HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1605.61 – Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers, prepared or preserved
HS code 1605.61 is the 6-digit subheading for aquatic invertebrates, sea cucumbers, prepared or preserved. It is used for dried sea cucumber, frozen sea cucumber, canned sea cucumber, sea cucumber extract and instant sea cucumber soup.
What HS 1605.61 covers
This category covers sea cucumbers that have been prepared or preserved for human consumption, a highly valued delicacy, particularly in East Asian markets. The trade involves various forms, including dried, frozen, canned, or otherwise processed sea cucumbers. Importers are predominantly countries with a strong demand for luxury seafood and traditional culinary ingredients, such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea. Exporters are typically nations with significant sea cucumber fisheries and established processing industries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, and various Pacific Island countries. Key aspects of this trade include the high market value of the product, concerns regarding sustainable harvesting practices, adherence to international regulations like CITES for certain species, and the specialized processing techniques, especially drying, which is crucial for preservation and market appeal. The market is often influenced by cultural significance and perceived health benefits.
- Covers
- Dried sea cucumber
- Frozen sea cucumber
- Canned sea cucumber
- Sea cucumber extract
- Instant sea cucumber soup
- Braised sea cucumber
- Examples
- Hokkaido Dried Sea Cucumber
- Pacific Sea Cucumber (various forms)
- Golden Phoenix Canned Sea Cucumber
- Dongwon F&B (prepared sea cucumber products)
Codes often confused with 1605.61
Common mistake. Often confused with fresh sea cucumbers (0308.11) or other prepared aquatic invertebrates (1605.69) if not specifically sea cucumber.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 160561, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160561 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 73% 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 Japan $53M 48% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $13M 12% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $13M 12% of world exports
World total: $110M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $66M 73% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $12M 14% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$3.6M 4.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $90M 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 1605.61
Brazil does not split HS 1605.61: its NCM code is 1605.61.00.
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 1605.61
What is HS code 160561?
HS code 160561 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers, prepared or preserved. This category covers sea cucumbers that have been prepared or preserved for human consumption, a highly valued delicacy, particularly in East Asian markets. The trade involves various forms, including dried, frozen, canned, or otherwise processed sea cucumbers. Importers are predominantly countries with a strong demand for luxury seafood and traditional culinary ingredients, such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea. Exporters are typically nations with significant sea cucumber fisheries and established processing industries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, and various Pacific Island countries. Key aspects of this trade include the high market value of the product, concerns regarding sustainable harvesting practices, adherence to international regulations like CITES for certain species, and the specialized processing techniques, especially drying, which is crucial for preservation and market appeal. The market is often influenced by cultural significance and perceived health benefits.
What products fall under HS code 160561?
Dried sea cucumber, frozen sea cucumber, canned sea cucumber, sea cucumber extract, instant sea cucumber soup, braised sea cucumber
What are common misclassifications for HS code 160561?
Often confused with fresh sea cucumbers (0308.11) or other prepared aquatic invertebrates (1605.69) if not specifically sea cucumber.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160561?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160561 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($53M, 48% of world exports), South Korea ($13M) and Indonesia ($13M). World exports came to about $110M, 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 160561?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160561 in UN Comtrade data were China ($66M, 73% of world imports), South Korea ($12M) and Taiwan (about $3.6M). World imports came to about $90M, 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 160561 structured?
HS code 160561 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 (61) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160561?
In Brazil, HS code 160561 is NCM 1605.61.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.