HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1604.13 – Fish preparations; sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
HS code 1604.13 is the 6-digit subheading for fish preparations, sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). It is used for canned sardines in oil, sardines in tomato sauce, smoked sprats, sardinella fillets (prepared) and brisling in olive oil.
What HS 1604.13 covers
This HS code specifically covers prepared or preserved sardines, sardinella, and brisling or sprats, whole or in pieces, but not minced. These small, oily fish are highly popular globally, primarily traded in canned form, often packed in oil, water, or various sauces. Their convenience, long shelf life, and nutritional benefits (rich in omega-3s) drive significant international demand. Major exporters are typically coastal nations with abundant fisheries and established canning industries, while importers span all continents, seeking affordable and healthy protein sources. Key trade considerations include sustainable fishing practices, traceability, and adherence to food safety and labeling standards. The market offers a wide variety of preparations, catering to diverse tastes and culinary uses, from simple snacks to ingredients in more complex dishes.
- Covers
- Canned sardines in oil
- Sardines in tomato sauce
- Smoked sprats
- Sardinella fillets (prepared)
- Brisling in olive oil
- Spiced sprats
- Sardines in brine
- Examples
- King Oscar Sardines
- Brunswick Sardines
- Chicken of the Sea Sardines
- Season Brand Sardines
- Riga Gold Smoked Sprats
Codes often confused with 1604.13
Common mistake. Often confused with 160412 (herring) due to similar canned presentations, or 030489 (fresh/chilled small fish fillets) if not clearly preserved.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 160413, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160413 in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 Morocco $671M 33% of world exports
- 2 China $451M 22% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $148M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $234M 14% of world imports
- 2 France $112M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 South Africa $77M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 codes for 1604.13 2
Brazil splits HS 1604.13 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 1604.13.10 Prepared or preserved sardines, not mincedSardinhas
- 1604.13.90 Prepared sardinella, brisling or spratsOutros
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 1604.13
What is HS code 160413?
HS code 160413 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish preparations; sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). This HS code specifically covers prepared or preserved sardines, sardinella, and brisling or sprats, whole or in pieces, but not minced. These small, oily fish are highly popular globally, primarily traded in canned form, often packed in oil, water, or various sauces. Their convenience, long shelf life, and nutritional benefits (rich in omega-3s) drive significant international demand. Major exporters are typically coastal nations with abundant fisheries and established canning industries, while importers span all continents, seeking affordable and healthy protein sources. Key trade considerations include sustainable fishing practices, traceability, and adherence to food safety and labeling standards. The market offers a wide variety of preparations, catering to diverse tastes and culinary uses, from simple snacks to ingredients in more complex dishes.
What products fall under HS code 160413?
Canned sardines in oil, sardines in tomato sauce, smoked sprats, sardinella fillets (prepared), brisling in olive oil, spiced sprats, sardines in brine
What are common misclassifications for HS code 160413?
Often confused with 160412 (herring) due to similar canned presentations, or 030489 (fresh/chilled small fish fillets) if not clearly preserved.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160413?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160413 in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($671M, 33% of world exports), China ($451M) and Thailand ($148M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 160413?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160413 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($234M, 14% of world imports), France ($112M) and South Africa ($77M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 160413 structured?
HS code 160413 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 (13) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160413?
Brazil splits HS code 160413 into 2 NCM codes: 1604.13.10 (Prepared or preserved sardines, not minced), 1604.13.90 (Prepared sardinella, brisling or sprats). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.