Product classification
HS code for Dried sea cucumbers: 1605.61
Aquatic invertebrates, sea cucumbers, prepared or preserved.
Classification of dried sea cucumbers under HS 1605.61
The classification of dried sea cucumbers under HS code 1605.61 involves distinguishing between simple preservation and preparation. While Chapter 3 (specifically 0308) covers sea cucumbers that are merely dried, salted, or in brine, heading 1605 covers aquatic invertebrates that have been "prepared or preserved." In many commercial contexts, dried sea cucumbers (often known as trepang or bêche-de-mer) undergo a complex process of boiling, cleaning, and repeated drying or smoking to make them shelf-stable and ready for rehydration. This level of processing, particularly the boiling (cooking) phase, pushes the product into 1605.61. This code specifically identifies sea cucumbers that have undergone preparation beyond simple drying. It is crucial for importers to verify the exact processing method, as the distinction between 0308 and 1605 depends on whether the product is considered "prepared" by customs authorities. If the sea cucumber is simply dried raw, it remains in Chapter 3, but the majority of the high-value dried trade involves the boiled-then-dried variety classified here.
- Covers
- Boiled and dried sea cucumbers (Trepang)
- Smoked and dried sea cucumbers
- Sea cucumbers preserved in brine and then dehydrated
- Prepared sea cucumber skins or parts
- Vacuum-packed prepared dried sea cucumbers
- Also under 1605.61
- Hokkaido Dried Sea Cucumber
- Pacific Sea Cucumber (various forms)
- Golden Phoenix Canned Sea Cucumber
- Dongwon F&B (prepared sea cucumber products)
Codes often confused with 1605.61
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is HS code 0308.19, which covers sea cucumbers that are simply dried, salted, or in brine but not cooked or otherwise prepared. Another error is 1605.62, which is for sea urchins, or 1605.63, which is for jelly fish. Importers must distinguish between the biological species and the level of processing to choose between Chapter 3 and Chapter 16.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160561 (the code used for dried sea cucumbers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160561 (the code used for dried sea cucumbers) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 73% 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 160561, not only dried sea cucumbers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $53M 48% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $13M 12% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $13M 12% of world exports
World total: $110M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $66M 73% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $12M 14% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$3.6M 4.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $90M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 sea cucumbers
Brazil classifies dried sea cucumbers under NCM 1605.61.00: HS 1605.61 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dried sea cucumbers
What is the HS code for Dried sea cucumbers?
The HS code for Dried sea cucumbers is 160561 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers, prepared or preserved). Prepared dried sea cucumbers are classified under HS code 1605.61. Raw dried sea cucumbers may fall under 0308.19.
How do I classify Dried sea cucumbers for customs?
Dried sea cucumbers is classified under HS code 160561 — Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are fresh sea cucumbers covered under this code?
No, fresh or chilled sea cucumbers are classified under HS code 0308.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried sea cucumbers (HS 160561)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160561 (the code used for dried sea cucumbers) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($53M, 48% of world exports), South Korea ($13M) and Indonesia ($13M). World exports came to about $110M, 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 sea cucumbers (HS 160561)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160561 (the code used for dried sea cucumbers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($66M, 73% of world imports), South Korea ($12M) and Taiwan (about $3.6M). World imports came to about $90M, 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 sea cucumbers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160561 for Dried sea cucumbers 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 sea cucumbers in Brazil?
In Brazil, dried sea cucumbers (HS 160561) is classified under NCM 1605.61.00.