Product classification
HS code for Prepared clams: 1605.56
Mollusc preparations, clams, cockles and arkshells, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared clams under HS 1605.56
HS Code 1605.56 is designated for clams, cockles, and arkshells that have undergone processing beyond the basic preservation methods allowed in Chapter 03. While Chapter 03 covers live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine molluscs, Chapter 16 applies once the product has been cooked (e.g., by steaming or boiling in water), smoked, or prepared in the form of extracts or juices. This classification is essential for customs because the level of processing significantly alters the tariff treatment and regulatory requirements. For a product to fall under 1605.56, it must be a mollusc preparation where the clams, cockles, or arkshells are the primary ingredient. This includes items that are hermetically sealed in cans or jars, often with added ingredients like oil, vinegar, or sauces, provided the mollusc remains whole or in recognizable pieces. The preparation process often involves the removal of the shell, although some prepared products may retain it. The key factor is that the mollusc has been subjected to a treatment that changes its nature from a raw state to a prepared food product, making it suitable for immediate consumption or further culinary use without extensive cleaning or cooking. This code also encompasses products that have been pasteurized or sterilized to ensure long-term shelf stability at room temperature, which is a hallmark of Chapter 16 preparations.
- Covers
- Canned baby clams in brine
- Smoked cockles in oil
- Boiled and frozen clam meat (without shell)
- Pickled arkshells in vinegar
- Clam meat prepared in tomato sauce
- Vacuum-packed steamed clams
- Also under 1605.56
- Bumble Bee Chopped Clams
- Snow's Clam Chowder
- Goya Clams
- various Asian brands for canned cockles/arkshells
Codes often confused with 1605.56
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying prepared clams under HS code 0307.71 or 0307.79. These codes are reserved for live, fresh, chilled, or frozen clams that have not been cooked or otherwise prepared. Another common mistake involves HS code 1605.54, which is specifically for cuttlefish and squid; although both are molluscs, they are distinct categories. Additionally, if the clams are finely minced or turned into a paste, they might be misclassified here instead of under 1605.59, which covers other mollusc preparations not specified elsewhere.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160556 (the code used for prepared clams), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160556 (the code used for prepared clams) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 23% 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 160556, not only prepared clams.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $159M 41% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$97M 25% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Kingdom $34M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $391M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $81M 23% of world imports
- 2 Spain $72M 20% of world imports
- 3 Italy $39M 11% of world imports
World total: $355M 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 prepared clams
Brazil classifies prepared clams under NCM 1605.56.00: HS 1605.56 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared clams
What is the HS code for Prepared clams?
The HS code for Prepared clams is 160556 (Mollusc preparations; clams, cockles and arkshells, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved clams, cockles, and arkshells is 1605.56.
How do I classify Prepared clams for customs?
Prepared clams is classified under HS code 160556 — Mollusc preparations; clams, cockles and arkshells, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include clam chowder?
No, clam chowder is typically classified under HS code 2104.10 as a soup or broth, as it contains significant amounts of other ingredients like potatoes and cream.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared clams (HS 160556)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160556 (the code used for prepared clams) in UN Comtrade data were China ($159M, 41% of world exports), Vietnam (about $97M) and the United Kingdom ($34M). World exports came to about $391M, 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 clams (HS 160556)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160556 (the code used for prepared clams) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($81M, 23% of world imports), Spain ($72M) and Italy ($39M). World imports came to about $355M, 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 clams the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160556 for Prepared clams 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 clams in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared clams (HS 160556) is classified under NCM 1605.56.00.