HS code · 2-digit chapter
HS Code 16 – Meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, or insects; preparations thereof
What HS 16 covers
HS Chapter 16 encompasses prepared or preserved meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, other aquatic invertebrates, and insects, along with preparations thereof. This chapter is distinct from Chapter 2 (fresh, chilled, or frozen meat) and Chapter 3 (fresh, chilled, or frozen fish and aquatic invertebrates) as it focuses on products that have undergone a significant processing step to preserve them or create a new food preparation. The scope includes items that have been cooked, smoked, salted, dried, canned, cured, or otherwise processed beyond simple chilling or freezing. Key sub-categories within this chapter include sausages and similar products (1601), other prepared or preserved meat, offal, or blood (1602), extracts and juices of meat or aquatic products (1603), prepared or preserved fish, caviar, and caviar substitutes (1604), prepared or preserved crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates (1605), and prepared or preserved insects (1606), a relatively newer addition reflecting evolving dietary trends. This classification is critical for trade compliance due to varying tariff rates, quotas, and strict sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations that apply to processed food items. Misclassification can lead to significant delays, customs penalties, and even product rejection. Historically, this chapter reflects the global demand for convenience foods, extended shelf-life products, and value-added food processing, playing a vital role in international food trade and security. Understanding its boundaries is essential for importers and exporters navigating complex global food supply chains, ensuring products meet both commercial and regulatory standards in destination markets.
- Covers
- Canned tuna in oil
- Smoked salmon fillets
- Canned sardines in tomato sauce
- Shrimp cocktail
- Crab meat pâté
- Fish fingers (breaded fish sticks)
- Surimi imitation crab meat
- Sturgeon caviar
- Lumpfish roe spreads
- Cooked peeled frozen shrimp
- Prepared fried squid rings
- Octopus in brine
- Pork sausages
- Canned corned beef
- Chicken nuggets
- Beef jerky
- Ham pâté
- Turkey deli slices
- Salami
- Black pudding (blood sausage)
- Insect protein flour
- Roasted crickets
- Mealworm snacks
- Canned whole grasshoppers
- Fish soup concentrate
- Examples
A US importer brings in large shipments of canned tuna in sunflower oil from Thailand, classified under HS 1604. These shipments typically travel via ocean freight from Bangkok to major US ports like Los Angeles or Seattle, requiring strict adherence to FDA regulations, labeling requirements, and specific tariff rates which may be influenced by existing trade agreements. Separately, a Norwegian exporter regularly ships high-value smoked Atlantic salmon fillets to Japan, classified under HS 1604. This trade route, often from Oslo to Tokyo, demands meticulous cold chain management, adherence to stringent Japanese food safety standards, and benefits from the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement for preferential tariff treatment. In another scenario, a Brazilian firm imports cooked, peeled, and frozen shrimp from Vietnam (HS 1605) for further processing and distribution. These products are shipped from Ho Chi Minh City to ports like Santos, subject to Brazilian ANVISA health certifications and specific Mercosur external tariffs. Finally, a Canadian distributor sources specialty roasted and flavored mealworm snacks from the Netherlands (HS 1606). These novel food products, traveling from Rotterdam to Toronto, must comply with Health Canada's regulations for insect-based foods and specific import duties.
Headings in chapter 16 5
Codes often confused with 16
Common mistake. Common misclassifications in Chapter 16 often arise from misunderstanding the 'prepared or preserved' distinction. Traders frequently confuse products that are simply fresh, chilled, or frozen (Chapter 2 for meat, Chapter 3 for fish/aquatic invertebrates) with those that have undergone a significant processing step to become 'prepared' or 'preserved' (Chapter 16). For example, a raw, unseasoned chicken breast, even if vacuum-packed, belongs to Chapter 2, not 16. Another common mistake is confusing some meat/fish extracts or prepared meals with Chapter 21 (Miscellaneous edible preparations). While Chapter 16 covers preparations *of* these products, Chapter 21 might cover more composite food preparations or specific extracts (e.g., soups, broths) where the meat/fish character is less primary or in a different form. Lastly, certain products like fish roe may be confused with dairy spreads if dairy is an ingredient, but if the primary character remains the roe, Chapter 1604 applies.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 16, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 16 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 China $10.9B 16% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $7.2B 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $4.3B 6.3% of world exports
World total: $68.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $7.3B 12% of world imports
- 2 Japan $6.3B 10% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $6.0B 9.5% of world imports
World total: $63.2B 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.
Questions about HS 16
What is HS code 16?
HS code 16 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, or insects; preparations thereof. HS Chapter 16 encompasses prepared or preserved meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, other aquatic invertebrates, and insects, along with preparations thereof. This chapter is distinct from Chapter 2 (fresh, chilled, or frozen meat) and Chapter 3 (fresh, chilled, or frozen fish and aquatic invertebrates) as it focuses on products that have undergone a significant processing step to preserve them or create a new food preparation. The scope includes items that have been cooked, smoked, salted, dried, canned, cured, or otherwise processed beyond simple chilling or freezing. Key sub-categories within this chapter include sausages and similar products (1601), other prepared or preserved meat, offal, or blood (1602), extracts and juices of meat or aquatic products (1603), prepared or preserved fish, caviar, and caviar substitutes (1604), prepared or preserved crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates (1605), and prepared or preserved insects (1606), a relatively newer addition reflecting evolving dietary trends. This classification is critical for trade compliance due to varying tariff rates, quotas, and strict sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations that apply to processed food items. Misclassification can lead to significant delays, customs penalties, and even product rejection. Historically, this chapter reflects the global demand for convenience foods, extended shelf-life products, and value-added food processing, playing a vital role in international food trade and security. Understanding its boundaries is essential for importers and exporters navigating complex global food supply chains, ensuring products meet both commercial and regulatory standards in destination markets.
What products fall under HS code 16?
Canned tuna in oil, Smoked salmon fillets, Canned sardines in tomato sauce, Shrimp cocktail, Crab meat pâté, Fish fingers (breaded fish sticks), Surimi imitation crab meat, Sturgeon caviar, Lumpfish roe spreads, Cooked peeled frozen shrimp, Prepared fried squid rings, Octopus in brine, Pork sausages, Canned corned beef, Chicken nuggets, Beef jerky, Ham pâté, Turkey deli slices, Salami, Black pudding (blood sausage), Insect protein flour, Roasted crickets, Mealworm snacks, Canned whole grasshoppers, Fish soup concentrate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 16?
Common misclassifications in Chapter 16 often arise from misunderstanding the 'prepared or preserved' distinction. Traders frequently confuse products that are simply fresh, chilled, or frozen (Chapter 2 for meat, Chapter 3 for fish/aquatic invertebrates) with those that have undergone a significant processing step to become 'prepared' or 'preserved' (Chapter 16). For example, a raw, unseasoned chicken breast, even if vacuum-packed, belongs to Chapter 2, not 16. Another common mistake is confusing some meat/fish extracts or prepared meals with Chapter 21 (Miscellaneous edible preparations). While Chapter 16 covers preparations *of* these products, Chapter 21 might cover more composite food preparations or specific extracts (e.g., soups, broths) where the meat/fish character is less primary or in a different form. Lastly, certain products like fish roe may be confused with dairy spreads if dairy is an ingredient, but if the primary character remains the roe, Chapter 1604 applies.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 16?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 16 in UN Comtrade data were China ($10.9B, 16% of world exports), Thailand ($7.2B) and Germany ($4.3B). World exports came to about $68.1B, 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 16?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 16 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.3B, 12% of world imports), Japan ($6.3B) and the United Kingdom ($6.0B). World imports came to about $63.2B, 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 16 structured?
HS code 16 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.