Product classification

HS code for Prepared cockles: 1605.56

Mollusc preparations, clams, cockles and arkshells, prepared or preserved.

Classification of prepared cockles under HS 1605.56

The classification of prepared cockles under HS code 1605.56 is determined by the degree of processing the mollusc has undergone. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) and the Chapter Notes for Chapter 16, this heading covers products that have been prepared or preserved by processes not provided for in Chapter 3. While Chapter 3 covers molluscs that are live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine, Chapter 16 is reserved for those that have been cooked (e.g., boiled, steamed, or grilled), or prepared as extracts, juices, or in airtight containers. Cockles (from the family Cardiidae) are specifically grouped with clams and arkshells in the 1605.56 subheading. This classification remains consistent regardless of whether the cockles are shelled or remain in their shells, provided the preparation method exceeds the simple preservation methods allowed in the earlier chapters. Importers must ensure that the product contains more than 20% by weight of meat or offal to remain within Chapter 16; otherwise, it might fall under vegetable preparations if mixed. The inclusion of additives like vinegar, spices, or sauces also necessitates classification here. Furthermore, the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System clarify that molluscs which have been subjected to heat treatment before being frozen are excluded from Chapter 3 and must be placed in Chapter 16. This ensures that value-added seafood products are distinguished from raw commodities in international trade statistics.

Covers
  • Canned cockles in brine or vinegar
  • Smoked cockle meat
  • Boiled or steamed cockles, even if subsequently frozen
  • Cockle-based pastes and spreads
  • Seasoned cockles in airtight jars
  • Frozen breaded cockle meat
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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS codes 0307.71 and 0307.79. These codes are reserved for cockles that are live, fresh, chilled, or frozen but have not been cooked or otherwise prepared. Another common error involves HS code 1604, which is strictly for fish preparations; since cockles are molluscs, they must stay within 1605. Additionally, if the product is a soup or broth containing cockles, it should be classified under HS code 2104.10.

0307.71Molluscs; clams, cockles and ark shells (families Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae and Veneridae), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled0307.79Molluscs; clams, cockle, ark shells (families Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae, Veneridae), whether in shell or not, dried, salted, in brine, smoked16.04Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs16.05Crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved2104.10Soups and broths and preparations therefor

Top exporters and importers of HS 160556 (the code used for prepared cockles), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160556 (the code used for prepared cockles) 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 cockles.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $159M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$97M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $34M

World total: $391M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Japan $81M
  2. 2 Spain $72M
  3. 3 Italy $39M

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 cockles

Brazil classifies prepared cockles 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 cockles

What is the HS code for Prepared cockles?

The HS code for Prepared cockles is 160556 (Mollusc preparations; clams, cockles and arkshells, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved cockles is 1605.56, which also includes clams and arkshells.

How do I classify Prepared cockles for customs?

Prepared cockles 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 frozen cockles?

Only if the cockles were cooked (boiled, steamed, etc.) before being frozen. Raw frozen cockles are classified under heading 0307.

Which countries are the top exporters of prepared cockles (HS 160556)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160556 (the code used for prepared cockles) 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 cockles (HS 160556)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 160556 (the code used for prepared cockles) 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 cockles the same in all countries?

The base HS code 160556 for Prepared cockles 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 cockles in Brazil?

In Brazil, prepared cockles (HS 160556) is classified under NCM 1605.56.00.