Product classification
HS code for Canned shrimp: 1605.29
Crustacean preparations, shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, in airtight containers.
Classification of canned shrimp under HS 1605.29
Canned shrimp is classified under HS code 1605.29. This classification is governed by Chapter 16, which covers preparations of crustaceans and molluscs. Heading 1605 is designated for crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates that have been prepared or preserved. Shrimps and prawns are specifically categorized under the 1605.2x series. The distinction between 1605.21 and 1605.29 depends on the packaging; 1605.21 is for products not in airtight containers, whereas 1605.29 covers all other preparations, including those in airtight cans. The classification depends on the level of processing; while simple boiling in water or steaming (with or without shell) might keep a product in Chapter 03 (specifically 0306), the addition of preservatives, flavorings, or the canning process itself moves the product into Chapter 16. Canned shrimp are typically peeled, deveined, and preserved in a brine solution, then sealed in airtight containers and heat-sterilized, which fits the definition of prepared or preserved under heading 1605. This ensures the product is shelf-stable and ready for consumption.
- Covers
- Canned shrimp in brine
- Cocktail shrimp in airtight glass jars
- Cooked and peeled prawns in cans
- Preserved shrimp meat in airtight containers
- 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. A common error is classifying canned shrimp under 0306.17 or 0306.36. These codes are for frozen or fresh/chilled shrimps and prawns that have not been prepared beyond simple steaming or boiling in shell. Another misclassification occurs with 1605.21, which is only for shrimp preparations that are not in airtight containers. If the shrimp is part of a prepared meal (like a shrimp curry), it might move to 2106 or 1605 depending on the shrimp content percentage.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160529 (the code used for canned shrimp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160529 (the code used for canned shrimp) 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 shrimp.
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 shrimp
Brazil classifies canned shrimp 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 shrimp
What is the HS code for Canned shrimp?
The HS code for Canned shrimp is 160529 (Crustacean preparations; shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, in airtight containers). The HS code for canned shrimp and prawns in airtight containers is 1605.29.
How do I classify Canned shrimp for customs?
Canned shrimp 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.
Is shrimp paste classified under this code?
No, shrimp paste is generally classified under 2103.90 as a sauce or condiment, or sometimes 1605.29 if it consists primarily of prepared crustacean meat.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned shrimp (HS 160529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160529 (the code used for canned shrimp) 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 shrimp (HS 160529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160529 (the code used for canned shrimp) 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 shrimp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160529 for Canned shrimp 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 shrimp in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned shrimp (HS 160529) is classified under NCM 1605.29.00.