Product classification
HS code for Canned mussels: 1605.53
Mollusc preparations, mussels, prepared or preserved.
Classification of canned mussels under HS 1605.53
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 1605.53
- Prince Edward Island Mussels (processed)
- Goya Mussels
- Vigo Smoked Mussels
- various Spanish and Chilean brands for canned/frozen mussels
Codes often confused with 1605.53
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160553 (the code used for canned mussels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160553 (the code used for canned mussels) in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 23% 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 160553, not only canned mussels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $296M 65% of world exports
- 2 Spain $54M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $22M 4.9% of world exports
World total: $455M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $102M 23% of world imports
- 2 United States $52M 12% of world imports
- 3 Italy $45M 10% of world imports
World total: $440M 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 mussels
Brazil classifies canned mussels under NCM 1605.53.00: HS 1605.53 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned mussels
What is the HS code for Canned mussels?
The HS code for Canned mussels is 160553 (Mollusc preparations; mussels, prepared or preserved). The HS code for canned mussels is 1605.53, which covers prepared or preserved mussels.
How do I classify Canned mussels for customs?
Canned mussels is classified under HS code 160553 — Mollusc preparations; mussels, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned mussels (HS 160553)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160553 (the code used for canned mussels) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($296M, 65% of world exports), Spain ($54M) and China ($22M). World exports came to about $455M, 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 mussels (HS 160553)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160553 (the code used for canned mussels) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($102M, 23% of world imports), the United States ($52M) and Italy ($45M). World imports came to about $440M, 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 mussels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160553 for Canned mussels 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 mussels in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned mussels (HS 160553) is classified under NCM 1605.53.00.