Product classification
HS code for Prepared crustaceans: 1605.40
Crustacean preparations, other than crab, shrimps, prawns, and lobsters, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared crustaceans under HS 1605.40
HS Code 1605.40 serves as a residual category for prepared or preserved crustaceans that are not specifically identified in other subheadings of 1605. While crab, shrimp, prawns, and lobsters have their own dedicated codes (1605.10 through 1605.30), 1605.40 captures species such as freshwater crayfish, krill, and Norway lobsters (langoustines) when they have been processed. Preparation typically involves cooking, smoking, or preserving in vinegar or brine. This classification ensures that all processed crustacean products are accounted for in the Harmonized System, even if they are less common in international trade than shrimp or crab. The processing must go beyond the simple freezing or salting permitted in Chapter 03. For example, crayfish tails that have been boiled and then packed in brine are classified here. This code is also applicable to crustacean extracts and juices used in food manufacturing. Understanding the specific species is vital, as any crustacean not explicitly named in 1605.10-1605.30 must be placed here to ensure accurate duty application and statistical tracking. The products in this category are often high-value gourmet items or specialized industrial ingredients that require specific handling and documentation during the customs clearance process.
- Covers
- Prepared freshwater crayfish tails
- Canned or jarred krill meat
- Cooked and peeled langoustines
- Smoked river prawns (if not classified as shrimp)
- Crustacean extracts and juices
- Prepared mantis shrimp
- Also under 1605.40
- Louisiana Crawfish Co. (crawfish products)
- various Asian brands for mantis shrimp
- specialized European delis for barnacles
Codes often confused with 1605.40
Common mistake. Common errors include misclassifying these items under HS code 0306.19 or 0306.99, which are for raw or simply salted "other" crustaceans. Additionally, importers often confuse 1605.40 with 1605.21 (prepared shrimps and prawns) or 1605.30 (prepared lobster). It is essential to correctly identify the biological species to distinguish between a "shrimp" and a "crayfish" or "langoustine" to avoid using the wrong subheading within 1605.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160540 (the code used for prepared crustaceans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160540 (the code used for prepared crustaceans) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 50% 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 160540, not only prepared crustaceans.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $122M 54% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $23M 10% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $16M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $225M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $94M 50% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $14M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $12M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $190M 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 crustaceans
Brazil classifies prepared crustaceans under NCM 1605.40.00: HS 1605.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared crustaceans
What is the HS code for Prepared crustaceans?
The HS code for Prepared crustaceans is 160540 (Crustacean preparations; other than crab, shrimps, prawns, and lobsters, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved crustaceans (other than crab, shrimp, or lobster) is 1605.40.
How do I classify Prepared crustaceans for customs?
Prepared crustaceans is classified under HS code 160540 — Crustacean preparations; other than crab, shrimps, prawns, and lobsters, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are cooked crayfish tails classified here?
Yes, cooked crayfish tails are classified under 1605.40 as they are prepared crustaceans not specifically named in other 1605 subheadings.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared crustaceans (HS 160540)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160540 (the code used for prepared crustaceans) in UN Comtrade data were China ($122M, 54% of world exports), the Netherlands ($23M) and Denmark ($16M). World exports came to about $225M, 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 crustaceans (HS 160540)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160540 (the code used for prepared crustaceans) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($94M, 50% of world imports), Denmark ($14M) and the Netherlands ($12M). World imports came to about $190M, 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 crustaceans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160540 for Prepared crustaceans 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 crustaceans in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared crustaceans (HS 160540) is classified under NCM 1605.40.00.