HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1605.57 – Mollusc preparations; abalone, prepared or preserved
HS code 1605.57 is the 6-digit subheading for mollusc preparations, abalone, prepared or preserved. It is used for canned abalone, frozen abalone meat, dried abalone, abalone soup concentrate and abalone slices (frozen).
What HS 1605.57 covers
This HS code covers abalone that has been prepared or preserved, typically through canning, freezing, or drying. Abalone is considered a luxury seafood item, highly prized for its unique texture and delicate flavor, particularly in Asian cuisines. International trade in prepared abalone is significant, driven by high demand from affluent markets and gourmet restaurants. Importers are predominantly high-income countries with strong culinary traditions for abalone, such as China, Hong Kong, and Japan. Exporters often have sophisticated aquaculture operations or carefully managed wild fisheries, along with advanced processing facilities. Due to its high value, traceability, sustainability, and strict quality control are critical aspects of trading prepared abalone globally.
- Covers
- Canned abalone
- Frozen abalone meat
- Dried abalone
- Abalone soup concentrate
- Abalone slices (frozen)
- Abalone in brine
- Examples
- Calmex Abalone
- New Zealand Abalone (processed)
- various Chinese and Australian brands for canned/dried abalone
Codes often confused with 1605.57
Common mistake. Can be confused with fresh or chilled abalone (030781) if the preservation method is not clearly stated, or with other gastropod preparations (e.g., 160558 for snails) if misidentified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 160557, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160557 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 32% 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 $365M 85% of world exports
- 2 Australia $12M 2.8% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $12M 2.8% of world exports
World total: $431M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$90M 32% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Hong Kong $76M 27% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $36M 13% of world imports
World total: $284M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 1605.57
Brazil does not split HS 1605.57: its NCM code is 1605.57.00.
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 1605.57
What is HS code 160557?
HS code 160557 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mollusc preparations; abalone, prepared or preserved. This HS code covers abalone that has been prepared or preserved, typically through canning, freezing, or drying. Abalone is considered a luxury seafood item, highly prized for its unique texture and delicate flavor, particularly in Asian cuisines. International trade in prepared abalone is significant, driven by high demand from affluent markets and gourmet restaurants. Importers are predominantly high-income countries with strong culinary traditions for abalone, such as China, Hong Kong, and Japan. Exporters often have sophisticated aquaculture operations or carefully managed wild fisheries, along with advanced processing facilities. Due to its high value, traceability, sustainability, and strict quality control are critical aspects of trading prepared abalone globally.
What products fall under HS code 160557?
Canned abalone, frozen abalone meat, dried abalone, abalone soup concentrate, abalone slices (frozen), abalone in brine
What are common misclassifications for HS code 160557?
Can be confused with fresh or chilled abalone (030781) if the preservation method is not clearly stated, or with other gastropod preparations (e.g., 160558 for snails) if misidentified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160557?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160557 in UN Comtrade data were China ($365M, 85% of world exports), Australia ($12M) and South Africa ($12M). World exports came to about $431M, 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 160557?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160557 in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $90M, 32% of world imports), Hong Kong ($76M) and Singapore ($36M). World imports came to about $284M, 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 160557 structured?
HS code 160557 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 (57) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160557?
In Brazil, HS code 160557 is NCM 1605.57.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.