Product classification
HS code for Fish extract: 1603.00
Extracts and juices, of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates.
Classification of fish extract under HS 1603.00
HS Code 160300 is the specific designation for extracts and juices of meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates. Fish extracts are produced by subjecting fish to boiling under pressure or in water, followed by a concentration process through evaporation. This results in a liquid, semi-solid, or solid substance that contains the soluble components of the fish, such as proteins, minerals, and vitamins, but lacks the muscle fiber and bulk associated with whole fish or fillets. The classification is governed by General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, as the heading text explicitly covers extracts and juices. These products are primarily used in the food industry as flavoring agents, bases for soups and sauces, or as nutritional supplements. Unlike prepared fish dishes, these extracts are highly concentrated essences and do not contain the physical structure of the fish meat.
- Covers
- Concentrated fish juices
- Liquid fish essences
- Solid fish extracts in block or powder form
- Clam juice and oyster extracts
- Soluble fish protein concentrates
- Also under 1603.00
- Bovril Beef Extract
- Knorr Chicken Bouillon
- Maggi Seasoning
- Red Boat Fish Sauce
- Lee Kum Kee Oyster Sauce
- Campbell's Broth Concentrates
Codes often confused with 1603.00
Common mistake. Fish extracts are frequently confused with products under HS code 2104, which covers soups and broths. The distinction lies in the fact that 160300 is a raw ingredient or essence, whereas 2104 refers to finished or semi-finished preparations. Another common error is misclassifying them under HS code 2309 (animal feed preparations) or HS code 2106 (food preparations not elsewhere specified). If the extract is significantly modified with other ingredients like spices or vegetables, it may move to Chapter 21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160300 (the code used for fish extract), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160300 (the code used for fish extract) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 160300, not only fish extract.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $45M 16% of world exports
- 2 France $35M 13% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $28M 10% of world exports
World total: $277M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $29M 13% of world imports
- 2 Japan $28M 13% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $23M 10% of world imports
World total: $224M 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 fish extract
Brazil classifies fish extract under NCM 1603.00.00: HS 1603.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fish extract
What is the HS code for Fish extract?
The HS code for Fish extract is 160300 (Extracts and juices; of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates). The HS code for fish extract is 160300, which covers extracts and juices of fish and other aquatic invertebrates.
How do I classify Fish extract for customs?
Fish extract is classified under HS code 160300 — Extracts and juices; of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does fish extract differ from fish meal?
Fish extract (160300) is a concentrated essence obtained by boiling and evaporation, whereas fish meal (230120) is a dry powder made by grinding whole fish or fish waste, typically used for animal feed.
Which countries are the top exporters of fish extract (HS 160300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160300 (the code used for fish extract) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($45M, 16% of world exports), France ($35M) and Belgium ($28M). World exports came to about $277M, 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 extract (HS 160300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160300 (the code used for fish extract) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($29M, 13% of world imports), Japan ($28M) and Hong Kong ($23M). World imports came to about $224M, 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 extract the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160300 for Fish extract 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 extract in Brazil?
In Brazil, fish extract (HS 160300) is classified under NCM 1603.00.00.