HS Code for Canned mussels

Canned mussels are classified under HS code 1605.53 because they are mollusc preparations that have undergone processing beyond the simple preservation methods allowed in Chapter 03. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products that are cooked, steamed, or preserved in airtight containers like cans or jars are moved from the fresh/frozen categories of Chapter 03 to the prepared/preserved categories of Chapter 16. Heading 1605 specifically covers crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates that have been prepared or preserved. Within this heading, the 1605.5x series is dedicated to molluscs, and the specific subheading 1605.53 is reserved for mussels. This classification applies whether the mussels are whole, without shells, or in pieces, and regardless of whether they are packed in brine, oil, vinegar, or flavored sauces. The canning process involves heat treatment to ensure shelf stability, which is a definitive characteristic of products under heading 1605.

Products Included

• Mussels canned in brine or salt water
• Mussels preserved in olive oil or vegetable oil
• Smoked mussels in airtight cans
• Mussels in tomato, garlic, or escabeche sauce
• Cooked mussel meat vacuum-packed for long-term storage

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS codes 0307.31, 0307.32, or 0307.39. These codes are for mussels that are live, fresh, chilled, frozen, or simply salted/in brine but NOT cooked or canned. Importers often confuse 0307.39 (other mussels) with 1605.53 when the product is in brine, but if the product has been steamed or heat-treated for canning, 1605.53 is the only correct code. Another error involves 1604.20, which is for other prepared or preserved fish; however, mussels are molluscs, not fish, and must stay within 1605.

FAQ

What is the HS code for canned mussels?

The HS code for canned mussels is 1605.53, which covers prepared or preserved mussels.

Does this code change if the mussels are smoked?

No, smoked mussels that are prepared or preserved (especially if canned) remain under 1605.53. If they were simply smoked but not otherwise prepared and not in airtight containers, they might fall under 0307, but most commercial smoked mussels are prepared for 1605.53.