Product classification
HS code for Fresh prepared prawns: 1605.21
Crustacean preparations, shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, not in airtight containers.
Classification of fresh prepared prawns under HS 1605.21
Fresh prepared prawns are classified under HS code 1605.21. Unlike raw prawns found in Chapter 3, Chapter 16 covers preparations of meat, fish, or crustaceans. Heading 1605 specifically includes crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved. The subheading 1605.21 is used for shrimps and prawns that have been prepared (e.g., cooked, breaded, or seasoned) but are not packed in airtight containers. The transition from Chapter 3 to Chapter 16 occurs when the product has undergone processing beyond the simple preservation methods allowed in Chapter 3 (such as chilling, freezing, or salting). Cooking is the most common form of preparation that triggers this classification. This follows GRI 1, as the preparation level exceeds the scope of heading 0306.
- Covers
- Cooked and peeled prawns, chilled
- Breaded prawns, fresh or chilled
- Prawns in a light marinade or sauce
- Pre-cooked prawn skewers (not frozen)
- Prawns boiled in salt water and peeled
- Also under 1605.21
- Kirkland Signature Cooked Shrimp
- Gorton's Breaded Shrimp
- SeaPak Shrimp Scampi
- Trader Joe's Cooked Shrimp
- Aqua Star Cooked Shrimp
- Ocean Spray Shrimp
Codes often confused with 1605.21
Common mistake. Fresh prepared prawns are often misclassified under 0306.36, which is only for raw (live, fresh, or chilled) prawns. Another common mistake is using HS code 1605.29, which is reserved for shrimps and prawns that are prepared or preserved in airtight containers (like cans or vacuum-sealed pouches intended for long-term shelf stability). Importers must distinguish between simple chilling (Chapter 3) and cooking/preparation (Chapter 16).
Top exporters and importers of HS 160521 (the code used for fresh prepared prawns), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160521 (the code used for fresh prepared prawns) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 41% 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 160521, not only fresh prepared prawns.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$1.2B 38% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Indonesia $470M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $302M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $3.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.7B 41% of world imports
- 2 Japan $656M 16% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $223M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $4.1B 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. 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 fresh prepared prawns
Brazil classifies fresh prepared prawns under NCM 1605.21.00: HS 1605.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh prepared prawns
What is the HS code for Fresh prepared prawns?
The HS code for Fresh prepared prawns is 160521 (Crustacean preparations; shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, not in airtight containers).
How do I classify Fresh prepared prawns for customs?
Fresh prepared prawns is classified under HS code 160521 — Crustacean preparations; shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, not in airtight containers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for cooked, chilled prawns?
Cooked and chilled prawns that are not in airtight containers are classified under HS code 1605.21.
What qualifies as "prepared" for prawns?
Preparation includes cooking (boiling, steaming, frying), breading, battering, or adding significant flavorings that change the nature of the raw product.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh prepared prawns (HS 160521)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160521 (the code used for fresh prepared prawns) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $1.2B, 38% of world exports), Indonesia ($470M) and China ($302M). World exports came to about $3.2B, 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 fresh prepared prawns (HS 160521)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160521 (the code used for fresh prepared prawns) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.7B, 41% of world imports), Japan ($656M) and the United Kingdom ($223M). World imports came to about $4.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Fresh prepared prawns the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160521 for Fresh prepared prawns 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 fresh prepared prawns in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh prepared prawns (HS 160521) is classified under NCM 1605.21.00.