Product classification
HS code for Prepared cuttlefish: 1605.54
Mollusc preparations, cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared cuttlefish under HS 1605.54
HS code 1605.54 is the designated classification for prepared or preserved cuttlefish and squid. The Harmonized System distinguishes between raw aquatic invertebrates (Chapter 3) and those that have undergone significant processing (Chapter 16). To fall under 1605.54, the cuttlefish must be prepared by methods such as boiling in water, steaming, frying, or being preserved in vinegar, oil, or marinade. This subheading is part of the broader 1605 heading, which covers crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis and related species) are grouped with squid (Ommastrephes spp., Loligo spp., etc.) because of their similar biological classification as cephalopods and their similar culinary applications. The preparation often involves removing the internal organs and the \"bone\" or \"pen,\" followed by heat treatment or canning. Even if the product is frozen after being cooked, it remains in Chapter 16 rather than Chapter 3. The classification also covers cuttlefish that has been minced and shaped, provided it retains the character of mollusc meat. It is important to distinguish these from fish-based surimi products, which fall under 1604. The presence of a sauce or a specific preservation medium like olive oil or brine does not change the heading but confirms the product's status as \"prepared or preserved.\" This classification ensures that processed cephalopods are taxed and regulated differently than fresh seafood commodities, reflecting the labor and ingredients added during manufacturing.
- Covers
- Canned cuttlefish in ink or oil
- Dried seasoned cuttlefish snacks
- Pre-cooked cuttlefish rings (calamari style)
- Boiled cuttlefish meat, frozen
- Cuttlefish preserved in vinegar or marinade
- Also under 1605.54
- Goya Calamari
- Vigo Squid
- various Asian brands for dried squid snacks
- Mediterranean brands for marinated cuttlefish
Codes often confused with 1605.54
Common mistake. The most frequent error is classifying prepared cuttlefish under 0307.43 (frozen cuttlefish) or 0307.49 (other raw cuttlefish). These Chapter 3 codes are only for raw products. Another error is confusing cuttlefish with octopus, which is classified under 1605.55 when prepared. If the product is a prepared meal with less than 20% cuttlefish, it may fall under Chapter 21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160554 (the code used for prepared cuttlefish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160554 (the code used for prepared cuttlefish) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 22% 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 160554, not only prepared cuttlefish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 63% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$232M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Spain $157M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $258M 22% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $235M 20% of world imports
- 3 United States $94M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 cuttlefish
Brazil classifies prepared cuttlefish under NCM 1605.54.00: HS 1605.54 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared cuttlefish
What is the HS code for Prepared cuttlefish?
The HS code for Prepared cuttlefish is 160554 (Mollusc preparations; cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved cuttlefish and squid is 1605.54.
How do I classify Prepared cuttlefish for customs?
Prepared cuttlefish is classified under HS code 160554 — Mollusc preparations; cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include squid?
Yes, HS code 1605.54 specifically covers both cuttlefish and squid in the same subheading.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared cuttlefish (HS 160554)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160554 (the code used for prepared cuttlefish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 63% of world exports), Peru (about $232M) and Spain ($157M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 cuttlefish (HS 160554)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160554 (the code used for prepared cuttlefish) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($258M, 22% of world imports), South Korea ($235M) and the United States ($94M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 cuttlefish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160554 for Prepared cuttlefish 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 cuttlefish in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared cuttlefish (HS 160554) is classified under NCM 1605.54.00.