Product classification
HS code for Prepared mussels: 1605.53
Mollusc preparations, mussels, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared mussels under HS 1605.53
Mussels that have been prepared or preserved are categorized under HS code 160553. This classification falls within Chapter 16, which is dedicated to preparations of meat, fish, and other aquatic invertebrates. Mussels are biologically classified as molluscs, and Heading 1605 is the specific location for prepared molluscs. To qualify for this code, the mussels must have undergone processing that exceeds the simple preservation techniques—such as chilling, freezing, or salting—permitted under Chapter 03. Common preparation methods that lead to classification in 160553 include smoking, cooking (boiling or steaming), or preserving the mussels in vinegar, oil, or a marinade. For instance, canned mussels in a brine or sauce are a standard product for this heading. The classification process involves evaluating the final state of the product; if the mussel has been seasoned, breaded, or incorporated into a ready-to-eat meal component, it is no longer considered a primary mollusc product. This specific subheading (160553) allows for detailed tracking of the trade in processed mussel products, which often face different regulatory requirements compared to live or fresh mussels, particularly regarding food safety standards and shelf-life considerations. The distinction is also important for tariff purposes, as processed seafood often attracts different duty rates than fresh seafood, reflecting the added value of the manufacturing process.
- Covers
- Smoked mussels in oil
- Canned mussels in tomato or garlic sauce
- Pickled mussels in vinegar
- Breaded or battered mussel meats
- Pre-cooked mussels in vacuum packaging
- Also under 1605.53
- Prince Edward Island Mussels (processed)
- Goya Mussels
- Vigo Smoked Mussels
- various Spanish and Chilean brands for canned/frozen mussels
Codes often confused with 1605.53
Common mistake. Mussels are often misclassified under HS code 030760 or 030731/030732/030739. These codes are reserved for live, fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried mussels. If the mussels have been cooked or marinated, they must be moved from Chapter 03 to HS code 160553.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160553 (the code used for prepared mussels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160553 (the code used for prepared mussels) in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, 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 160553, not only prepared mussels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $296M 65% of world exports
- 2 Spain $54M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $22M 4.9% of world exports
World total: $455M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $102M 23% of world imports
- 2 United States $52M 12% of world imports
- 3 Italy $45M 10% of world imports
World total: $440M 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 mussels
Brazil classifies prepared mussels under NCM 1605.53.00: HS 1605.53 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared mussels
What is the HS code for Prepared mussels?
The HS code for Prepared mussels is 160553 (Mollusc preparations; mussels, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved mussels is 160553.
How do I classify Prepared mussels for customs?
Prepared mussels is classified under HS code 160553 — Mollusc preparations; mussels, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can mussels in vinegar be classified here?
Yes, mussels preserved in vinegar or marinades are considered prepared and are classified under 160553.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared mussels (HS 160553)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160553 (the code used for prepared mussels) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($296M, 65% of world exports), Spain ($54M) and China ($22M). World exports came to about $455M, 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 mussels (HS 160553)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160553 (the code used for prepared mussels) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($102M, 23% of world imports), the United States ($52M) and Italy ($45M). World imports came to about $440M, 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 mussels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160553 for Prepared mussels 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 mussels in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared mussels (HS 160553) is classified under NCM 1605.53.00.