Product classification

HS code for Fish cakes: 1604.20

Fish preparations, fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved.

Classification of fish cakes under HS 1604.20

Fish cakes are classified under HS code 1604.20, which covers 'other prepared or preserved fish.' This classification is determined by the level of processing the fish has undergone. According to Chapter 16, fish that has been cooked, minced, mixed with other ingredients (such as flour, starch, or spices), and formed into shapes like cakes or patties is considered a 'preparation.' This distinguishes it from products in Chapter 03, which covers fish that is merely chilled, frozen, or raw. The sub-heading 1604.20 specifically includes fish preparations that are minced or in forms not elsewhere specified, making it the correct home for fish cakes, surimi-based products, and fish sausages. The inclusion of non-fish ingredients as binders does not change the classification, provided the fish remains the character-defining component of the product.

Covers
  • Fried or steamed fish cakes
  • Frozen prepared fish patties
  • Breaded fish cakes ready for consumption
  • Minced fish preparations mixed with seasonings
Also under 1604.20

Gorton's Fish Sticks, Trident Seafoods Surimi, Thai Union Fish Balls, Iglo Fish Fingers, Mrs. Paul's Fish Fillets (minced), SeaPak Fish Bites

Codes often confused with 1604.20

Common mistake. Fish cakes are often misclassified under 0304.99, which covers minced fish that is raw or frozen. The key distinction is the preparation; if the fish is seasoned or cooked, it must move to 1604. Another common error is using 1902 or 1905 if the product has a heavy crust or dough. However, if the product is primarily fish-based, 1604.20 remains the correct code. If the fish cake is part of a complete ready-meal with vegetables and pasta, it might be classified under 2106 as a food preparation, but standalone fish cakes are strictly 1604.20.

0304.99Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, n.e.c. in item no. 0304.916.04Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs19.02Pasta; whether or not cooked or stuffed with meat or other substance, or otherwise prepared, egg spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, lasagne, gnocchi, ravioli, cannelloni; couscous, whether or not prepared19.05Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, other bakers' wares, whether or not containing cocoa; communion wafers, empty cachets suitable for pharmaceutical use, sealing wafers, rice paper and similar products21.06Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included

Top exporters and importers of HS 160420 (the code used for fish cakes), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160420 (the code used for fish cakes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.8% 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 160420, not only fish cakes.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $527M
  2. 2 Thailand $312M
  3. 3 Morocco $297M

World total: $3.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $264M
  2. 2 France $144M
  3. 3 Italy $132M

World total: $2.7B 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 codes for fish cakes

Brazil splits HS 1604.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 1604.20.10Tuna preparations, minced or other forms
  • 1604.20.20Skipjack preparations, minced or other forms
  • 1604.20.30Minced or other sardine or anchoveta preparations
  • 1604.20.90Other fish preparations, minced or other forms

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about fish cakes

What is the HS code for Fish cakes?

The HS code for Fish cakes is 160420 (Fish preparations; fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved fish cakes is 1604.20.

How do I classify Fish cakes for customs?

Fish cakes is classified under HS code 160420 — Fish preparations; fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code apply to raw minced fish?

No, raw minced fish without added ingredients or cooking is classified under heading 0304. HS code 1604.20 requires the fish to be prepared or preserved.

Which countries are the top exporters of fish cakes (HS 160420)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160420 (the code used for fish cakes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($527M, 17% of world exports), Thailand ($312M) and Morocco ($297M). World exports came to about $3.1B, 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 fish cakes (HS 160420)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 160420 (the code used for fish cakes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($264M, 9.8% of world imports), France ($144M) and Italy ($132M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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.

Is the HS code for Fish cakes the same in all countries?

The base HS code 160420 for Fish cakes 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 fish cakes in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 160420 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for fish cakes depends on the product's details: 1604.20.10 (Tuna preparations, minced or other forms), 1604.20.20 (Skipjack preparations, minced or other forms), 1604.20.30 (Minced or other sardine or anchoveta preparations), 1604.20.90 (Other fish preparations, minced or other forms).