Product classification
HS code for Canned snails: 1605.58
Mollusc preparations, snails, other than sea snails, prepared or preserved.
Classification of canned snails under HS 1605.58
Canned snails, specifically land snails, are classified under HS code 1605.58. This classification is reserved for molluscs that have been prepared or preserved. It is important to note that this code excludes sea snails, which are classified elsewhere in the tariff schedule. The snails in this category are typically cleaned, removed from their shells, and preserved in a liquid such as brine or a flavored butter sauce. The canning process involves heat treatment to ensure commercial sterility, which is a defining characteristic of products in Chapter 16. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, \"prepared or preserved\" includes products that have been cooked by steaming or boiling in water, or preserved in vinegar, oil, or other media. Because canned snails meet these criteria and are packaged for long-term storage in hermetically sealed containers, they are correctly placed under 1605.58, following the rules for mollusc preparations.
- Covers
- Canned land snails in brine
- Escargot in prepared sauces
- Prepared snail meat in airtight jars
- Snails preserved in oil
- Cooked snail preparations ready for consumption
- Also under 1605.58
- Roland Escargots
- Sarlat Escargots
- various French and Eastern European brands for canned/frozen snails
Codes often confused with 1605.58
Common mistake. Canned snails are frequently misclassified under HS code 0307, which covers live, fresh, chilled, or frozen molluscs. Another common error is using 1605.59, which is the residual category for \"other\" molluscs; however, 1605.58 is the specific code for snails other than sea snails. Importers must also be careful not to use codes for sea snails (often 1605.59 or 0307), as land snails have a distinct classification path in the Harmonized System.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160558 (the code used for canned snails), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160558 (the code used for canned snails) in UN Comtrade data was Romania, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 45% 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 160558, not only canned snails.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Romania $26M 28% of world exports
- 2 France $16M 18% of world exports
- 3 Lithuania $12M 13% of world exports
World total: $92M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $37M 45% of world imports
- 2 Japan $10M 12% of world imports
- 3 Romania $8.5M 10% of world imports
World total: $83M 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 snails
Brazil classifies canned snails under NCM 1605.58.00: HS 1605.58 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned snails
What is the HS code for Canned snails?
The HS code for Canned snails is 160558 (Mollusc preparations; snails, other than sea snails, prepared or preserved). Canned land snails are classified under HS code 1605.58 as prepared or preserved molluscs.
How do I classify Canned snails for customs?
Canned snails is classified under HS code 160558 — Mollusc preparations; snails, other than sea snails, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include sea snails?
No, HS code 1605.58 specifically excludes sea snails, which are generally classified under 1605.59 if prepared or preserved.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned snails (HS 160558)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160558 (the code used for canned snails) in UN Comtrade data were Romania ($26M, 28% of world exports), France ($16M) and Lithuania ($12M). 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 snails (HS 160558)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160558 (the code used for canned snails) in UN Comtrade data were France ($37M, 45% of world imports), Japan ($10M) and Romania ($8.5M). World imports came to about $83M, 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 snails the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160558 for Canned snails 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 snails in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned snails (HS 160558) is classified under NCM 1605.58.00.