Product classification
HS code for Canned sardines: 1604.13
Fish preparations, sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Classification of canned sardines under HS 1604.13
Canned sardines are classified under HS code 1604.13 because they represent a fish preparation where the fish is prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces, but not minced. Chapter 16 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates. Within this chapter, heading 1604 specifically addresses prepared or preserved fish and caviar. The classification logic follows General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since these sardines are typically cooked, canned in oil, brine, or sauce, and remain in identifiable pieces or whole forms, they fall squarely into 1604.13. This subheading is further divided based on the species, with 1604.13 specifically naming sardines, sardinella, and brisling or sprats. The preservation process, which involves heat treatment in airtight containers, distinguishes these products from fresh or chilled fish found in Chapter 03. The presence of added ingredients like tomato sauce, mustard, or vegetable oil does not change the classification, provided the fish remains the essential character of the product.
- Covers
- Sardines in vegetable oil (whole or fillets)
- Sardines in tomato sauce
- Brisling or sprats in brine
- Smoked sardines in airtight cans
- Sardinella prepared in spicy oil
- Also under 1604.13
- King Oscar Sardines
- Brunswick Sardines
- Chicken of the Sea Sardines
- Season Brand Sardines
- Riga Gold Smoked Sprats
Codes often confused with 1604.13
Common mistake. Canned sardines are frequently confused with HS code 1604.20. While 1604.13 covers fish whole or in pieces, 1604.20 is reserved for other prepared or preserved fish that has been minced or homogenized, such as fish pastes or sardine spreads. Additionally, fresh or chilled sardines fall under 0302.43, and frozen sardines fall under 0303.53. These Chapter 03 codes are only for fish that has not been prepared beyond basic cleaning, scaling, or gutting.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160413 (the code used for canned sardines), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160413 (the code used for canned sardines) in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 160413, not only canned sardines.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Morocco $671M 33% of world exports
- 2 China $451M 22% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $148M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $234M 14% of world imports
- 2 France $112M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 South Africa $77M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 codes for canned sardines
Brazil splits HS 1604.13 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1604.13.10Prepared or preserved sardines, not minced
- 1604.13.90Prepared sardinella, brisling or sprats
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned sardines
What is the HS code for Canned sardines?
The HS code for Canned sardines is 160413 (Fish preparations; sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)). The primary HS code for canned sardines, sardinella, and brisling or sprats is 1604.13.
How do I classify Canned sardines for customs?
Canned sardines is classified under HS code 160413 — Fish preparations; sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the sauce in the can change the HS code?
No, sardines in oil, tomato sauce, or brine are all classified under 1604.13 as long as the fish is whole or in pieces.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned sardines (HS 160413)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160413 (the code used for canned sardines) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($671M, 33% of world exports), China ($451M) and Thailand ($148M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 sardines (HS 160413)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160413 (the code used for canned sardines) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($234M, 14% of world imports), France ($112M) and South Africa ($77M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 sardines the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160413 for Canned sardines 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 sardines in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 160413 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for canned sardines depends on the product's details: 1604.13.10 (Prepared or preserved sardines, not minced), 1604.13.90 (Prepared sardinella, brisling or sprats).