Product classification
HS code for Canned squid: 1605.54
Mollusc preparations, cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved.
Classification of canned squid under HS 1605.54
Canned squid is classified under HS code 1605.54 because it represents a prepared or preserved mollusc. According to the Chapter Notes for Chapter 16, this heading covers products that have been prepared or preserved by processes not provided for in Chapter 03. While Chapter 03 allows for fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in-brine molluscs, any further processing such as cooking (boiling, steaming, grilling), smoking, or the addition of other ingredients like oils, sauces, or stuffings necessitates a move to Chapter 16. Canned squid is typically cooked and then sealed in an airtight container with a liquid medium, which is a definitive form of preparation. The subheading 1605.54 is specifically allocated to cuttlefish and squid, ensuring that these cephalopods are distinguished from other molluscs like clams or mussels. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the squid is whole, sliced, or stuffed, provided the preparation level exceeds the limits of Chapter 03. This classification is essential for international trade to distinguish between raw commodities and value-added food products.
- Covers
- Canned squid in sunflower or olive oil
- Squid chunks in natural brine or ink
- Stuffed squid in airtight metal containers
- Prepared squid rings in tomato or spicy sauce
- Smoked squid preserved in cans
- Also under 1605.54
- Goya Calamari
- Vigo Squid
- various Asian brands for dried squid snacks
- Mediterranean brands for marinated cuttlefish
Codes often confused with 1605.54
Common mistake. Canned squid is frequently misclassified under HS code 0307.43 or 0307.49. These codes are reserved for squid that is merely frozen, dried, or salted but not cooked or prepared with additional ingredients. Another common error is using 1604.19, which is for prepared or preserved fish; however, squid is a mollusc and must stay within 1605. Importers often confuse the two when the squid is prepared in a manner similar to sardines or tuna.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160554 (the code used for canned squid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160554 (the code used for canned squid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 22% 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 160554, not only canned squid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 63% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$232M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Spain $157M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $258M 22% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $235M 20% of world imports
- 3 United States $94M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 squid
Brazil classifies canned squid under NCM 1605.54.00: HS 1605.54 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned squid
What is the HS code for Canned squid?
The HS code for Canned squid is 160554 (Mollusc preparations; cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved). The HS code for canned squid is 1605.54, which covers prepared or preserved cuttlefish and squid.
How do I classify Canned squid for customs?
Canned squid is classified under HS code 160554 — Mollusc preparations; cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen raw squid?
No, frozen raw squid is classified under heading 0307, as it has not undergone the preparation or preservation processes required for Chapter 16.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned squid (HS 160554)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160554 (the code used for canned squid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 63% of world exports), Peru (about $232M) and Spain ($157M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of canned squid (HS 160554)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160554 (the code used for canned squid) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($258M, 22% of world imports), South Korea ($235M) and the United States ($94M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 squid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160554 for Canned squid 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 squid in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned squid (HS 160554) is classified under NCM 1605.54.00.