Product classification
HS code for Dried jellyfish: 1605.63
Aquatic invertebrates, jellyfish, prepared or preserved.
Classification of dried jellyfish under HS 1605.63
Dried jellyfish is classified under HS code 1605.63. While Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System generally covers fish and aquatic invertebrates, Chapter 16 is dedicated to preparations of meat, fish, or other aquatic invertebrates. Jellyfish are biologically classified as aquatic invertebrates. The process of drying jellyfish for human consumption typically involves a multi-stage curing process using salt and alum to transform the organism's texture and ensure shelf stability. This level of processing is considered "prepared or preserved" beyond the simple drying or salting permitted in Chapter 3. According to the General Rules of Interpretation and the Explanatory Notes to heading 1605, aquatic invertebrates that have been prepared or preserved by processes not provided for in Chapter 3 fall under Chapter 16. Subheading 1605.63 was specifically created to provide a clear classification for jellyfish products.
- Covers
- Dried salted jellyfish
- Shredded dried jellyfish
- Ready-to-eat seasoned dried jellyfish
- Alum-cured dried jellyfish
- Also under 1605.63
- Lee Kum Kee Seasoned Jellyfish
- Wang Korea Jellyfish Salad
- Thai Preserved Jellyfish
Codes often confused with 1605.63
Common mistake. Dried jellyfish is often misclassified under HS code 0308.90, which covers "other" aquatic invertebrates that are live, fresh, chilled, frozen, or simply dried/salted. However, because the commercial drying process for jellyfish almost always involves alum and specific curing techniques that alter the cellular structure, customs authorities generally require classification under 1605.63. Another error is using 2106.90 for food preparations, but the specific mention of jellyfish in 1605.63 takes precedence.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160563 (the code used for dried jellyfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160563 (the code used for dried jellyfish) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 27% 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 160563, not only dried jellyfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.8M 58% of world exports
- 2 Japan $779K 12% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $648K 9.7% of world exports
World total: $6.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $1.8M 27% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.6M 24% of world imports
- 3 Australia $649K 9.6% of world imports
World total: $6.8M 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 dried jellyfish
Brazil classifies dried jellyfish under NCM 1605.63.00: HS 1605.63 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dried jellyfish
What is the HS code for Dried jellyfish?
The HS code for Dried jellyfish is 160563 (Aquatic invertebrates; jellyfish, prepared or preserved). The HS code for dried, prepared, or preserved jellyfish is 1605.63.
How do I classify Dried jellyfish for customs?
Dried jellyfish is classified under HS code 160563 — Aquatic invertebrates; jellyfish, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the jellyfish is fresh?
Fresh, chilled, or frozen jellyfish that has not been prepared or preserved would be classified under HS code 0308.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried jellyfish (HS 160563)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160563 (the code used for dried jellyfish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.8M, 58% of world exports), Japan ($779K) and Indonesia ($648K). World exports came to about $6.7M, 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 dried jellyfish (HS 160563)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160563 (the code used for dried jellyfish) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($1.8M, 27% of world imports), the United States ($1.6M) and Australia ($649K). World imports came to about $6.8M, 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 Dried jellyfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160563 for Dried jellyfish 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 dried jellyfish in Brazil?
In Brazil, dried jellyfish (HS 160563) is classified under NCM 1605.63.00.