HS Code for Escargots

Escargots are classified under HS code 1605.58 because they represent prepared or preserved molluscs. In the Harmonized System, Chapter 3 is reserved for fish, crustaceans, and molluscs that are live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine, but not otherwise cooked or prepared. Once snails undergo a preparation process—such as boiling in water, seasoning with herbs and garlic butter, or being preserved in airtight cans—they move from Chapter 3 to Chapter 16. Specifically, heading 1605 covers crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates that have been prepared or preserved. Subheading 1605.58 is the specific designation for snails, excluding sea snails. This classification applies regardless of whether the snails are presented in their shells or as meat only. The addition of ingredients like garlic, parsley, or wine, which are standard in escargot preparations, confirms their placement in Chapter 16 as a composite food preparation where the mollusc remains the character-defining component.

Products Included

• Canned snails in brine or natural juice
• Snails prepared with garlic butter and parsley (Escargots à la Bourguignonne)
• Frozen prepared snail meat, pre-cooked
• Snail pâté or spreads containing snail meat
• Snails preserved in vinegar or with added spices

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0307.60. This code is strictly for snails (other than sea snails) that are live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine, but have not been cooked or prepared with other ingredients. If the snails are simply frozen raw, they belong in 0307.60; if they are frozen after being cooked or seasoned, they must be moved to 1605.58. Another common error involves sea snails (such as whelks or periwinkles), which are classified under 1605.59 if prepared, or 0307.9x if fresh/frozen, as 1605.58 is reserved for land snails.

FAQ

What is the HS code for [product]?

The HS code for prepared or preserved escargots (land snails) is 1605.58.

Does this code include the shells?

Yes, if the snails are prepared and presented within their shells, the entire product is classified under 1605.58. If empty shells are imported separately, they are classified under 0508.00.