Product classification
HS code for Caviar: 1604.31
Fish preparations, caviar.
Classification of caviar under HS 1604.31
Caviar is classified under HS code 1604.31. This specific code is reserved for prepared or preserved fish eggs that are obtained exclusively from the sturgeon species (Acipenseridae family). The classification falls under Chapter 16, which covers preparations of meat or fish. To be classified here, the roe must have undergone processing such as washing, cleaning, and salting. The distinction between "true" caviar (sturgeon) and other fish roe is a fundamental principle of the HS nomenclature for luxury food products. This classification applies regardless of whether the caviar is fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, provided it has been prepared or preserved beyond the simple processes described in Chapter 3.
- Covers
- Beluga caviar
- Ossetra caviar
- Sevruga caviar
- Sterlet caviar
- Siberian sturgeon caviar
- Also under 1604.31
- Petrossian Caviar
- Caviar House & Prunier
- Sterling Caviar
- Tsar Imperial Caviar
- Sasanian Caviar
- Black River Caviar
Codes often confused with 1604.31
Common mistake. Frequently confused with 1604.32, which covers caviar substitutes (roe from salmon, lumpfish, or whitefish). It is also distinct from 0302.91 or 0303.91, which cover fresh or frozen fish roe that has not been prepared or preserved (i.e., raw roe still in the ovarian membrane).
Top exporters and importers of HS 160431 (the code used for caviar), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160431 (the code used for caviar) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 160431, not only caviar.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $118M 41% of world exports
- 2 Germany $28M 9.7% of world exports
- 3 Italy $28M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $287M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $67M 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $26M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 France $18M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $267M 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 caviar
Brazil classifies caviar under NCM 1604.31.00: HS 1604.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about caviar
What is the HS code for Caviar?
The HS code for Caviar is 160431 (Fish preparations; caviar). The HS code for genuine sturgeon caviar is 1604.31.
How do I classify Caviar for customs?
Caviar is classified under HS code 160431 — Fish preparations; caviar. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is salmon roe considered caviar?
In trade terminology, it is often called caviar, but for HS classification, salmon roe is a "caviar substitute" and must be classified under 1604.32.
Which countries are the top exporters of caviar (HS 160431)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160431 (the code used for caviar) in UN Comtrade data were China ($118M, 41% of world exports), Germany ($28M) and Italy ($28M). World exports came to about $287M, 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 caviar (HS 160431)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160431 (the code used for caviar) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($67M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($26M) and France ($18M). World imports came to about $267M, 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 Caviar the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160431 for Caviar 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 caviar in Brazil?
In Brazil, caviar (HS 160431) is classified under NCM 1604.31.00.