HS Code Subheading

Fish preparations; caviar

1604.31 Subheading
Section IV — Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes

About HS Code 160431

HS code 160431 is dedicated exclusively to caviar, the processed, salted roe of sturgeon. This product is a high-value luxury good, traded globally as a symbol of opulence and fine dining. Major importers are typically affluent countries with a strong market for luxury foods, including the United States, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom. Exporters are primarily countries with sturgeon aquaculture operations, such as China, Italy, and France, as well as traditional producers like Russia and Iran, though wild caviar trade is heavily restricted by CITES regulations due to endangered sturgeon populations. Key considerations in this trade include the species of sturgeon (Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga), the processing method (Malossol being preferred), grading, packaging, and strict adherence to international wildlife protection laws. The market is characterized by high prices, specialized distribution channels, and a discerning clientele.

Products Under This Code

Beluga caviar, Osetra caviar, Sevruga caviar, Siberian sturgeon caviar, Kaluga caviar, White sturgeon caviar, Imperial caviar

Real World Examples

Petrossian Caviar, Caviar House & Prunier, Sterling Caviar, Tsar Imperial Caviar, Sasanian Caviar, Black River Caviar

Common Misclassification

This code is strictly for true sturgeon caviar and should not be confused with caviar substitutes (1604.32) or fresh, unprocessed fish roe (0511.91).

Products Classified Under 1604.31

Caviar

Related Codes

1604.11 Fish preparations; salmon, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced) 1604.12 Fish preparations; herrings, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced) 1604.13 Fish preparations; sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced) 1604.14 Fish preparations; tunas, skipjack tuna and bonito (Sarda spp.), prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced) 1604.15 Fish preparations; mackerel, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced) 1604.16 Fish preparations; anchovies, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced) 1604.17 Fish preparations; eels, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced) 1604.18 Fish preparations; shark fins, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced) 1604.19 Fish preparations; fish prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced), n.e.c. in heading no. 1604 1604.20 Fish preparations; fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved

Industry

This code belongs to the Food & Beverages industry.

Trade Overview

The United States, Japan, and France are leading importers, with China, Italy, and France being major exporters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 160431?

HS code 160431 covers: Fish preparations; caviar. HS code 160431 is dedicated exclusively to caviar, the processed, salted roe of sturgeon. This product is a high-value luxury good, traded globally as a symbol of opulence and fine dining. Major importers are typically affluent countries with a strong market for luxury foods, including the United States, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom. Exporters are primarily countries with sturgeon aquaculture operations, such as China, Italy, and France, as well as traditional producers like Russia and Iran, though wild caviar trade is heavily restricted by CITES regulations due to endangered sturgeon populations. Key considerations in this trade include the species of sturgeon (Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga), the processing method (Malossol being preferred), grading, packaging, and strict adherence to international wildlife protection laws. The market is characterized by high prices, specialized distribution channels, and a discerning clientele.

What products fall under HS code 160431?

Beluga caviar, Osetra caviar, Sevruga caviar, Siberian sturgeon caviar, Kaluga caviar, White sturgeon caviar, Imperial caviar

What are common misclassifications for HS code 160431?

This code is strictly for true sturgeon caviar and should not be confused with caviar substitutes (1604.32) or fresh, unprocessed fish roe (0511.91).

How is HS code 160431 structured?

HS code 160431 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 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.