quantity at loading. You pay the balance within 15 business days of arrival at your port.
Tell us your size, packing, destination port and monthly volume, and we will reply with a written offer. Request a quote for chicken paws.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum weight for grade A chicken paws?
Most grade A specifications ask for at least 35 g per paw. Some buyers in China and Hong Kong pay more for larger jumbo paws, so agree the weight range in writing.
What are ammonia burns on chicken paws?
Ammonia burns are dark marks on the paw pad caused by contact with wet farm litter. They are the main reason paws are downgraded from grade A to grade B.
Can Brazilian chicken paws be exported to China?
Yes, but only from Brazilian plants registered with China's customs authority, GACC. Ask your supplier for the plant's SIF and GACC numbers and check them before you sign.
How are chicken paws packed for export?
Brazilian paws are usually packed in 20 kg blocks inside poly-lined cartons, with optional 1 kg inner bags. A 40ft reefer typically carries about 27 tonnes.
How can I avoid chicken paws scams?
Check the seller's company register, verify the booking with the carrier before paying, require SGS inspection at loading, and pay only to the seller's own company account.
