HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 0407.90 – Birds' eggs, in shell; preserved or cooked

HS code 0407.90 is the 6-digit subheading for birds' eggs, in shell, preserved or cooked. It is used for hard-boiled chicken eggs in brine, pickled quail eggs, salted duck eggs, century eggs (pidan) and tea eggs.

What HS 0407.90 covers

This HS code covers birds' eggs that are still in their shell but have undergone some form of preservation or cooking. Unlike fresh eggs, these products are designed for extended shelf life, often through methods like pickling, salting, or hard-boiling. International trade in these items caters to specific culinary traditions, convenience food markets, and regions where fresh egg supply might be inconsistent. Key players in this market include food manufacturers, specialty grocers, and ethnic food distributors. Importers often seek unique regional delicacies or shelf-stable protein sources, while exporters leverage processing capabilities to add value to their egg production. Understanding the specific preservation method is crucial for customs and regulatory compliance, as different treatments can affect import duties and food safety standards.

Covers
  • Hard-boiled chicken eggs in brine
  • Pickled quail eggs
  • Salted duck eggs
  • Century eggs (pidan)
  • Tea eggs
  • Preserved goose eggs
  • Cooked pheasant eggs
Examples
  • Wei-Chuan Century Eggs
  • Marinated Quail Eggs (various brands)
  • Salted Duck Eggs (Asian brands)
  • Pre-cooked Hard-Boiled Eggs (e.g., Eggland's Best)
  • Bay View Foods Pickled Eggs

Codes often confused with 0407.90

Common mistake. This code can be confused with 040711 (fresh chicken eggs) or 040721 (other fresh bird eggs) if the 'preserved or cooked' aspect is overlooked. The key distinction is that the eggs have undergone processing to extend shelf life or alter their state, while remaining in their shell.

0407.11Birds' eggs, in shell; fresh, fertilised eggs for incubation, of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus (domestic hens)0407.21Birds' eggs, in shell; fresh, not for incubation, of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus (domestic hens)

Top exporters and importers of HS code 040790, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 040790 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 12% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $60M
  2. 2 Netherlands $52M
  3. 3 Denmark $22M

World total: $243M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Spain $25M
  2. 2 Hong Kong $24M
  3. 3 France $23M

World total: $216M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for 0407.90

Brazil does not split HS 0407.90: its NCM code is 0407.90.00.

  1. 0407.90.00 Preserved or cooked birds' eggs in shellOutros

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 04.07 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 0407.90

What is HS code 040790?

HS code 040790 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Birds' eggs, in shell; preserved or cooked. This HS code covers birds' eggs that are still in their shell but have undergone some form of preservation or cooking. Unlike fresh eggs, these products are designed for extended shelf life, often through methods like pickling, salting, or hard-boiling. International trade in these items caters to specific culinary traditions, convenience food markets, and regions where fresh egg supply might be inconsistent. Key players in this market include food manufacturers, specialty grocers, and ethnic food distributors. Importers often seek unique regional delicacies or shelf-stable protein sources, while exporters leverage processing capabilities to add value to their egg production. Understanding the specific preservation method is crucial for customs and regulatory compliance, as different treatments can affect import duties and food safety standards.

What products fall under HS code 040790?

Hard-boiled chicken eggs in brine, pickled quail eggs, salted duck eggs, century eggs (pidan), tea eggs, preserved goose eggs, cooked pheasant eggs

What are common misclassifications for HS code 040790?

This code can be confused with 040711 (fresh chicken eggs) or 040721 (other fresh bird eggs) if the 'preserved or cooked' aspect is overlooked. The key distinction is that the eggs have undergone processing to extend shelf life or alter their state, while remaining in their shell.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 040790?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 040790 in UN Comtrade data were China ($60M, 25% of world exports), the Netherlands ($52M) and Denmark ($22M). World exports came to about $243M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 040790?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 040790 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($25M, 12% of world imports), Hong Kong ($24M) and France ($23M). World imports came to about $216M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

How is HS code 040790 structured?

HS code 040790 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (04) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (07) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 040790?

In Brazil, HS code 040790 is NCM 0407.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.