Product classification
HS code for Mollusc paste: 1605.59
Mollusc preparations, n.e.c. in item no. 1605.5, preparations such as pastes, sausages, prepared meals and the like.
Classification of mollusc paste under HS 1605.59
Mollusc paste is classified under HS code 1605.59, which pertains to prepared or preserved molluscs not elsewhere specified. Chapter 16 of the Harmonized System covers preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates. Specifically, heading 1605 is reserved for crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates that have been prepared or preserved by processes beyond those allowed in Chapter 03. Since a paste involves significant processing—such as grinding, seasoning, and cooking—it moves from the raw category of Chapter 03 into the prepared category of Chapter 16. Subheading 1605.59 acts as a residual category for various molluscs like clams, cockles, and snails that are presented in a prepared form such as a paste, sausage, or meal, provided they are not specifically listed in other subheadings like 1605.51 (oysters) or 1605.54 (cuttlefish and squid).
- Covers
- Clam paste and spreads
- Mussel paste
- Snail (escargot) paste
- Scallop-based prepared spreads
- Cockle paste
- Mixed mollusc pastes used as food ingredients
- Also under 1605.59
- Bumble Bee Canned Clams
- Goya Octopus in Garlic Sauce
- Trader Joe's Escargots
- Thai Union Group (various prepared seafood)
Codes often confused with 1605.59
Common mistake. Mollusc paste is frequently misclassified under HS code 0307, which covers molluscs that are fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. However, once the mollusc is ground into a paste or cooked with other ingredients, it must be classified in Chapter 16. Another common error is using HS code 2103 for sauces and preparations. While a mollusc-flavored sauce might fall under 2103, a product consisting primarily of mollusc meat processed into a paste remains in 1605.59.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160559 (the code used for mollusc paste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160559 (the code used for mollusc paste) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 27% 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 160559, not only mollusc paste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $53M 29% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $35M 19% of world exports
- 3 Spain $19M 10% of world exports
World total: $182M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $52M 27% of world imports
- 2 China $27M 14% of world imports
- 3 France $21M 11% of world imports
World total: $192M 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 mollusc paste
Brazil classifies mollusc paste under NCM 1605.59.00: HS 1605.59 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mollusc paste
What is the HS code for Mollusc paste?
The HS code for Mollusc paste is 160559 (Mollusc preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 1605.5, preparations such as pastes, sausages, prepared meals and the like). The HS code for mollusc paste is 1605.59, covering prepared or preserved molluscs not specified in other subheadings.
How do I classify Mollusc paste for customs?
Mollusc paste is classified under HS code 160559 — Mollusc preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 1605.5, preparations such as pastes, sausages, prepared meals and the like. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include squid or octopus paste?
No, squid and cuttlefish preparations are classified under 1605.54, and octopus preparations fall under 1605.55. Only molluscs not listed in 1605.51 through 1605.58 fall under 1605.59.
Which countries are the top exporters of mollusc paste (HS 160559)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160559 (the code used for mollusc paste) in UN Comtrade data were China ($53M, 29% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($35M) and Spain ($19M). World exports came to about $182M, 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 mollusc paste (HS 160559)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160559 (the code used for mollusc paste) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($52M, 27% of world imports), China ($27M) and France ($21M). World imports came to about $192M, 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 Mollusc paste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160559 for Mollusc 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 mollusc paste in Brazil?
In Brazil, mollusc paste (HS 160559) is classified under NCM 1605.59.00.