Product classification
HS code for Canned herring: 1604.12
Fish preparations, herrings, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Classification of canned herring under HS 1604.12
Canned herring is classified under HS code 1604.12 as it is a fish preparation where the fish is prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces, but not minced. Chapter 16 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to preparations of meat, fish, or crustaceans. Heading 1604 specifically covers fish that has been prepared or preserved by processes not covered in Chapter 03, such as cooking, smoking, or preserving in oil, vinegar, or marinades. The sub-heading 1604.12 is specifically reserved for the species Clupea harengus and Clupea pallasii. The canning process involves heat sterilization (appertization), which ensures the product is shelf-stable, a key characteristic of preparations in this category. The classification remains 1604.12 regardless of whether the herring is packed in oil, tomato sauce, or its own juice, provided the fish remains in identifiable pieces or whole fillets rather than being ground into a paste.
- Covers
- Herring fillets in vegetable oil
- Herring in tomato or mustard sauce
- Kippered herring (canned)
- Canned Bismarck herring
- Rolmops in jars or cans (if not in vinegar)
- Also under 1604.12
- Roland Pickled Herring
- Brunswick Sardines (sometimes herring)
- King Oscar Kipper Snacks
- Vita Herring Fillets
- various Scandinavian brands of pickled herring
Codes often confused with 1604.12
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 0302.41 or 0303.51, which are for fresh or frozen herring. Importers may mistakenly use these codes if they do not account for the thermal processing and preservation methods used in canning. Additionally, if the herring is finely minced or made into a spread, it must be classified under 1604.20 (other prepared or preserved fish) rather than 1604.12. If the herring is preserved specifically in vinegar or acetic acid, some jurisdictions may look toward Chapter 20, though 1604 generally takes precedence for fish preparations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160412 (the code used for canned herring), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160412 (the code used for canned herring) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% 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 160412, not only canned herring.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Poland $208M 39% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $90M 17% of world exports
- 3 Norway $46M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $534M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $200M 36% of world imports
- 2 Poland $75M 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $48M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $552M 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 herring
Brazil classifies canned herring under NCM 1604.12.00: HS 1604.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned herring
What is the HS code for Canned herring?
The HS code for Canned herring is 160412 (Fish preparations; herrings, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)). The HS code for canned herring, whole or in pieces, is 1604.12.
How do I classify Canned herring for customs?
Canned herring is classified under HS code 160412 — Fish preparations; herrings, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the herring is canned as a paste?
If the herring is minced, ground, or prepared as a paste or spread, it should be classified under HS code 1604.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned herring (HS 160412)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160412 (the code used for canned herring) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($208M, 39% of world exports), Denmark ($90M) and Norway ($46M). World exports came to about $534M, 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 herring (HS 160412)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160412 (the code used for canned herring) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($200M, 36% of world imports), Poland ($75M) and the United States ($48M). World imports came to about $552M, 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 herring the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160412 for Canned herring 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 herring in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned herring (HS 160412) is classified under NCM 1604.12.00.