Product classification
HS code for Prepared jellyfish: 1605.63
Aquatic invertebrates, jellyfish, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared jellyfish under HS 1605.63
The classification of prepared jellyfish under HS code 160563 is determined by the degree of processing the product has undergone. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, Chapter 16 is reserved for edible preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates. Jellyfish, being aquatic invertebrates, are initially classified in Chapter 03 when they are live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, or simply salted. However, once the jellyfish is subjected to processes such as cooking (boiling, steaming), seasoning with spices, or preservation in vinegar or oil, it transitions to Heading 1605. Specifically, subheading 160563 is designated for jellyfish that have been prepared or preserved. This classification is crucial for international trade as it distinguishes between raw commodities and value-added food products. Customs authorities look for evidence of processing that goes beyond the simple preservation methods allowed in Chapter 03. For instance, jellyfish that has been shredded and seasoned for immediate consumption in a salad format is a classic example of a product falling under 160563. The preparation method often involves a multi-stage process of dehydration and rehydration with specific additives that alter the texture and flavor profile, moving it firmly into the category of a food preparation. This ensures that the product is taxed and regulated as a processed food item rather than a raw animal product, which often carries different sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.
- Covers
- Canned jellyfish in brine
- Seasoned jellyfish strips for salads
- Cooked and frozen jellyfish preparations
- Jellyfish preserved in vinegar or oil
- Dried jellyfish that has been seasoned or further prepared
- Also under 1605.63
- Lee Kum Kee Seasoned Jellyfish
- Wang Korea Jellyfish Salad
- Thai Preserved Jellyfish
Codes often confused with 1605.63
Common mistake. Prepared jellyfish is frequently confused with raw or minimally processed jellyfish under HS code 030830. The distinction lies in the preparation; if the jellyfish is only dried or salted without further seasoning or cooking, it remains in Chapter 03. Misclassifying prepared items as raw can lead to issues with food safety documentation and incorrect duty payments.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160563 (the code used for prepared jellyfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160563 (the code used for prepared jellyfish) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 27% 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 160563, not only prepared jellyfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.8M 58% of world exports
- 2 Japan $779K 12% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $648K 9.7% of world exports
World total: $6.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $1.8M 27% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.6M 24% of world imports
- 3 Australia $649K 9.6% of world imports
World total: $6.8M 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 jellyfish
Brazil classifies prepared jellyfish under NCM 1605.63.00: HS 1605.63 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared jellyfish
What is the HS code for Prepared jellyfish?
The HS code for Prepared jellyfish is 160563 (Aquatic invertebrates; jellyfish, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved jellyfish is 160563.
How do I classify Prepared jellyfish for customs?
Prepared jellyfish is classified under HS code 160563 — Aquatic invertebrates; jellyfish, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include dried jellyfish?
It only includes dried jellyfish if it has been further prepared, such as being seasoned or cooked. Simple dried jellyfish is classified under 030830.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared jellyfish (HS 160563)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160563 (the code used for prepared jellyfish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.8M, 58% of world exports), Japan ($779K) and Indonesia ($648K). World exports came to about $6.7M, 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 jellyfish (HS 160563)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160563 (the code used for prepared jellyfish) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($1.8M, 27% of world imports), the United States ($1.6M) and Australia ($649K). World imports came to about $6.8M, 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 jellyfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160563 for Prepared jellyfish 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 jellyfish in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared jellyfish (HS 160563) is classified under NCM 1605.63.00.