Product classification
HS code for Prepared abalone: 1605.57
Mollusc preparations, abalone, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared abalone under HS 1605.57
Prepared or preserved abalone is classified under HS code 1605.57. This classification is governed by the legal notes to Chapter 16, which state that this chapter covers animal products that have been prepared or preserved by processes not provided for in Chapter 03. While Chapter 03 is reserved for molluscs that are live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, or salted, Chapter 16 applies once the abalone has undergone more extensive processing. This includes cooking (such as boiling, steaming, or grilling), smoking, or preservation in airtight containers with brine, oil, or specialized sauces. The specific subheading 1605.57 was introduced to provide more granular data on the international trade of this high-value seafood item. The transition from Chapter 03 to Chapter 16 is a critical distinction for customs compliance, as the preparation process significantly alters the nature of the product and often subjects it to different tariff rates and food safety regulations. Classification under 1605.57 requires that the abalone meat remains the primary component of the preparation.
- Covers
- Canned abalone in brine or water.
- Abalone preserved in XO sauce or other savory liquids.
- Cooked and vacuum-packed abalone ready for consumption.
- Smoked abalone fillets.
- Abalone-based preparations where the mollusc is the main ingredient.
- Also under 1605.57
- Calmex Abalone
- New Zealand Abalone (processed)
- various Chinese and Australian brands for canned/dried abalone
Codes often confused with 1605.57
Common mistake. Abalone is frequently misclassified under HS code 0307, which covers molluscs in their raw or minimally processed state. If the abalone is simply frozen or dried without being cooked or preserved in sauce, it must stay in 0307. Another common error is using 1605.59, which is the residual category for other molluscs. Since abalone has its own specific code (1605.57), using the general category is a classification error that can lead to customs delays.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160557 (the code used for prepared abalone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160557 (the code used for prepared abalone) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 32% 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 160557, not only prepared abalone.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $365M 85% of world exports
- 2 Australia $12M 2.8% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $12M 2.8% of world exports
World total: $431M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$90M 32% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Hong Kong $76M 27% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $36M 13% of world imports
World total: $284M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 prepared abalone
Brazil classifies prepared abalone under NCM 1605.57.00: HS 1605.57 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared abalone
What is the HS code for Prepared abalone?
The HS code for Prepared abalone is 160557 (Mollusc preparations; abalone, prepared or preserved). The specific HS code for prepared or preserved abalone is 1605.57.
How do I classify Prepared abalone for customs?
Prepared abalone is classified under HS code 160557 — Mollusc preparations; abalone, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is dried abalone classified under 1605.57?
No, simple dried abalone is typically classified under 0307.81 or 0307.89. It only moves to 1605.57 if it has been cooked or otherwise prepared before drying.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared abalone (HS 160557)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160557 (the code used for prepared abalone) in UN Comtrade data were China ($365M, 85% of world exports), Australia ($12M) and South Africa ($12M). World exports came to about $431M, 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 prepared abalone (HS 160557)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160557 (the code used for prepared abalone) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $90M, 32% of world imports), Hong Kong ($76M) and Singapore ($36M). World imports came to about $284M, 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 Prepared abalone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160557 for Prepared abalone 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 prepared abalone in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared abalone (HS 160557) is classified under NCM 1605.57.00.