HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1605.54 – Mollusc preparations; cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved
HS code 1605.54 is the 6-digit subheading for mollusc preparations, cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved. It is used for frozen squid rings, canned calamari, dried shredded squid, marinated cuttlefish and squid ink pasta sauce.
What HS 1605.54 covers
This category includes cuttlefish and squid that have been prepared or preserved, commonly through freezing, canning, drying, or marinating. These cephalopods are staples in many global cuisines, particularly in Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American dishes, valued for their unique texture and flavor. International trade is substantial, driven by high consumer demand for versatile and flavorful seafood. Importers include countries with strong culinary traditions for these items, as well as those with large foodservice industries. Exporters often have significant fishing fleets or aquaculture operations, coupled with advanced processing capabilities. Key aspects of this trade involve ensuring product freshness, proper processing to maintain texture, and compliance with international food safety regulations across diverse markets.
- Covers
- Frozen squid rings
- Canned calamari
- Dried shredded squid
- Marinated cuttlefish
- Squid ink pasta sauce
- Breaded calamari
- Grilled squid (frozen)
- Examples
- Goya Calamari
- Vigo Squid
- various Asian brands for dried squid snacks
- Mediterranean brands for marinated cuttlefish
Codes often confused with 1605.54
Common mistake. Often confused with fresh or chilled cuttlefish and squid (030741) if the preservation method is not explicit, or with octopus preparations (160555) due to similar cephalopod characteristics.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 160554, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160554 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 22% 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 $1.1B 63% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$232M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Spain $157M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $258M 22% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $235M 20% of world imports
- 3 United States $94M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 1605.54
Brazil does not split HS 1605.54: its NCM code is 1605.54.00.
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 1605.54
What is HS code 160554?
HS code 160554 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mollusc preparations; cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved. This category includes cuttlefish and squid that have been prepared or preserved, commonly through freezing, canning, drying, or marinating. These cephalopods are staples in many global cuisines, particularly in Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American dishes, valued for their unique texture and flavor. International trade is substantial, driven by high consumer demand for versatile and flavorful seafood. Importers include countries with strong culinary traditions for these items, as well as those with large foodservice industries. Exporters often have significant fishing fleets or aquaculture operations, coupled with advanced processing capabilities. Key aspects of this trade involve ensuring product freshness, proper processing to maintain texture, and compliance with international food safety regulations across diverse markets.
What products fall under HS code 160554?
Frozen squid rings, canned calamari, dried shredded squid, marinated cuttlefish, squid ink pasta sauce, breaded calamari, grilled squid (frozen)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 160554?
Often confused with fresh or chilled cuttlefish and squid (030741) if the preservation method is not explicit, or with octopus preparations (160555) due to similar cephalopod characteristics.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160554?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160554 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 63% of world exports), Peru (about $232M) and Spain ($157M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 160554?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160554 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($258M, 22% of world imports), South Korea ($235M) and the United States ($94M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 160554 structured?
HS code 160554 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 (54) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160554?
In Brazil, HS code 160554 is NCM 1605.54.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.