HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 1604.17 – Fish preparations; eels, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)

HS code 1604.17 is the 6-digit subheading for fish preparations, eels, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). It is used for smoked eel fillets, grilled unagi (kabayaki), marinated eel, jellied eels and canned smoked eel.

What HS 1604.17 covers

HS code 160417 encompasses eels that have undergone preparation or preservation, presented as whole fish or in pieces, but not in minced form. This category is particularly significant in East Asian and European markets, where eels are considered a delicacy. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and China are major importers, driven by high consumer demand for dishes such as unagi (grilled eel). European nations, including Germany and the Netherlands, also import prepared eels. Key exporters are often countries with substantial aquaculture operations or wild eel fisheries, such as China, Taiwan, and the Netherlands. The trade involves various forms, from smoked and marinated eels to those prepared in sauces. Sustainability concerns regarding eel populations and strict regulations on international trade, particularly for endangered species, are crucial factors influencing this market. The processing methods ensure extended shelf life and convenience for consumers.

Covers
  • Smoked eel fillets
  • Grilled unagi (kabayaki)
  • Marinated eel
  • Jellied eels
  • Canned smoked eel
  • Roasted eel pieces
  • Eel in teriyaki sauce
Examples

Kikkoman Unagi Kabayaki, F.W. Schlotterbeck & Co. Smoked Eel, H. van Wijnen Smoked Eel, Eel River Eel, Maruha Nichiro Unagi

Codes often confused with 1604.17

Common mistake. This code can be confused with fresh or chilled eels (0302.71) or frozen eels (0303.81), which are unprocessed. It should also be distinguished from minced fish preparations (1604.20) if the eel is finely ground.

0302.71Fish; fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.990303.81Fish; frozen, dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.991604.20Fish preparations; fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved

Top exporters and importers of HS code 160417, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160417 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 96% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 57% 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 $780M
  2. 2 Netherlands $12M
  3. 3 Germany $6.2M

World total: $810M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Japan $367M
  2. 2 Russia* ~$44M
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$38M

World total: $645M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 1604.17

Brazil does not split HS 1604.17: its NCM code is 1604.17.00.

  1. 1604.17.00 Prepared or preserved eelsEnguias

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 1604.17

What is HS code 160417?

HS code 160417 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish preparations; eels, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). HS code 160417 encompasses eels that have undergone preparation or preservation, presented as whole fish or in pieces, but not in minced form. This category is particularly significant in East Asian and European markets, where eels are considered a delicacy. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and China are major importers, driven by high consumer demand for dishes such as unagi (grilled eel). European nations, including Germany and the Netherlands, also import prepared eels. Key exporters are often countries with substantial aquaculture operations or wild eel fisheries, such as China, Taiwan, and the Netherlands. The trade involves various forms, from smoked and marinated eels to those prepared in sauces. Sustainability concerns regarding eel populations and strict regulations on international trade, particularly for endangered species, are crucial factors influencing this market. The processing methods ensure extended shelf life and convenience for consumers.

What products fall under HS code 160417?

Smoked eel fillets, grilled unagi (kabayaki), marinated eel, jellied eels, canned smoked eel, roasted eel pieces, eel in teriyaki sauce

What are common misclassifications for HS code 160417?

This code can be confused with fresh or chilled eels (0302.71) or frozen eels (0303.81), which are unprocessed. It should also be distinguished from minced fish preparations (1604.20) if the eel is finely ground.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160417?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160417 in UN Comtrade data were China ($780M, 96% of world exports), the Netherlands ($12M) and Germany ($6.2M). World exports came to about $810M, 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 160417?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160417 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($367M, 57% of world imports), Russia (about $44M) and Taiwan (about $38M). World imports came to about $645M, 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 160417 structured?

HS code 160417 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 (17) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160417?

In Brazil, HS code 160417 is NCM 1604.17.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.