Product classification
HS code for Canned salmon: 1604.11
Fish preparations, salmon, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Classification of canned salmon under HS 1604.11
Canned salmon is classified under HS code 1604.11. This classification is part of Chapter 16, which deals with preparations of meat, fish, or crustaceans. Heading 1604 specifically covers "Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs." Subheading 1604.11 is dedicated to salmon that is prepared or preserved, provided it is "whole or in pieces, but not minced." The canning process involves cleaning the fish, cutting it into steaks or fillets, and then sealing it in cans with oil, brine, or its own juices before undergoing heat sterilization. This process ensures the fish is cooked and preserved for long-term storage. According to the Chapter 16 notes, the fish must be prepared or preserved by processes not covered in Chapter 3 (which covers fresh, chilled, or frozen fish). The retention of the muscular structure of the fish is the key requirement for classification in the 1604.1x series.
- Covers
- Canned pink salmon fillets
- Canned sockeye (red) salmon chunks
- Canned Atlantic salmon in oil
- Canned coho salmon in brine
- Also under 1604.11
- Bumble Bee Canned Salmon
- Chicken of the Sea Canned Salmon
- Ducktrap River Smoked Salmon
- Fjordland Smoked Salmon
- Trader Joe's Smoked Salmon
Codes often confused with 1604.11
Common mistake. Canned salmon is frequently misclassified under 0302 or 0303, which are for fresh or frozen salmon. However, the canning and cooking process mandates a move to Chapter 16. Another common error is using 1604.20, which is for "other" prepared fish, including minced fish or fish pastes. If the salmon is finely ground or homogenized into a spread, it must be classified under 1604.20 rather than 1604.11. Additionally, smoked salmon that is not canned may fall under 0305, depending on the extent of the processing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160411 (the code used for canned salmon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160411 (the code used for canned salmon) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% 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 160411, not only canned salmon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Poland $225M 22% of world exports
- 2 Lithuania $134M 13% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $103M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $267M 26% of world imports
- 2 United States $153M 15% of world imports
- 3 Japan $108M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 salmon
Brazil classifies canned salmon under NCM 1604.11.00: HS 1604.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned salmon
What is the HS code for Canned salmon?
The HS code for Canned salmon is 160411 (Fish preparations; salmon, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)). The international HS code for canned salmon (whole or in pieces) is 1604.11.
How do I classify Canned salmon for customs?
Canned salmon is classified under HS code 160411 — Fish preparations; salmon, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include salmon skin or bones?
Yes, if the skin and bones are part of the prepared pieces of salmon within the can, the product remains under 1604.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned salmon (HS 160411)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160411 (the code used for canned salmon) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($225M, 22% of world exports), Lithuania ($134M) and Thailand ($103M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 salmon (HS 160411)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160411 (the code used for canned salmon) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($267M, 26% of world imports), the United States ($153M) and Japan ($108M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 salmon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160411 for Canned salmon 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 salmon in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned salmon (HS 160411) is classified under NCM 1604.11.00.