HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1604.32 – Fish preparations; caviar substitutes, prepared from fish eggs
HS code 1604.32 is the 6-digit subheading for fish preparations, caviar substitutes, prepared from fish eggs. It is used for lumpfish caviar, salmon roe (ikura), capelin roe (masago), flying fish roe (tobiko) and whitefish caviar.
What HS 1604.32 covers
This HS code covers caviar substitutes, which are prepared from the eggs of fish other than sturgeon. These products offer a more affordable alternative to traditional caviar, making them accessible to a broader consumer base. They are widely traded globally, catering to markets that appreciate the texture and briny flavor profile of roe but at a lower price point. Major importers include countries with a demand for gourmet ingredients and processed seafood, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan. Exporters are often countries with significant fisheries for salmon, lumpfish, capelin, or other species whose roe is used, including Canada, Iceland, and Norway. Key aspects of this trade involve the variety of fish species used, the different colors and sizes of the roe, and the various flavoring and preservation techniques employed to mimic the caviar experience. These substitutes are popular in appetizers, sushi, and as garnishes.
- Covers
- Lumpfish caviar
- Salmon roe (ikura)
- Capelin roe (masago)
- Flying fish roe (tobiko)
- Whitefish caviar
- Trout roe
- Herring roe
- Examples
- Romanoff Red Lumpfish Caviar
- Roland Black Lumpfish Caviar
- Sanniti Salmon Roe
- Tobiko (various brands)
- Masago (various brands)
- Tsar Nicoulai Trout Roe
Codes often confused with 1604.32
Common mistake. This code is specifically for caviar substitutes and must be distinguished from true sturgeon caviar (1604.31) and fresh, unprocessed fish roe (0511.91).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 160432, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160432 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.6% 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 Japan $69M 19% of world exports
- 2 China $47M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $46M 13% of world exports
World total: $357M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $32M 9.6% of world imports
- 2 France $32M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $27M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $331M 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 code for 1604.32
Brazil does not split HS 1604.32: its NCM code is 1604.32.00.
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 1604.32
What is HS code 160432?
HS code 160432 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish preparations; caviar substitutes, prepared from fish eggs. This HS code covers caviar substitutes, which are prepared from the eggs of fish other than sturgeon. These products offer a more affordable alternative to traditional caviar, making them accessible to a broader consumer base. They are widely traded globally, catering to markets that appreciate the texture and briny flavor profile of roe but at a lower price point. Major importers include countries with a demand for gourmet ingredients and processed seafood, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan. Exporters are often countries with significant fisheries for salmon, lumpfish, capelin, or other species whose roe is used, including Canada, Iceland, and Norway. Key aspects of this trade involve the variety of fish species used, the different colors and sizes of the roe, and the various flavoring and preservation techniques employed to mimic the caviar experience. These substitutes are popular in appetizers, sushi, and as garnishes.
What products fall under HS code 160432?
Lumpfish caviar, salmon roe (ikura), capelin roe (masago), flying fish roe (tobiko), whitefish caviar, trout roe, herring roe
What are common misclassifications for HS code 160432?
This code is specifically for caviar substitutes and must be distinguished from true sturgeon caviar (1604.31) and fresh, unprocessed fish roe (0511.91).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160432?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160432 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($69M, 19% of world exports), China ($47M) and Germany ($46M). World exports came to about $357M, 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 160432?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160432 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($32M, 9.6% of world imports), France ($32M) and Germany ($27M). World imports came to about $331M, 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 160432 structured?
HS code 160432 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 (32) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160432?
In Brazil, HS code 160432 is NCM 1604.32.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.