About HS Code 160558
This category includes land snails (escargots) that have been prepared or preserved, typically through canning, freezing, or marinating. These products are a culinary delicacy, especially in European cuisines, and are often served as appetizers in fine dining. International trade in prepared snails is driven by niche gourmet markets and the demand from restaurants and specialty food stores. Importers are primarily countries with a strong tradition of consuming escargots, such as France, Belgium, and the United States. Exporters often have established snail farms (heliciculture) and processing facilities, like those in Poland and Turkey. Key considerations in this trade include ensuring the snails are properly purged and prepared, adhering to food safety standards, and maintaining consistent quality for this specialized product.
Products Under This Code
Canned escargots in garlic butter, frozen escargots, marinated snails, snail pate, snail shells (for serving), prepared snail appetizers
Real World Examples
Roland Escargots, Sarlat Escargots, various French and Eastern European brands for canned/frozen snails
Common Misclassification
Can be confused with sea snails (which fall under other mollusc categories or 030791 for fresh/chilled), or with other prepared molluscs (e.g., 160556 for clams) if not clearly identified as land snails.
Products Classified Under 1605.58
Industry
This code belongs to the Food & Beverages industry.
Trade Overview
France, Belgium, and the United States are major importers, while Poland, Turkey, and Indonesia are significant exporters of prepared land snail products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 160558?
HS code 160558 covers: Mollusc preparations; snails, other than sea snails, prepared or preserved. This category includes land snails (escargots) that have been prepared or preserved, typically through canning, freezing, or marinating. These products are a culinary delicacy, especially in European cuisines, and are often served as appetizers in fine dining. International trade in prepared snails is driven by niche gourmet markets and the demand from restaurants and specialty food stores. Importers are primarily countries with a strong tradition of consuming escargots, such as France, Belgium, and the United States. Exporters often have established snail farms (heliciculture) and processing facilities, like those in Poland and Turkey. Key considerations in this trade include ensuring the snails are properly purged and prepared, adhering to food safety standards, and maintaining consistent quality for this specialized product.
What products fall under HS code 160558?
Canned escargots in garlic butter, frozen escargots, marinated snails, snail pate, snail shells (for serving), prepared snail appetizers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 160558?
Can be confused with sea snails (which fall under other mollusc categories or 030791 for fresh/chilled), or with other prepared molluscs (e.g., 160556 for clams) if not clearly identified as land snails.
How is HS code 160558 structured?
HS code 160558 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 (58) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.