HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1604.12 – Fish preparations; herrings, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
HS code 1604.12 is the 6-digit subheading for fish preparations, herrings, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). It is used for pickled herring fillets, smoked herring (kippers), canned herring in oil, herring roe (prepared) and herring in tomato sauce.
What HS 1604.12 covers
This HS code covers prepared or preserved herrings, whole or in pieces, excluding minced products. Herring is a staple in many European diets and is traded globally in various forms, including pickled, smoked (kippers), and canned. Its affordability, nutritional value, and versatility make it a significant item in the seafood trade. Exporters are typically countries with strong herring fisheries and established processing traditions, while importers often have a cultural affinity for herring products or seek cost-effective protein sources. Key trade aspects include adherence to fishing quotas, sustainable sourcing practices, and food safety regulations. The market is characterized by both traditional preparations and modern convenience products, reflecting a rich culinary heritage and evolving consumer demands for ready-to-eat seafood options.
- Covers
- Pickled herring fillets
- Smoked herring (kippers)
- Canned herring in oil
- Herring roe (prepared)
- Herring in tomato sauce
- Matjes herring
- Herring in cream sauce
- Examples
- Roland Pickled Herring
- Brunswick Sardines (sometimes herring)
- King Oscar Kipper Snacks
- Vita Herring Fillets
- various Scandinavian brands of pickled herring
Codes often confused with 1604.12
Common mistake. Can be confused with 030489 (fresh/chilled herring fillets) if not preserved, or 160413 (sardines) due to similar appearance in some canned forms.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 160412, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160412 in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% 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 Poland $208M 39% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $90M 17% of world exports
- 3 Norway $46M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $534M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $200M 36% of world imports
- 2 Poland $75M 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $48M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $552M 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 1604.12
Brazil does not split HS 1604.12: its NCM code is 1604.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 16.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1604.12
What is HS code 160412?
HS code 160412 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish preparations; herrings, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). This HS code covers prepared or preserved herrings, whole or in pieces, excluding minced products. Herring is a staple in many European diets and is traded globally in various forms, including pickled, smoked (kippers), and canned. Its affordability, nutritional value, and versatility make it a significant item in the seafood trade. Exporters are typically countries with strong herring fisheries and established processing traditions, while importers often have a cultural affinity for herring products or seek cost-effective protein sources. Key trade aspects include adherence to fishing quotas, sustainable sourcing practices, and food safety regulations. The market is characterized by both traditional preparations and modern convenience products, reflecting a rich culinary heritage and evolving consumer demands for ready-to-eat seafood options.
What products fall under HS code 160412?
Pickled herring fillets, smoked herring (kippers), canned herring in oil, herring roe (prepared), herring in tomato sauce, matjes herring, herring in cream sauce
What are common misclassifications for HS code 160412?
Can be confused with 030489 (fresh/chilled herring fillets) if not preserved, or 160413 (sardines) due to similar appearance in some canned forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160412?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160412 in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($208M, 39% of world exports), Denmark ($90M) and Norway ($46M). World exports came to about $534M, 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 160412?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160412 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($200M, 36% of world imports), Poland ($75M) and the United States ($48M). World imports came to about $552M, 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 160412 structured?
HS code 160412 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (16) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160412?
In Brazil, HS code 160412 is NCM 1604.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.