HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1605.51 – Mollusc preparations; oysters, prepared or preserved
HS code 1605.51 is the 6-digit subheading for mollusc preparations, oysters, prepared or preserved. It is used for canned smoked oysters, frozen shucked oysters, pickled oysters, oyster stew and oyster pate.
What HS 1605.51 covers
This HS code covers oysters that have been prepared or preserved, extending their shelf life and offering convenience to consumers and the foodservice industry. This includes products such as canned smoked oysters, frozen shucked oysters, or pickled oysters. International trade in prepared oysters is driven by consumer demand for gourmet seafood and the need for stable, year-round supply chains. Major importers are often countries with strong culinary traditions involving oysters or those with high disposable incomes, such as the United States and various European nations. Exporters typically have significant aquaculture industries or wild oyster fisheries, like China and South Korea. Quality control, traceability, and adherence to stringent food safety standards are paramount in this global trade.
- Covers
- Canned smoked oysters
- Frozen shucked oysters
- Pickled oysters
- Oyster stew
- Oyster pate
- Breaded frozen oysters
- Oyster Rockefeller kits
- Examples
- Bumble Bee Smoked Oysters
- Crown Prince Smoked Oysters
- Taylor Shellfish Farms (processed products)
- various Asian brands for canned oysters
Codes often confused with 1605.51
Common mistake. Can be confused with fresh or chilled oysters (030711) if the 'prepared' aspect is not clearly defined, or with other mollusc preparations (e.g., 160556 for clams) if misidentified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 160551, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160551 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 52% 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 $51M 56% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $26M 28% of world exports
- 3 Japan $8.5M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $92M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $38M 52% of world imports
- 2 Canada $8.8M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $5.7M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $72M 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 1605.51
Brazil does not split HS 1605.51: its NCM code is 1605.51.00.
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 1605.51
What is HS code 160551?
HS code 160551 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mollusc preparations; oysters, prepared or preserved. This HS code covers oysters that have been prepared or preserved, extending their shelf life and offering convenience to consumers and the foodservice industry. This includes products such as canned smoked oysters, frozen shucked oysters, or pickled oysters. International trade in prepared oysters is driven by consumer demand for gourmet seafood and the need for stable, year-round supply chains. Major importers are often countries with strong culinary traditions involving oysters or those with high disposable incomes, such as the United States and various European nations. Exporters typically have significant aquaculture industries or wild oyster fisheries, like China and South Korea. Quality control, traceability, and adherence to stringent food safety standards are paramount in this global trade.
What products fall under HS code 160551?
Canned smoked oysters, frozen shucked oysters, pickled oysters, oyster stew, oyster pate, breaded frozen oysters, oyster Rockefeller kits
What are common misclassifications for HS code 160551?
Can be confused with fresh or chilled oysters (030711) if the 'prepared' aspect is not clearly defined, or with other mollusc preparations (e.g., 160556 for clams) if misidentified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160551?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160551 in UN Comtrade data were China ($51M, 56% of world exports), South Korea ($26M) and Japan ($8.5M). World exports came to about $92M, 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 160551?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160551 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($38M, 52% of world imports), Canada ($8.8M) and Japan ($5.7M). World imports came to about $72M, 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 160551 structured?
HS code 160551 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 (51) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160551?
In Brazil, HS code 160551 is NCM 1605.51.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.