HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 1605.29 – Crustacean preparations; shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, in airtight containers

HS code 1605.29 is the 6-digit subheading for crustacean preparations, shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, in airtight containers. It is used for canned shrimp in brine, canned shrimp in oil, jarred shrimp cocktail, canned shrimp paste and canned seasoned prawns.

What HS 1605.29 covers

HS code 160529 specifically covers shrimps and prawns that have been prepared or preserved and are packaged in airtight containers, such as cans or jars. This category focuses on shelf-stable products, offering extended shelf life and convenience, making them suitable for long-distance trade and storage without refrigeration until opened. Major importers include countries seeking readily available and long-lasting seafood options, such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Exporters are typically nations with robust seafood processing and canning industries, like Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Key considerations in this trade include the various forms of preservation (e.g., in brine, in oil, in sauce), the importance of canning technology and food safety regulations, and the diverse culinary applications for these products, from salads to stir-fries. The airtight packaging ensures product integrity and broad market reach.

Covers
  • Canned shrimp in brine
  • Canned shrimp in oil
  • Jarred shrimp cocktail
  • Canned shrimp paste
  • Canned seasoned prawns
  • Retort pouch shrimp
  • Canned tiny shrimp
Examples
  • Chicken of the Sea Canned Shrimp
  • Bumble Bee Canned Shrimp
  • Crown Prince Canned Shrimp
  • Roland Canned Shrimp
  • Thai Union Canned Prawns
  • Geisha Canned Shrimp

Codes often confused with 1605.29

Common mistake. This code is distinct from shrimps and prawns not in airtight containers (1605.21) and fresh, chilled, or frozen unprocessed shrimps and prawns (0306.17, 0306.36, 0306.95).

1605.21Crustacean preparations; shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, not in airtight containers0306.17Crustaceans; frozen, shrimps and prawns, excluding cold-water varieties, in shell or not, smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking; in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water0306.36Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, shrimps and prawns excluding cold-water varieties, in shell or not0306.95Crustaceans; shrimps and prawns, smoked, cooked or not, whether in shell or not, whether or not cooked before or during smoking

Top exporters and importers of HS code 160529, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160529 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($23M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.3B
  2. 2 India $613M
  3. 3 Thailand $286M

Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($23M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $232M
  2. 2 Denmark $200M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $132M

World total: $1.5B 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 1605.29

Brazil does not split HS 1605.29: its NCM code is 1605.29.00.

  1. 1605.29.00 Prepared shrimps and prawns in airtight containersOutros

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 16.05 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 1605.29

What is HS code 160529?

HS code 160529 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Crustacean preparations; shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, in airtight containers. HS code 160529 specifically covers shrimps and prawns that have been prepared or preserved and are packaged in airtight containers, such as cans or jars. This category focuses on shelf-stable products, offering extended shelf life and convenience, making them suitable for long-distance trade and storage without refrigeration until opened. Major importers include countries seeking readily available and long-lasting seafood options, such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Exporters are typically nations with robust seafood processing and canning industries, like Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Key considerations in this trade include the various forms of preservation (e.g., in brine, in oil, in sauce), the importance of canning technology and food safety regulations, and the diverse culinary applications for these products, from salads to stir-fries. The airtight packaging ensures product integrity and broad market reach.

What products fall under HS code 160529?

Canned shrimp in brine, canned shrimp in oil, jarred shrimp cocktail, canned shrimp paste, canned seasoned prawns, retort pouch shrimp, canned tiny shrimp

What are common misclassifications for HS code 160529?

This code is distinct from shrimps and prawns not in airtight containers (1605.21) and fresh, chilled, or frozen unprocessed shrimps and prawns (0306.17, 0306.36, 0306.95).

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160529?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160529 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 37% of world exports), India ($613M) and Thailand ($286M). World exports came to about $3.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($23M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 160529?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160529 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($232M, 16% of world imports), Denmark ($200M) and the United Kingdom ($132M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 160529 structured?

HS code 160529 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (16) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (29) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160529?

In Brazil, HS code 160529 is NCM 1605.29.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.