Product classification
HS code for Canned sprats: 1604.13
Fish preparations, sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Classification of canned sprats under HS 1604.13
Canned sprats are classified under HS code 1604.13. This heading covers prepared or preserved fish, specifically sardines, sardinella, and brisling or sprats, which are presented whole or in pieces but not minced. The sprats are typically smoked, fried, or boiled and then packed in oil, tomato sauce, or brine within an airtight container. This level of preparation removes them from Chapter 03, which covers fresh, chilled, or frozen fish. The inclusion of sprats alongside sardines in 1604.13 is due to their similar biological characteristics and commercial usage in the canning industry. The classification process involves identifying the species of fish and the method of preservation. Since sprats (Sprattus sprattus) are specifically named in the subheadings for 1604.13, and the canning process constitutes a \"preparation\" under the terms of Chapter 16, this code is the most specific and accurate for international trade documentation and customs valuation.
- Covers
- Canned sprats in vegetable oil
- Smoked sprats in airtight containers (Riga sprats)
- Sprats in tomato sauce
- Brisling sardines in cans
- Prepared sprats in brine
- 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 sprats are often confused with HS codes 0302 or 0303, which cover fresh or frozen fish respectively. If the sprats are merely frozen, they do not belong in 1604. Additionally, they may be misclassified under 1604.14 (tunas and skipjack) or 1604.15 (mackerel) if the species is not correctly identified. It is also common to see confusion with 1604.20, which is for minced fish or fish sausages, whereas 1604.13 is for fish whole or in pieces.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160413 (the code used for canned sprats), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160413 (the code used for canned sprats) 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 sprats.
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 sprats
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 sprats
What is the HS code for Canned sprats?
The HS code for Canned sprats is 160413 (Fish preparations; sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)). The HS code for canned sprats is 1604.13, which also includes sardines and sardinella.
How do I classify Canned sprats for customs?
Canned sprats 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.
Are smoked sprats in jars classified under this code?
Yes, if they are prepared and in airtight jars, they are classified under 1604.13 as prepared or preserved fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned sprats (HS 160413)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160413 (the code used for canned sprats) 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 sprats (HS 160413)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160413 (the code used for canned sprats) 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 sprats the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160413 for Canned sprats 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 sprats in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 160413 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for canned sprats depends on the product's details: 1604.13.10 (Prepared or preserved sardines, not minced), 1604.13.90 (Prepared sardinella, brisling or sprats).