HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 1604.18 – Fish preparations; shark fins, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)

HS code 1604.18 is the 6-digit subheading for fish preparations, shark fins, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). It is used for dried shark fins, frozen shark fins (processed), canned shark fin soup ingredients, prepared shark fin strips and cooked shark fin.

What HS 1604.18 covers

This HS code specifically covers shark fins that have been prepared or preserved, whether whole or in pieces, excluding minced forms. The trade in shark fins is highly specialized and often controversial due to conservation concerns and ethical debates surrounding shark fishing practices. Major importing regions are predominantly in Asia, particularly Hong Kong, China, and Singapore, where shark fin soup is considered a traditional delicacy and a symbol of status. Exporters typically include countries with significant shark fisheries, though international regulations and CITES listings increasingly restrict this trade. Key aspects of this market include the high value of the product, the complex supply chains, and the ongoing efforts by conservation groups to reduce demand and enforce stricter trade controls. Traders must navigate a complex landscape of national and international laws, as well as public opinion, which heavily influences market dynamics.

Covers
  • Dried shark fins
  • Frozen shark fins (processed)
  • Canned shark fin soup ingredients
  • Prepared shark fin strips
  • Cooked shark fin
  • Preserved shark fin cartilage
Examples
  • Dried Shark Fin (various unbranded)
  • Frozen Shark Fin (various unbranded)
  • Canned Shark Fin Soup (local Asian brands)
  • Prepared Shark Fin Strips (specialty suppliers)

Codes often confused with 1604.18

Common mistake. This code is distinct from fresh or chilled shark fins (0302.81) or frozen shark fins (0303.89), which are raw. It should also not be confused with other prepared fish products (1604.19) or minced fish (1604.20).

0302.81Fish; fresh or chilled, dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.990303.89Fish; frozen, n.e.c. in heading 0303, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.991604.19Fish preparations; fish prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced), n.e.c. in heading no. 16041604.20Fish preparations; fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved

Top exporters and importers of HS code 160418, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160418 in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 48% 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 Vietnam* ~$795K
  2. 2 Singapore $741K
  3. 3 Indonesia $441K

World total: $3.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $2.3M
  2. 2 Singapore $1.5M
  3. 3 Japan $552K

World total: $4.9M 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. 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 1604.18

Brazil does not split HS 1604.18: its NCM code is 1604.18.00.

  1. 1604.18.00 Prepared or preserved shark finsBarbatanas de tubarão

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 1604.18

What is HS code 160418?

HS code 160418 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish preparations; shark fins, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). This HS code specifically covers shark fins that have been prepared or preserved, whether whole or in pieces, excluding minced forms. The trade in shark fins is highly specialized and often controversial due to conservation concerns and ethical debates surrounding shark fishing practices. Major importing regions are predominantly in Asia, particularly Hong Kong, China, and Singapore, where shark fin soup is considered a traditional delicacy and a symbol of status. Exporters typically include countries with significant shark fisheries, though international regulations and CITES listings increasingly restrict this trade. Key aspects of this market include the high value of the product, the complex supply chains, and the ongoing efforts by conservation groups to reduce demand and enforce stricter trade controls. Traders must navigate a complex landscape of national and international laws, as well as public opinion, which heavily influences market dynamics.

What products fall under HS code 160418?

Dried shark fins, frozen shark fins (processed), canned shark fin soup ingredients, prepared shark fin strips, cooked shark fin, preserved shark fin cartilage

What are common misclassifications for HS code 160418?

This code is distinct from fresh or chilled shark fins (0302.81) or frozen shark fins (0303.89), which are raw. It should also not be confused with other prepared fish products (1604.19) or minced fish (1604.20).

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160418?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160418 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $795K, 26% of world exports), Singapore ($741K) and Indonesia ($441K). World exports came to about $3.0M, 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 160418?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160418 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($2.3M, 48% of world imports), Singapore ($1.5M) and Japan ($552K). World imports came to about $4.9M, 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 160418 structured?

HS code 160418 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 (18) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160418?

In Brazil, HS code 160418 is NCM 1604.18.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.