Product classification
HS code for Canned clams: 1605.56
Mollusc preparations, clams, cockles and arkshells, prepared or preserved.
Classification of canned clams under HS 1605.56
Canned clams are classified under HS code 1605.56. This code is part of the broader heading 1605, which encompasses crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates that have been prepared or preserved. Clams, cockles, and arkshells are grouped together in this specific subheading. The classification is driven by the processing method: canning involves hermetically sealing the product and applying heat to prevent spoilage. This process transforms the raw mollusc into a preparation. Under the HS nomenclature, if a mollusc is cooked (e.g., boiled in water or steamed) before being canned, it must be classified in Chapter 16. Even if the clams are only preserved in a medium like brine or vinegar, the airtight packaging and the intent for shelf-stable retail sale generally align with the requirements of 1605.56. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied to reach this specific subheading, ensuring that the product is distinguished from fresh or frozen clams found in Chapter 03.
- Covers
- Baby clams in water or brine
- Chopped clams in natural juices
- Canned cockles in brine
- Arkshells in seasoned sauce
- Whole shelled clams in airtight containers
- Also under 1605.56
- Bumble Bee Chopped Clams
- Snow's Clam Chowder
- Goya Clams
- various Asian brands for canned cockles/arkshells
Codes often confused with 1605.56
Common mistake. Canned clams are often confused with fresh clams (0307.71) or frozen clams (0307.72). The primary difference is the heat treatment and the airtight container. Another common error is misclassifying them under 1605.59, which is the catch-all for other molluscs. Because clams, cockles, and arkshells are explicitly named in 1605.56, that code takes precedence over the general 1605.59 category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160556 (the code used for canned clams), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160556 (the code used for canned clams) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 23% 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 160556, not only canned clams.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $159M 41% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$97M 25% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Kingdom $34M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $391M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $81M 23% of world imports
- 2 Spain $72M 20% of world imports
- 3 Italy $39M 11% of world imports
World total: $355M 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. 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 clams
Brazil classifies canned clams under NCM 1605.56.00: HS 1605.56 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned clams
What is the HS code for Canned clams?
The HS code for Canned clams is 160556 (Mollusc preparations; clams, cockles and arkshells, prepared or preserved). The HS code for canned clams, cockles, and arkshells is 1605.56.
How do I classify Canned clams for customs?
Canned clams is classified under HS code 160556 — Mollusc preparations; clams, cockles and arkshells, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are clams in a frozen meal classified here?
If the clams are part of a prepared meal where they are not the dominant component, the product might be classified under 2106 or 1605.56 depending on the weight and composition rules.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned clams (HS 160556)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160556 (the code used for canned clams) in UN Comtrade data were China ($159M, 41% of world exports), Vietnam (about $97M) and the United Kingdom ($34M). World exports came to about $391M, 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 clams (HS 160556)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160556 (the code used for canned clams) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($81M, 23% of world imports), Spain ($72M) and Italy ($39M). World imports came to about $355M, 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 clams the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160556 for Canned clams 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 clams in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned clams (HS 160556) is classified under NCM 1605.56.00.