Product classification
HS code for Canned oysters: 1605.51
Mollusc preparations, oysters, prepared or preserved.
Classification of canned oysters under HS 1605.51
Canned oysters are classified under HS code 1605.51. This classification follows the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) which dictate that prepared or preserved molluscs fall under Chapter 16. Specifically, heading 1605 covers molluscs that have been subjected to processes like cooking, smoking, or preservation in airtight containers. Oysters that are canned are typically steamed or boiled before being sealed in brine, oil, or sauce, which definitively places them in the 1605.51 subheading. This code is specific to oysters and distinguishes them from other molluscs like mussels or clams. The classification is based on the fact that the product is no longer in its natural, raw state as defined in Chapter 03. Even if the oysters are only lightly smoked, if they are canned for shelf-stability, they are classified here to reflect their status as a prepared food product.
- Covers
- Whole oysters canned in brine
- Smoked oysters in oil or water
- Canned oyster pieces or halves
- Oysters preserved in vinegar or seasoned sauces
- Boiled oysters in airtight containers
- Also under 1605.51
- Bumble Bee Smoked Oysters
- Crown Prince Smoked Oysters
- Taylor Shellfish Farms (processed products)
- various Asian brands for canned oysters
Codes often confused with 1605.51
Common mistake. Oysters are frequently misclassified under 0307.11 or 0307.19. These codes are reserved for live, fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried oysters that have not been cooked. If the oysters are in a can, they have almost certainly been heat-treated, requiring the use of 1605.51. Additionally, oyster sauce is sometimes confused with this code, but oyster sauce is a condiment classified under 2103.90, as it is a highly processed extract rather than the mollusc itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160551 (the code used for canned oysters), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160551 (the code used for canned oysters) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 52% 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 160551, not only canned oysters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $51M 56% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $26M 28% of world exports
- 3 Japan $8.5M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $92M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $38M 52% of world imports
- 2 Canada $8.8M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $5.7M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $72M 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 oysters
Brazil classifies canned oysters under NCM 1605.51.00: HS 1605.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned oysters
What is the HS code for Canned oysters?
The HS code for Canned oysters is 160551 (Mollusc preparations; oysters, prepared or preserved). The HS code for canned oysters is 1605.51, which is for prepared or preserved oysters.
How do I classify Canned oysters for customs?
Canned oysters is classified under HS code 160551 — Mollusc preparations; oysters, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include oyster stew?
If the product is primarily oysters with some liquid, it may fall under 1605.51. However, if it is a prepared soup or broth with only small amounts of oyster, it might be classified under 2104.10 as a soup or broth preparation.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned oysters (HS 160551)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160551 (the code used for canned oysters) in UN Comtrade data were China ($51M, 56% of world exports), South Korea ($26M) and Japan ($8.5M). World exports came to about $92M, 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 oysters (HS 160551)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160551 (the code used for canned oysters) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($38M, 52% of world imports), Canada ($8.8M) and Japan ($5.7M). World imports came to about $72M, 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 oysters the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160551 for Canned oysters 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 oysters in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned oysters (HS 160551) is classified under NCM 1605.51.00.