Product classification
HS code for Canned mackerel: 1604.15
Fish preparations, mackerel, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Classification of canned mackerel under HS 1604.15
Canned mackerel is classified under HS code 1604.15. This classification is determined by the fact that the product is a fish preparation (Chapter 16) and specifically mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus). Heading 1604 applies to fish that have been prepared or preserved by methods such as boiling, steaming, grilling, or frying, and then packed in a medium like oil or brine within a sealed container. The sub-heading 1604.15 is specific to mackerel and requires the fish to be whole or in pieces. This distinguishes it from fish that has been homogenized or minced. The classification process follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, ensuring that the species-specific subheading is utilized. Because the product is shelf-stable and has undergone significant processing to alter it from its raw state, it cannot be classified in Chapter 03, which is reserved for fresh, chilled, or frozen fish.
- Covers
- Mackerel fillets in brine
- Whole mackerel in tomato sauce
- Mackerel chunks in olive oil
- Canned mackerel with chili or spices
- Grilled canned mackerel
- Also under 1604.15
- King Oscar Mackerel
- Brunswick Mackerel
- Chicken of the Sea Mackerel
- John West Mackerel
- various brands of smoked mackerel
Codes often confused with 1604.15
Common mistake. Canned mackerel is often confused with HS code 1604.19, which is a residual category for "other" fish. Because mackerel has its own specific subheading (1604.15), using 1604.19 is a classification error. Another common mistake is using 0302.44 (fresh mackerel) or 0303.44 (frozen mackerel) for canned goods. Furthermore, if the mackerel is processed into a fish cake or a spreadable paste, it must be moved to HS code 1604.20, which covers fish preparations that are not whole or in pieces.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160415 (the code used for canned mackerel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160415 (the code used for canned mackerel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 21% 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 160415, not only canned mackerel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $294M 32% of world exports
- 2 Morocco $122M 13% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $73M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $924M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $168M 21% of world imports
- 2 France $66M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 United States $62M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $810M 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 mackerel
Brazil classifies canned mackerel under NCM 1604.15.00: HS 1604.15 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned mackerel
What is the HS code for Canned mackerel?
The HS code for Canned mackerel is 160415 (Fish preparations; mackerel, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)). The specific HS code for canned mackerel, provided it is whole or in pieces, is 1604.15.
How do I classify Canned mackerel for customs?
Canned mackerel is classified under HS code 160415 — Fish preparations; mackerel, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the sauce in the can change the HS code?
Generally, no. Whether the mackerel is in oil, brine, or tomato sauce, it remains under 1604.15 as long as the mackerel is the primary component and remains in pieces.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned mackerel (HS 160415)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160415 (the code used for canned mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($294M, 32% of world exports), Morocco ($122M) and Thailand ($73M). World exports came to about $924M, 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 mackerel (HS 160415)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160415 (the code used for canned mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($168M, 21% of world imports), France ($66M) and the United States ($62M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Canned mackerel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160415 for Canned mackerel 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 mackerel in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned mackerel (HS 160415) is classified under NCM 1604.15.00.