HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 1605.56 – Mollusc preparations; clams, cockles and arkshells, prepared or preserved

HS code 1605.56 is the 6-digit subheading for mollusc preparations, clams, cockles and arkshells, prepared or preserved. It is used for canned chopped clams, frozen clam meat, smoked cockles, pickled arkshells and clam chowder base.

What HS 1605.56 covers

This category includes clams, cockles, and arkshells that have been prepared or preserved, commonly through canning, freezing, smoking, or pickling. These bivalve molluscs are popular globally, offering versatile ingredients for various dishes, from chowders to pasta. International trade is driven by consumer demand for convenient and flavorful seafood options. Importers often include countries with a strong culinary appreciation for these shellfish or those seeking reliable sources for their foodservice and retail markets. Exporters typically have well-developed aquaculture or wild harvest industries, supported by efficient processing plants. Ensuring product safety, quality, and sustainable sourcing practices are paramount in this segment of the seafood trade, catering to diverse global palates.

Covers
  • Canned chopped clams
  • Frozen clam meat
  • Smoked cockles
  • Pickled arkshells
  • Clam chowder base
  • Breaded clam strips
  • Frozen whole cooked clams
Examples
  • Bumble Bee Chopped Clams
  • Snow's Clam Chowder
  • Goya Clams
  • various Asian brands for canned cockles/arkshells

Codes often confused with 1605.56

Common mistake. Often confused with fresh or chilled clams, cockles, and arkshells (030760) if the preservation method is not explicit, or with other bivalve preparations like mussels (160553) or oysters (160551) if misidentified.

0307.60Molluscs; snails, other than sea snails, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, in brine, or smoked, cooked or not before or during the smoking process1605.53Mollusc preparations; mussels, prepared or preserved1605.51Mollusc preparations; oysters, prepared or preserved

Top exporters and importers of HS code 160556, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160556 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, 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. 1 China $159M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$97M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $34M

World total: $391M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Japan $81M
  2. 2 Spain $72M
  3. 3 Italy $39M

World total: $355M 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 1605.56

Brazil does not split HS 1605.56: its NCM code is 1605.56.00.

  1. 1605.56.00 Prepared clams, cockles and ark shellsAmêijoas, berbigões e arcas

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 1605.56

What is HS code 160556?

HS code 160556 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mollusc preparations; clams, cockles and arkshells, prepared or preserved. This category includes clams, cockles, and arkshells that have been prepared or preserved, commonly through canning, freezing, smoking, or pickling. These bivalve molluscs are popular globally, offering versatile ingredients for various dishes, from chowders to pasta. International trade is driven by consumer demand for convenient and flavorful seafood options. Importers often include countries with a strong culinary appreciation for these shellfish or those seeking reliable sources for their foodservice and retail markets. Exporters typically have well-developed aquaculture or wild harvest industries, supported by efficient processing plants. Ensuring product safety, quality, and sustainable sourcing practices are paramount in this segment of the seafood trade, catering to diverse global palates.

What products fall under HS code 160556?

Canned chopped clams, frozen clam meat, smoked cockles, pickled arkshells, clam chowder base, breaded clam strips, frozen whole cooked clams

What are common misclassifications for HS code 160556?

Often confused with fresh or chilled clams, cockles, and arkshells (030760) if the preservation method is not explicit, or with other bivalve preparations like mussels (160553) or oysters (160551) if misidentified.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160556?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160556 in UN Comtrade data were China ($159M, 41% of world exports), Vietnam (about $97M) and the United Kingdom ($34M). World exports came to about $391M, 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 160556?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160556 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($81M, 23% of world imports), Spain ($72M) and Italy ($39M). World imports came to about $355M, 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 160556 structured?

HS code 160556 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 (56) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160556?

In Brazil, HS code 160556 is NCM 1605.56.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.