Product classification
HS code for Prepared mollusc meals: 1605.59
Mollusc preparations, n.e.c. in item no. 1605.5, preparations such as pastes, sausages, prepared meals and the like.
Classification of prepared mollusc meals under HS 1605.59
The classification of prepared mollusc meals under HS code 1605.59 is determined by the degree of processing and the primary ingredient's weight. Chapter 16 covers preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. Specifically, heading 1605 is reserved for aquatic invertebrates that have been prepared or preserved beyond the simple processes allowed in Chapter 03, such as chilling, freezing, or simple drying. The subheading 1605.59 acts as a residual category for molluscs that are not specifically listed in other subheadings of 1605.5, such as oysters, scallops, or mussels. For a product to fall under 1605.59 as a prepared meal, the mollusc component must constitute the essential character of the dish. This typically involves complex culinary preparations, such as cooking with sauces, mixing with vegetables, or forming into sausages and pastes. If the preparation is a complete meal where the mollusc is the dominant ingredient by weight and value, it remains in this classification. This code is essential for customs authorities to distinguish between raw seafood and value-added food products.
- Covers
- Canned snail preparations (escargot) in butter or sauce
- Mollusc-based sausages and seafood patties
- Frozen prepared meals where molluscs are the primary protein
- Mollusc pastes and spreads
- Cooked octopus or squid prepared with seasonings and oil
- Also under 1605.59
- Bumble Bee Canned Clams
- Goya Octopus in Garlic Sauce
- Trader Joe's Escargots
- Thai Union Group (various prepared seafood)
Codes often confused with 1605.59
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these products under HS code 0307, which is strictly for live, fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried molluscs without further preparation. Another common mistake involves HS code 1902, which covers pasta products. If a meal contains molluscs but the pasta is the predominant component by weight, it must be classified under 1902. Additionally, soups and broths containing molluscs should be classified under HS code 2104.10 rather than 1605.59.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160559 (the code used for prepared mollusc meals), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160559 (the code used for prepared mollusc meals) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, 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 160559, not only prepared mollusc meals.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $53M 29% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $35M 19% of world exports
- 3 Spain $19M 10% of world exports
World total: $182M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $52M 27% of world imports
- 2 China $27M 14% of world imports
- 3 France $21M 11% of world imports
World total: $192M 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 mollusc meals
Brazil classifies prepared mollusc meals under NCM 1605.59.00: HS 1605.59 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared mollusc meals
What is the HS code for Prepared mollusc meals?
The HS code for Prepared mollusc meals is 160559 (Mollusc preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 1605.5, preparations such as pastes, sausages, prepared meals and the like). The HS code for prepared mollusc meals not elsewhere specified is 1605.59.
How do I classify Prepared mollusc meals for customs?
Prepared mollusc meals is classified under HS code 160559 — Mollusc preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 1605.5, preparations such as pastes, sausages, prepared meals and the like. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 1605.59 differ from 0307?
HS code 0307 is for raw or minimally processed molluscs, while 1605.59 is for molluscs that have been cooked, prepared into meals, or preserved in ways that go beyond simple freezing or drying.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared mollusc meals (HS 160559)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160559 (the code used for prepared mollusc meals) in UN Comtrade data were China ($53M, 29% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($35M) and Spain ($19M). World exports came to about $182M, 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 mollusc meals (HS 160559)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160559 (the code used for prepared mollusc meals) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($52M, 27% of world imports), China ($27M) and France ($21M). World imports came to about $192M, 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 mollusc meals the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160559 for Prepared mollusc meals 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 mollusc meals in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared mollusc meals (HS 160559) is classified under NCM 1605.59.00.