Product classification
HS code for Canned prawns: 1605.29
Crustacean preparations, shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, in airtight containers.
Classification of canned prawns under HS 1605.29
Canned prawns are classified under HS code 1605.29 because they have undergone processing that exceeds the simple preservation methods allowed in Chapter 03. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically GRI 1, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 16 is designated for preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates. For a crustacean to be classified here, it must be prepared or preserved by methods such as cooking in sauces, seasoning, or being packed in airtight containers for long-term shelf stability. The specific subheading 1605.29 applies to shrimps and prawns that are prepared or preserved, particularly those packaged in hermetically sealed containers like cans or glass jars. This processing ensures the product is shelf-stable and ready for consumption, distinguishing it from fresh or frozen seafood that requires continuous refrigeration.
- Covers
- Canned prawns in brine
- Canned shrimp in oil
- Prawns in tomato sauce or other prepared media
- Hermetically sealed jars of prepared prawns
- Canned cocktail shrimp
- Also under 1605.29
- Chicken of the Sea Canned Shrimp
- Bumble Bee Canned Shrimp
- Crown Prince Canned Shrimp
- Roland Canned Shrimp
- Thai Union Canned Prawns
- Geisha Canned Shrimp
Codes often confused with 1605.29
Common mistake. Canned prawns are frequently confused with HS code 0306, which covers crustaceans that are fresh, chilled, frozen, or simply boiled in water. If the prawns are only boiled and then frozen without further preparation or airtight packaging, they remain in 0306. Additionally, some importers may confuse 1605.29 with 1605.21, which in some jurisdictions specifically separates airtight containers from other preparations. It is vital to check the specific regional tariff schedule to ensure the correct six-digit or eight-digit suffix is applied based on the container type.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160529 (the code used for canned prawns), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160529 (the code used for canned prawns) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($23M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 160529, not only canned prawns.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.3B 37% of world exports
- 2 India $613M 17% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $286M 7.8% of world exports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($23M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $232M 16% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $200M 14% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $132M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 prawns
Brazil classifies canned prawns under NCM 1605.29.00: HS 1605.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned prawns
What is the HS code for Canned prawns?
The HS code for Canned prawns is 160529 (Crustacean preparations; shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, in airtight containers). The primary HS code for canned prawns is 1605.29, which covers prepared or preserved shrimps and prawns.
How do I classify Canned prawns for customs?
Canned prawns is classified under HS code 160529 — Crustacean preparations; shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, in airtight containers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen prawns?
No, frozen prawns that have not been further prepared or preserved in airtight containers are classified under heading 0306.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned prawns (HS 160529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160529 (the code used for canned prawns) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 37% of world exports), India ($613M) and Thailand ($286M). World exports came to about $3.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($23M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of canned prawns (HS 160529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160529 (the code used for canned prawns) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($232M, 16% of world imports), Denmark ($200M) and the United Kingdom ($132M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 prawns the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160529 for Canned prawns 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 prawns in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned prawns (HS 160529) is classified under NCM 1605.29.00.