HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1604.20 – Fish preparations; fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved
HS code 1604.20 is the 6-digit subheading for fish preparations, fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved. It is used for fish balls, fish cakes, surimi, fish fingers and fish burgers.
What HS 1604.20 covers
This HS code covers fish that has been prepared or preserved in minced form, or in other forms not specifically provided for elsewhere in heading 1604. This category is crucial for value-added fish products, often utilizing fish trimmings or less aesthetically pleasing cuts to create convenient and versatile food items. Major importers include countries with a demand for processed convenience foods, such as the United States, Japan, and various European Union members. Exporters are typically nations with large fish processing industries, like China, Thailand, and Vietnam, which can efficiently process and package minced fish products. Key aspects of this trade involve the use of various fish species (e.g., pollock, cod, surimi base), the different forms (fish balls, fish cakes, surimi, fish fingers), and the importance of texture, binding agents, and flavor profiles. These products offer an affordable and accessible way for consumers to incorporate seafood into their diets.
- Covers
- Fish balls
- Fish cakes
- Surimi
- Fish fingers
- Fish burgers
- Fish sausages
- Minced fish patties
- Examples
Gorton's Fish Sticks, Trident Seafoods Surimi, Thai Union Fish Balls, Iglo Fish Fingers, Mrs. Paul's Fish Fillets (minced), SeaPak Fish Bites
Codes often confused with 1604.20
Common mistake. This code is distinct from prepared fish in whole or pieces (1604.1x) and fresh or frozen minced fish (0304.9x). It can also be confused with other prepared seafood if the 'minced' aspect is not clearly defined.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 160420, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160420 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.8% 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 $527M 17% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $312M 10% of world exports
- 3 Morocco $297M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $3.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $264M 9.8% of world imports
- 2 France $144M 5.4% of world imports
- 3 Italy $132M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 1604.20 4
Brazil splits HS 1604.20 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 1604.20.10 Tuna preparations, minced or other formsDe atuns
- 1604.20.20 Skipjack preparations, minced or other formsDe bonito-listrado
- 1604.20.30 Minced or other sardine or anchoveta preparationsDe sardinhas ou de anchoveta
- 1604.20.90 Other fish preparations, minced or other formsOutras
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 1604.20
What is HS code 160420?
HS code 160420 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish preparations; fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved. This HS code covers fish that has been prepared or preserved in minced form, or in other forms not specifically provided for elsewhere in heading 1604. This category is crucial for value-added fish products, often utilizing fish trimmings or less aesthetically pleasing cuts to create convenient and versatile food items. Major importers include countries with a demand for processed convenience foods, such as the United States, Japan, and various European Union members. Exporters are typically nations with large fish processing industries, like China, Thailand, and Vietnam, which can efficiently process and package minced fish products. Key aspects of this trade involve the use of various fish species (e.g., pollock, cod, surimi base), the different forms (fish balls, fish cakes, surimi, fish fingers), and the importance of texture, binding agents, and flavor profiles. These products offer an affordable and accessible way for consumers to incorporate seafood into their diets.
What products fall under HS code 160420?
Fish balls, fish cakes, surimi, fish fingers, fish burgers, fish sausages, minced fish patties
What are common misclassifications for HS code 160420?
This code is distinct from prepared fish in whole or pieces (1604.1x) and fresh or frozen minced fish (0304.9x). It can also be confused with other prepared seafood if the 'minced' aspect is not clearly defined.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160420?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160420 in UN Comtrade data were China ($527M, 17% of world exports), Thailand ($312M) and Morocco ($297M). World exports came to about $3.1B, 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 160420?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160420 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($264M, 9.8% of world imports), France ($144M) and Italy ($132M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 160420 structured?
HS code 160420 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160420?
Brazil splits HS code 160420 into 4 NCM codes: 1604.20.10 (Tuna preparations, minced or other forms), 1604.20.20 (Skipjack preparations, minced or other forms), 1604.20.30 (Minced or other sardine or anchoveta preparations), 1604.20.90 (Other fish preparations, minced or other forms). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.