HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1605.53 – Mollusc preparations; mussels, prepared or preserved
HS code 1605.53 is the 6-digit subheading for mollusc preparations, mussels, prepared or preserved. It is used for frozen cooked mussels, canned smoked mussels, marinated mussels, mussel pate and pickled mussels.
What HS 1605.53 covers
This HS code covers mussels that have been prepared or preserved, typically through methods such as freezing, canning, smoking, or pickling. These products offer convenience and extended shelf life, making them popular in both retail and foodservice sectors globally. International trade is driven by the widespread appeal of mussels as an affordable yet versatile seafood option. Importers often include countries with strong culinary traditions for mussels or those seeking cost-effective protein sources. Exporters benefit from efficient aquaculture operations and processing facilities, such as those in Chile and New Zealand. Key considerations in this trade involve ensuring product quality, adhering to food safety standards, and addressing sustainability concerns related to mussel farming and harvesting.
- Covers
- Frozen cooked mussels
- Canned smoked mussels
- Marinated mussels
- Mussel pate
- Pickled mussels
- Mussel fritters
- Mussels in garlic butter sauce (frozen)
- Examples
- Prince Edward Island Mussels (processed)
- Goya Mussels
- Vigo Smoked Mussels
- various Spanish and Chilean brands for canned/frozen mussels
Codes often confused with 1605.53
Common mistake. Can be confused with fresh or chilled mussels (030731) if the preservation method is not clearly indicated, or with other bivalve mollusc preparations (e.g., 160556 for clams) if misidentified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 160553, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160553 in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 23% 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 Chile $296M 65% of world exports
- 2 Spain $54M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $22M 4.9% of world exports
World total: $455M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $102M 23% of world imports
- 2 United States $52M 12% of world imports
- 3 Italy $45M 10% of world imports
World total: $440M 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 1605.53
Brazil does not split HS 1605.53: its NCM code is 1605.53.00.
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 1605.53
What is HS code 160553?
HS code 160553 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mollusc preparations; mussels, prepared or preserved. This HS code covers mussels that have been prepared or preserved, typically through methods such as freezing, canning, smoking, or pickling. These products offer convenience and extended shelf life, making them popular in both retail and foodservice sectors globally. International trade is driven by the widespread appeal of mussels as an affordable yet versatile seafood option. Importers often include countries with strong culinary traditions for mussels or those seeking cost-effective protein sources. Exporters benefit from efficient aquaculture operations and processing facilities, such as those in Chile and New Zealand. Key considerations in this trade involve ensuring product quality, adhering to food safety standards, and addressing sustainability concerns related to mussel farming and harvesting.
What products fall under HS code 160553?
Frozen cooked mussels, canned smoked mussels, marinated mussels, mussel pate, pickled mussels, mussel fritters, mussels in garlic butter sauce (frozen)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 160553?
Can be confused with fresh or chilled mussels (030731) if the preservation method is not clearly indicated, or with other bivalve mollusc preparations (e.g., 160556 for clams) if misidentified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160553?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160553 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($296M, 65% of world exports), Spain ($54M) and China ($22M). World exports came to about $455M, 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 160553?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160553 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($102M, 23% of world imports), the United States ($52M) and Italy ($45M). World imports came to about $440M, 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 160553 structured?
HS code 160553 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 (53) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160553?
In Brazil, HS code 160553 is NCM 1605.53.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.