Product classification
HS code for Canned eels: 1604.17
Fish preparations, eels, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Classification of canned eels under HS 1604.17
Canned eels are classified under HS code 1604.17. This classification is specific to fish preparations where the fish is an eel. Heading 1604 covers fish that have been prepared or preserved in ways not covered by Chapter 03. For eels, this often includes being smoked, fried, or stewed before being placed in an airtight container with oil, jelly, or sauce. The subheading 1604.17 applies to eels that are whole or in pieces but not minced. The distinction between Chapter 03 and Chapter 16 is primarily based on the degree of processing. If the eel is merely frozen or salted, it remains in Chapter 03. However, the canning process, which involves heat sterilization and often the addition of flavoring agents or preservatives, necessitates classification in 1604.17. This code is used internationally to ensure uniform tariff application for one of the most common forms of preserved eel, particularly in European and Asian markets where canned eel is a staple product.
- Covers
- Smoked eel in vegetable oil (canned)
- Jellied eels in hermetic containers
- Eel fillets in kabayaki sauce (canned)
- Fried eel pieces in brine
- Eel chunks in tomato or spiced sauce
- Also under 1604.17
Kikkoman Unagi Kabayaki, F.W. Schlotterbeck & Co. Smoked Eel, H. van Wijnen Smoked Eel, Eel River Eel, Maruha Nichiro Unagi
Codes often confused with 1604.17
Common mistake. Canned eels are sometimes misclassified under 0301.92 (live eels) or 0304.99 (frozen fillets). Another error involves misclassifying eel preparations as 1604.20 if the eel is significantly broken down, though 1604.17 is the correct code for whole or sliced pieces. Smoked eel that is not in an airtight container might also be confused with 0305.44, which covers smoked eels specifically.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160417 (the code used for canned eels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160417 (the code used for canned eels) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 96% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 57% 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 160417, not only canned eels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $780M 96% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $12M 1.5% of world exports
- 3 Germany $6.2M 0.8% of world exports
World total: $810M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $367M 57% of world imports
- 2 Russia* ~$44M 6.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Taiwan* ~$38M 5.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $645M 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 eels
Brazil classifies canned eels under NCM 1604.17.00: HS 1604.17 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned eels
What is the HS code for Canned eels?
The HS code for Canned eels is 160417 (Fish preparations; eels, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)). The HS code for prepared or preserved eels, whole or in pieces, is 1604.17.
How do I classify Canned eels for customs?
Canned eels is classified under HS code 160417 — Fish preparations; eels, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include elvers (baby eels)?
If elvers are prepared or preserved in cans, they fall under 1604.17. If they are live, fresh, or chilled, they are classified under 0301.92.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned eels (HS 160417)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160417 (the code used for canned eels) in UN Comtrade data were China ($780M, 96% of world exports), the Netherlands ($12M) and Germany ($6.2M). World exports came to about $810M, 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 eels (HS 160417)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160417 (the code used for canned eels) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($367M, 57% of world imports), Russia (about $44M) and Taiwan (about $38M). World imports came to about $645M, 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 eels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160417 for Canned eels 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 eels in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned eels (HS 160417) is classified under NCM 1604.17.00.