Product classification
HS code for Prepared aquatic invertebrates: 1605.69
Aquatic invertebrates, other than crustaceans, molluscs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and jellyfish, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared aquatic invertebrates under HS 1605.69
HS code 1605.69 is a residual classification used for prepared or preserved aquatic invertebrates that are not specifically named in other subheadings of heading 1605. This category excludes crustaceans (like shrimp and crabs) and molluscs (like clams and snails), which have their own dedicated sections. According to the Chapter 16 notes, this code applies to aquatic invertebrates that have been subjected to processing such as boiling, steaming, or preservation in vinegar, brine, or sauces. This classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule 1 and 6. Because it is a residual category, it captures a variety of regional delicacies and specialized seafood products that do not have enough trade volume to warrant their own specific HS code. The preparation must be significant enough to move the product out of Chapter 03, which covers raw or minimally preserved aquatic invertebrates. This code ensures that all processed animal products from the sea are accounted for in the Harmonized System, even if they belong to less common biological groups.
- Covers
- Prepared or preserved sea squirts (tunicates).
- Prepared aquatic invertebrates not elsewhere specified.
- Certain types of prepared jellyfish not covered by 1605.63.
- Prepared sea urchins if not covered by 1605.62.
- Mixed preparations of aquatic invertebrates where no single species dominates.
- Also under 1605.69
- Korean Sea Squirt (processed)
- Japanese Tunicate (Hoya)
- Specialty Asian Seafood (various prepared invertebrates)
Codes often confused with 1605.69
Common mistake. The most frequent error is misclassifying these items under Chapter 03 (specifically 0308), which is for live, fresh, chilled, or frozen aquatic invertebrates. If the product has been cooked, it must move to 1605.69. Another common mistake is confusing these with molluscs (1605.50) or crustaceans (1605.10-1605.40). For example, octopus and squid are molluscs and should never be classified under 1605.69.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160569 (the code used for prepared aquatic invertebrates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160569 (the code used for prepared aquatic invertebrates) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% 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 160569, not only prepared aquatic invertebrates.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $6.6M 26% of world exports
- 2 China $4.5M 18% of world exports
- 3 Italy $3.4M 14% of world exports
World total: $25M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $12M 30% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $2.9M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $2.9M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $39M 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 prepared aquatic invertebrates
Brazil classifies prepared aquatic invertebrates under NCM 1605.69.00: HS 1605.69 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared aquatic invertebrates
What is the HS code for Prepared aquatic invertebrates?
The HS code for Prepared aquatic invertebrates is 160569 (Aquatic invertebrates; other than crustaceans, molluscs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and jellyfish, prepared or preserved). The residual HS code for prepared or preserved aquatic invertebrates (other than sea cucumbers, sea urchins, or jellyfish) is 1605.69.
How do I classify Prepared aquatic invertebrates for customs?
Prepared aquatic invertebrates is classified under HS code 160569 — Aquatic invertebrates; other than crustaceans, molluscs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and jellyfish, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include octopus or squid?
No, octopus and squid are molluscs and are classified under 1605.55 and 1605.54 respectively, not under the general aquatic invertebrates code.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared aquatic invertebrates (HS 160569)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160569 (the code used for prepared aquatic invertebrates) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($6.6M, 26% of world exports), China ($4.5M) and Italy ($3.4M). World exports came to about $25M, 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 aquatic invertebrates (HS 160569)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160569 (the code used for prepared aquatic invertebrates) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($12M, 30% of world imports), Hong Kong ($2.9M) and Germany ($2.9M). World imports came to about $39M, 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 aquatic invertebrates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160569 for Prepared aquatic invertebrates 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 aquatic invertebrates in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared aquatic invertebrates (HS 160569) is classified under NCM 1605.69.00.