Product classification
HS code for Canned anchovies: 1604.16
Fish preparations, anchovies, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Classification of canned anchovies under HS 1604.16
Canned anchovies fall under HS code 1604.16. This classification is determined by the fact that the product is a fish preparation. Heading 1604 applies to prepared or preserved fish, including caviar and caviar substitutes. Subheading 1604.16 specifically identifies anchovies that are prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces, but not minced. The not minced distinction is crucial; if the anchovies were ground into a paste, they would be classified under 1604.20. Canned anchovies are typically gutted, headed, and then preserved in oil, salt, or brine within a sealed container. This level of processing exceeds the simple preservation methods like drying or salting without further preparation found in Chapter 03. The Harmonized System requires that fish prepared in airtight containers for immediate consumption or long-term storage be placed in Chapter 16. The classification remains 1604.16 regardless of whether the anchovies are packed in olive oil, sunflower oil, or a salt-heavy brine, as long as the fish remains whole or in recognizable pieces.
- Covers
- Anchovy fillets in olive oil
- Salt-cured anchovies in cans
- Whole anchovies in brine or vinegar
- Anchovies with capers or herbs in oil
- Rolled anchovy fillets in hermetic packaging
- Also under 1604.16
- Ortiz Anchovies
- Agostino Recca Anchovies
- Roland Anchovy Fillets
- Crown Prince Anchovies
- Callipo Anchovies
Codes often confused with 1604.16
Common mistake. Canned anchovies are often misclassified under 0305.63, which covers anchovies that are salted but not in airtight containers for retail sale. Additionally, anchovy paste is frequently incorrectly assigned to 1604.16, whereas it should be under 1604.20 because it is a homogenized fish preparation. Importers also sometimes confuse them with fresh anchovies under 0302.43 or frozen anchovies under 0303.89.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160416 (the code used for canned anchovies), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160416 (the code used for canned anchovies) in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 25% 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 160416, not only canned anchovies.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Morocco $144M 34% of world exports
- 2 Spain $68M 16% of world exports
- 3 Italy $58M 14% of world exports
World total: $420M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $124M 25% of world imports
- 2 Italy $104M 21% of world imports
- 3 France $49M 9.8% of world imports
World total: $496M 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 canned anchovies
Brazil classifies canned anchovies under NCM 1604.16.00: HS 1604.16 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned anchovies
What is the HS code for Canned anchovies?
The HS code for Canned anchovies is 160416 (Fish preparations; anchovies, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)). The HS code for canned anchovies, whole or in pieces, is 1604.16.
How do I classify Canned anchovies for customs?
Canned anchovies is classified under HS code 160416 — Fish preparations; anchovies, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include anchovy-flavored sauces?
No, anchovy-based sauces like Worcestershire or Asian fish sauces are typically classified under heading 2103 as sauces and preparations therefor.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned anchovies (HS 160416)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160416 (the code used for canned anchovies) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($144M, 34% of world exports), Spain ($68M) and Italy ($58M). World exports came to about $420M, 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 anchovies (HS 160416)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160416 (the code used for canned anchovies) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($124M, 25% of world imports), Italy ($104M) and France ($49M). World imports came to about $496M, 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 anchovies the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160416 for Canned anchovies 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 anchovies in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned anchovies (HS 160416) is classified under NCM 1604.16.00.