Product classification
HS code for Bouillon: 1603.00
Extracts and juices, of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates.
Classification of bouillon under HS 1603.00
Bouillon, when defined as extracts and juices of meat, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, or other aquatic invertebrates, is classified under HS code 1603.00. This heading is situated in Chapter 16, which covers preparations of meat, of fish, or of crustaceans. The classification 1603.00 is specific to substances obtained by boiling meat or fish under pressure and concentrating the resulting liquid. These products are characterized by a high concentration of nitrogenous substances and are generally used as a base for soups, sauces, or as a nutritional supplement. Unlike finished soups, these are concentrated extracts. The classification remains here regardless of whether the product is in liquid, solid, or paste form, provided it consists essentially of the extract without the addition of significant amounts of other ingredients like vegetables or starches.
- Covers
- Concentrated beef extract
- Chicken bouillon paste
- Liquid clam juice
- Fish protein extracts
- Meat juices in concentrated form
- Whale meat extracts
- Also under 1603.00
- Bovril Beef Extract
- Knorr Chicken Bouillon
- Maggi Seasoning
- Red Boat Fish Sauce
- Lee Kum Kee Oyster Sauce
- Campbell's Broth Concentrates
Codes often confused with 1603.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for bouillon is HS code 2104.10, which covers soups and broths and preparations therefor. Most retail "bouillon cubes" or granulated powders actually fall under 2104.10 because they contain significant amounts of salt, fats, MSG, and vegetable flavorings rather than being pure meat extracts. Another potential error is HS code 2103.90 for mixed condiments and seasonings. If the product is primarily a vegetable-based broth concentrate without meat, it cannot be classified under 1603.00 and must move to Chapter 21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160300 (the code used for bouillon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160300 (the code used for bouillon) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 160300, not only bouillon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $45M 16% of world exports
- 2 France $35M 13% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $28M 10% of world exports
World total: $277M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $29M 13% of world imports
- 2 Japan $28M 13% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $23M 10% of world imports
World total: $224M 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 bouillon
Brazil classifies bouillon under NCM 1603.00.00: HS 1603.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bouillon
What is the HS code for Bouillon?
The HS code for Bouillon is 160300 (Extracts and juices; of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates). Pure meat or fish bouillon extracts are classified under HS code 1603.00.
How do I classify Bouillon for customs?
Bouillon is classified under HS code 160300 — Extracts and juices; of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are bouillon cubes classified under 1603.00?
Usually no; most commercial bouillon cubes contain additives and are classified as soup preparations under HS code 2104.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of bouillon (HS 160300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160300 (the code used for bouillon) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($45M, 16% of world exports), France ($35M) and Belgium ($28M). World exports came to about $277M, 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 bouillon (HS 160300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160300 (the code used for bouillon) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($29M, 13% of world imports), Japan ($28M) and Hong Kong ($23M). World imports came to about $224M, 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.
Is the HS code for Bouillon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160300 for Bouillon is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for bouillon in Brazil?
In Brazil, bouillon (HS 160300) is classified under NCM 1603.00.00.