Product classification
HS code for Canned abalone: 1605.57
Mollusc preparations, abalone, prepared or preserved.
Classification of canned abalone under HS 1605.57
Canned abalone is classified under HS code 1605.57 because it represents a mollusc that has undergone preparation or preservation beyond the processes allowed in Chapter 03. Chapter 03 covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates in their live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine states, provided they have not been cooked or otherwise prepared. Once abalone is cooked, smoked, or preserved in an airtight container (canning), it moves to Chapter 16. Specifically, heading 1605 covers molluscs, and subheading 1605.57 is dedicated to abalone. The canning process typically involves heat treatment to ensure commercial sterility, which is a definitive preparation under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI). Even if the abalone is simply in brine, the fact that it is in an airtight container for long-term shelf stability necessitates classification here. The Harmonized System Explanatory Notes clarify that products in Chapter 16 are generally prepared or preserved by processes not provided for in Chapter 03, including boiling in water or steaming, and then being packed in oil, vinegar, or other media.
- Covers
- Whole abalone in brine (canned)
- Sliced abalone in savory sauce
- Canned abalone pieces or chunks
- Braised abalone in hermetically sealed cans
- Abalone preserved in soy-based liquids
- Also under 1605.57
- Calmex Abalone
- New Zealand Abalone (processed)
- various Chinese and Australian brands for canned/dried abalone
Codes often confused with 1605.57
Common mistake. Canned abalone is frequently confused with fresh or frozen abalone classified under HS codes 0307.81 (live, fresh, or chilled) or 0307.83 (frozen). The distinction lies in the cooking and canning process; if the abalone is raw and merely frozen, it belongs in Chapter 03. Another common error is using 1605.59, which is a residual category for other molluscs. Since abalone has its own specific subheading (1605.57), it must be used preferentially over the general category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160557 (the code used for canned abalone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160557 (the code used for canned abalone) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 160557, not only canned abalone.
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 canned abalone
Brazil classifies canned abalone under NCM 1605.57.00: HS 1605.57 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned abalone
What is the HS code for Canned abalone?
The HS code for Canned abalone is 160557 (Mollusc preparations; abalone, prepared or preserved). The specific HS code for canned abalone is 1605.57, which covers prepared or preserved abalone.
How do I classify Canned abalone for customs?
Canned abalone is classified under HS code 160557 — Mollusc preparations; abalone, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is dried abalone classified under this same code?
No, dried abalone is typically classified under HS code 0307.87, provided it has not been cooked or otherwise prepared beyond simple drying.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned abalone (HS 160557)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160557 (the code used for canned abalone) 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 canned abalone (HS 160557)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160557 (the code used for canned abalone) 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.
Is the HS code for Canned abalone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160557 for Canned abalone 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 canned abalone in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned abalone (HS 160557) is classified under NCM 1605.57.00.