HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1605.55 – Mollusc preparations; octopus, prepared or preserved
HS code 1605.55 is the 6-digit subheading for mollusc preparations, octopus, prepared or preserved. It is used for frozen cooked octopus, canned octopus in olive oil, marinated baby octopus, dried octopus and grilled octopus (frozen).
What HS 1605.55 covers
This HS code covers octopus that has been prepared or preserved, typically through freezing, canning, drying, or marinating. Octopus is a highly sought-after delicacy in many parts of the world, especially in Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American cuisines, prized for its distinct texture and rich flavor. International trade is robust, with demand coming from countries that value its unique culinary applications. Importers often have strong culinary traditions for octopus or a thriving restaurant sector. Exporters usually possess significant fishing capabilities and specialized processing facilities to handle and prepare octopus effectively. Critical factors in this trade include ensuring sustainable sourcing, maintaining product quality during processing, and adhering to strict food safety and hygiene standards to meet global market demands.
- Covers
- Frozen cooked octopus
- Canned octopus in olive oil
- Marinated baby octopus
- Dried octopus
- Grilled octopus (frozen)
- Octopus salad
- Octopus carpaccio
- Examples
- Goya Octopus
- Vigo Octopus
- various Spanish and Portuguese brands for canned octopus
- Asian brands for dried/frozen octopus
Codes often confused with 1605.55
Common mistake. Can be confused with fresh or chilled octopus (030751) if the preservation method is not clearly stated, or with cuttlefish and squid preparations (160554) due to their shared cephalopod classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 160555, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160555 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 25% 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 $210M 44% of world exports
- 2 Spain $137M 28% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$46M 9.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $482M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $82M 25% of world imports
- 2 United States $52M 16% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $36M 11% of world imports
World total: $328M 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 1605.55
Brazil does not split HS 1605.55: its NCM code is 1605.55.00.
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 1605.55
What is HS code 160555?
HS code 160555 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mollusc preparations; octopus, prepared or preserved. This HS code covers octopus that has been prepared or preserved, typically through freezing, canning, drying, or marinating. Octopus is a highly sought-after delicacy in many parts of the world, especially in Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American cuisines, prized for its distinct texture and rich flavor. International trade is robust, with demand coming from countries that value its unique culinary applications. Importers often have strong culinary traditions for octopus or a thriving restaurant sector. Exporters usually possess significant fishing capabilities and specialized processing facilities to handle and prepare octopus effectively. Critical factors in this trade include ensuring sustainable sourcing, maintaining product quality during processing, and adhering to strict food safety and hygiene standards to meet global market demands.
What products fall under HS code 160555?
Frozen cooked octopus, canned octopus in olive oil, marinated baby octopus, dried octopus, grilled octopus (frozen), octopus salad, octopus carpaccio
What are common misclassifications for HS code 160555?
Can be confused with fresh or chilled octopus (030751) if the preservation method is not clearly stated, or with cuttlefish and squid preparations (160554) due to their shared cephalopod classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160555?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160555 in UN Comtrade data were China ($210M, 44% of world exports), Spain ($137M) and Vietnam (about $46M). World exports came to about $482M, 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 160555?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160555 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($82M, 25% of world imports), the United States ($52M) and South Korea ($36M). World imports came to about $328M, 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 160555 structured?
HS code 160555 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 (55) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160555?
In Brazil, HS code 160555 is NCM 1605.55.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.