Product classification
HS code for Canned fish: 1604.19
Fish preparations, fish prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced), n.e.c. in heading no. 1604.
Classification of canned fish under HS 1604.19
Canned fish products are classified under HS code 1604.19 because they represent fish that have been prepared or preserved beyond the basic processes of chilling, freezing, or simple salting found in Chapter 3. Heading 1604 specifically covers prepared or preserved fish, including caviar and caviar substitutes. Subheading 1604.19 is a residual category for fish that are prepared or preserved whole or in pieces, but not minced, and which are not specifically listed in other subheadings such as salmon (1604.11), herrings (1604.12), or tuna (1604.14). The canning process typically involves heat treatment (sterilization) and the addition of a packing medium like brine, oil, or sauce, which fundamentally changes the product's state from fresh or raw to a prepared food preparation. This classification is governed by Note 1 to Chapter 16, which excludes meat, meat offal, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates prepared or preserved by the processes specified in Chapter 2 or 3. Since canning involves cooking or other preservation methods not mentioned in Chapter 3, it must be classified here. The "n.e.c." (not elsewhere classified) nature of 1604.19 makes it the catch-all for various species like mackerel, anchovies, or specialty whitefish when they are canned whole or in large chunks. Furthermore, the product must be in a state where it is no longer considered "fresh" or "frozen" in the sense of Chapter 3. The presence of additives such as vinegar, spices, or vegetable garnishes within the can further reinforces the classification under 1604.19. Importers must ensure that the fish is not minced, as minced fish preparations or pastes would instead fall under HS code 1604.20. The distinction is vital for accurate duty assessment and compliance with international trade regulations.
- Covers
- Canned mackerel fillets in olive oil
- Canned anchovies in brine
- Canned sardines (not specifically under 1604.13)
- Canned whitefish chunks
- Canned eel preparations
- Also under 1604.19
- Bumble Bee Canned Tuna
- John West Sardines
- King Oscar Sardines
- Princes Mackerel Fillets
- Chicken of the Sea Tuna
- Vita Classic Smoked Salmon
Codes often confused with 1604.19
Common mistake. Canned fish is frequently misclassified under Chapter 3 codes, such as 0302 (fresh fish) or 0303 (frozen fish), especially if the importer assumes the biological species is the primary classification factor. However, the "prepared" nature of canned goods overrides the species-specific codes in Chapter 3. Another common error is using 1604.20, which is reserved for minced fish or fish pastes. If the fish in the can retains its structure as a whole fillet or piece, 1604.19 is the correct designation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160419 (the code used for canned fish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160419 (the code used for canned fish) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 18% 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 160419, not only canned fish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.3B 40% of world exports
- 2 Germany $453M 14% of world exports
- 3 Poland $269M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $475M 18% of world imports
- 2 France $246M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $211M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 fish
Brazil classifies canned fish under NCM 1604.19.00: HS 1604.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned fish
What is the HS code for Canned fish?
The HS code for Canned fish is 160419 (Fish preparations; fish prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced), n.e.c. in heading no. 1604). The HS code for canned fish (not elsewhere specified, whole or in pieces) is 1604.19.
How do I classify Canned fish for customs?
Canned fish is classified under HS code 160419 — Fish preparations; fish prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced), n.e.c. in heading no. 1604. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include fish paste?
No, fish pastes and minced fish preparations are classified under HS code 1604.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned fish (HS 160419)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160419 (the code used for canned fish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 40% of world exports), Germany ($453M) and Poland ($269M). World exports came to about $3.3B, 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 fish (HS 160419)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160419 (the code used for canned fish) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($475M, 18% of world imports), France ($246M) and Germany ($211M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 fish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160419 for Canned fish 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 fish in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned fish (HS 160419) is classified under NCM 1604.19.00.