HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1605.69 – Aquatic invertebrates; other than crustaceans, molluscs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and jellyfish, prepared or preserved
HS code 1605.69 is the 6-digit subheading for aquatic invertebrates, other than crustaceans, molluscs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and jellyfish, prepared or preserved. It is used for prepared sea worms, edible sea sponges (processed), processed marine worms for food, prepared tunicates and sea squirts (processed).
What HS 1605.69 covers
This 'other' category serves as a residual classification for prepared or preserved aquatic invertebrates that are not crustaceans, molluscs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, or jellyfish, and are not specifically covered elsewhere in Chapter 16. This can include a diverse and often niche range of items such as prepared sea worms, edible sea sponges, or other less common marine species processed for human consumption. Trade in these goods is typically specialized, driven by unique regional culinary traditions or specific gourmet markets. Importers and exporters can vary significantly depending on the particular product, but generally involve countries with distinct aquatic resources and traditional food practices. Key considerations for this trade include the specific processing methods tailored to each unique invertebrate, adherence to food safety regulations for novel or less common food items, and identifying niche market demand for these specialized products, which often have limited global distribution compared to more common seafood.
- Covers
- Prepared sea worms
- Edible sea sponges (processed)
- Processed marine worms for food
- Prepared tunicates
- Sea squirts (processed)
- Prepared salps
- Examples
- Korean Sea Squirt (processed)
- Japanese Tunicate (Hoya)
- Specialty Asian Seafood (various prepared invertebrates)
Codes often confused with 1605.69
Common mistake. As a residual category, misclassification often occurs when specific invertebrates (like sea cucumbers 1605.61 or sea urchins 1605.62) are incorrectly placed here, or vice-versa.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 160569, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 160569 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% 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 Spain $6.6M 26% of world exports
- 2 China $4.5M 18% of world exports
- 3 Italy $3.4M 14% of world exports
World total: $25M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $12M 30% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $2.9M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $2.9M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $39M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 1605.69
Brazil does not split HS 1605.69: its NCM code is 1605.69.00.
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 1605.69
What is HS code 160569?
HS code 160569 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aquatic invertebrates; other than crustaceans, molluscs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and jellyfish, prepared or preserved. This 'other' category serves as a residual classification for prepared or preserved aquatic invertebrates that are not crustaceans, molluscs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, or jellyfish, and are not specifically covered elsewhere in Chapter 16. This can include a diverse and often niche range of items such as prepared sea worms, edible sea sponges, or other less common marine species processed for human consumption. Trade in these goods is typically specialized, driven by unique regional culinary traditions or specific gourmet markets. Importers and exporters can vary significantly depending on the particular product, but generally involve countries with distinct aquatic resources and traditional food practices. Key considerations for this trade include the specific processing methods tailored to each unique invertebrate, adherence to food safety regulations for novel or less common food items, and identifying niche market demand for these specialized products, which often have limited global distribution compared to more common seafood.
What products fall under HS code 160569?
Prepared sea worms, edible sea sponges (processed), processed marine worms for food, prepared tunicates, sea squirts (processed), prepared salps
What are common misclassifications for HS code 160569?
As a residual category, misclassification often occurs when specific invertebrates (like sea cucumbers 1605.61 or sea urchins 1605.62) are incorrectly placed here, or vice-versa.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 160569?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 160569 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($6.6M, 26% of world exports), China ($4.5M) and Italy ($3.4M). World exports came to about $25M, 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 160569?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 160569 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($12M, 30% of world imports), Hong Kong ($2.9M) and Germany ($2.9M). World imports came to about $39M, 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 160569 structured?
HS code 160569 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 (69) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 160569?
In Brazil, HS code 160569 is NCM 1605.69.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.