HS Code for Canned crab meat

Canned crab meat is classified under HS code 1605.10. This heading is reserved for crustaceans that have been prepared or preserved. Crab meat that has been extracted from the shell, cooked, and then sealed in cans or jars is a classic example of a prepared crustacean. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) dictate that products of Chapter 16 are those that have undergone processes beyond those specified in Chapter 03. While Chapter 03 allows for crabs that are cooked by steaming or boiling in water (even if chilled or frozen), the act of removing the meat from the shell and canning it with or without additives (like citric acid or salt) moves the product into 1605.10. This code covers various species of crab, including King, Snow, and Dungeness, provided they are prepared or preserved. The classification applies to both white meat and claw meat, as long as it is derived from true crabs and not fish-based substitutes.

Products Included

• Lump crab meat in brine
• Canned claw meat
• King crab leg meat in cans
• Snow crab meat preserved in jars
• Crab meat with added preservatives for shelf stability

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification for canned crab meat is 1604.20, which covers surimi and imitation crab meat. Imitation crab is made from minced fish (usually pollock) and must be classified as a fish preparation, not a crustacean preparation. Additionally, frozen whole crabs in the shell are classified under 0306.14, not 1605.10, even if they have been boiled.

FAQ

What is the HS code for canned crab meat?

The HS code for prepared or preserved crab meat is 1605.10.

Is imitation crab meat classified under 1605.10?

No, imitation crab meat (surimi) is classified under HS code 1604.20 because it is a preparation made from fish, not actual crab.