Product classification

HS code for Fish paste: 1604.20

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

Classification of fish paste under HS 1604.20

Fish paste is classified under HS code 1604.20 because it represents a product that has undergone significant processing beyond the simple chilling, freezing, or drying permitted in Chapter 3. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter Notes for Chapter 16, this heading covers fish that has been prepared or preserved in ways such as boiling, steaming, grilling, or frying, or prepared as pastes. Fish paste typically consists of finely minced fish flesh that has been seasoned and often heat-treated to achieve a spreadable consistency. The classification specifically falls under 1604.20, which covers 'other prepared or preserved fish' in minced or paste form, provided it is not specifically mentioned in other subheadings of 1604. This classification is determined by the degree of processing; once the fish is no longer recognizable as a fillet or a whole fish and has been transformed into a homogeneous mass with added ingredients like salt, spices, or binders, it must be moved from Chapter 3 to Chapter 16. The essential character of the product is a prepared foodstuff, which is the primary criterion for its placement in this specific category of the Harmonized System.

Covers
  • Anchovy paste in tubes or jars
  • Salmon spread or paste
  • Tuna paste for sandwiches
  • Surimi-based fish pastes
  • Seasoned minced fish preparations
  • Boiled fish pastes used in Asian cuisine
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 paste is frequently misclassified under HS code 0304, which covers fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. The distinction lies in the preparation; if the minced fish is raw and lacks added seasonings or preservatives beyond simple freezing, it remains in 0304. Another common error is using HS code 2103 for fish sauces. While some pastes are used as condiments, 2103 is reserved for sauces and preparations thereof, whereas 1604.20 specifically addresses products where fish is the primary ingredient by weight and character.

03.04Fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced); fresh, chilled or frozen21.03Sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings, mustard flour and meal and prepared mustard

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160420 (the code used for fish paste) 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 paste.

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 paste

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 paste

What is the HS code for Fish paste?

The HS code for Fish paste is 160420 (Fish preparations; fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved). The HS code for fish paste is 1604.20, which covers other prepared or preserved fish, including minced fish and pastes.

How do I classify Fish paste for customs?

Fish paste 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 include fish sauce?

No, fish sauce is generally classified under HS code 2103.90 as a sauce or condiment, as it is a liquid extract rather than a solid or semi-solid paste.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160420 (the code used for fish paste) 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 paste (HS 160420)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 160420 (the code used for fish paste) 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 paste the same in all countries?

The base HS code 160420 for Fish paste 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 paste in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 160420 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for fish paste 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).