Product classification
HS code for Canned octopus: 1605.55
Mollusc preparations, octopus, prepared or preserved.
Classification of canned octopus under HS 1605.55
Canned octopus is classified under HS code 1605.55. This classification is governed by the processing state of the mollusc. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 03 covers raw, fresh, chilled, or frozen seafood, while Chapter 16 covers preparations of meat, fish, or molluscs. When octopus is cooked, seasoned, or preserved in oil and sealed in a can, it has undergone a preparation process that excludes it from Chapter 03. Heading 1605 is the specific category for crustaceans and molluscs that have been prepared or preserved. The subheading 1605.55 is explicitly designated for octopus. This ensures that trade statistics and tariffs are applied specifically to octopus preparations rather than being grouped with squid or other molluscs. The classification remains consistent whether the octopus is canned as whole tentacles, sliced pieces, or as part of a prepared meal where octopus is the primary ingredient by weight.
- Covers
- Octopus pieces in vegetable or olive oil
- Canned octopus in garlic sauce or spicy oil
- Pickled octopus in airtight jars
- Boiled and canned octopus tentacles
- Octopus canned in its own ink
- Also under 1605.55
- Goya Octopus
- Vigo Octopus
- various Spanish and Portuguese brands for canned octopus
- Asian brands for dried/frozen octopus
Codes often confused with 1605.55
Common mistake. Canned octopus is often misclassified under 0307.51 or 0307.59, which are the codes for live, fresh, or frozen octopus. The distinction lies in the cooking and canning process; once the octopus is prepared for shelf-stability, it must move to 1605.55. Another common error is using 1605.54, which is the code for cuttlefish and squid. While they are related cephalopods, the HS nomenclature provides a distinct code for octopus (1605.55) and squid (1605.54), and they cannot be used interchangeably.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160555 (the code used for canned octopus), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160555 (the code used for canned octopus) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 25% 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 160555, not only canned octopus.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $210M 44% of world exports
- 2 Spain $137M 28% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$46M 9.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $482M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $82M 25% of world imports
- 2 United States $52M 16% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $36M 11% of world imports
World total: $328M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 octopus
Brazil classifies canned octopus under NCM 1605.55.00: HS 1605.55 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned octopus
What is the HS code for Canned octopus?
The HS code for Canned octopus is 160555 (Mollusc preparations; octopus, prepared or preserved). The correct HS code for canned octopus is 1605.55, covering prepared or preserved octopus.
How do I classify Canned octopus for customs?
Canned octopus is classified under HS code 160555 — Mollusc preparations; octopus, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is canned squid classified under the same code as canned octopus?
No, canned squid is classified under HS code 1605.54, while canned octopus is 1605.55. It is important to distinguish between these two cephalopods for customs accuracy.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned octopus (HS 160555)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160555 (the code used for canned octopus) in UN Comtrade data were China ($210M, 44% of world exports), Spain ($137M) and Vietnam (about $46M). World exports came to about $482M, 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 octopus (HS 160555)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160555 (the code used for canned octopus) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($82M, 25% of world imports), the United States ($52M) and South Korea ($36M). World imports came to about $328M, 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 octopus the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160555 for Canned octopus 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 octopus in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned octopus (HS 160555) is classified under NCM 1605.55.00.