Product classification
HS code for Prepared octopus: 1605.55
Mollusc preparations, octopus, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared octopus under HS 1605.55
Prepared or preserved octopus is classified under HS code 160555. This classification is part of the 1605 heading, which covers crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates that have been prepared or preserved. Under the Harmonized System, "prepared or preserved" refers to processes such as boiling in water, steaming, grilling, or preserving in airtight containers with oil, vinegar, or seasonings. Classification 160555 is specific to the genus Octopus. This code is used regardless of whether the octopus is whole, in pieces, or contained within a prepared dish, provided the octopus is the primary ingredient. The transition from Chapter 03 to Chapter 16 occurs as soon as the mollusc undergoes a preparation process that exceeds the simple preservation methods allowed in Chapter 03.
- Covers
- Canned octopus in olive oil or brine
- Boiled and vacuum-packed octopus tentacles
- Octopus salad in vinegar or marinade
- Seasoned and precooked octopus pieces
- Frozen octopus that has been pre-steamed or blanched
- Also under 1605.55
- Goya Octopus
- Vigo Octopus
- various Spanish and Portuguese brands for canned octopus
- Asian brands for dried/frozen octopus
Codes often confused with 1605.55
Common mistake. Octopus is frequently misclassified under HS codes 030751, 030752, or 030759. These codes are strictly for live, fresh, chilled, or frozen octopus that has not been cooked or otherwise prepared. Importers often mistakenly use 030752 for frozen octopus that has actually been blanched; if any cooking has occurred, 160555 must be used. Additionally, it should not be confused with 160554, which is reserved for cuttlefish and squid.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160555 (the code used for prepared octopus), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160555 (the code used for prepared octopus) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 25% 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 160555, not only prepared octopus.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $210M 44% of world exports
- 2 Spain $137M 28% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$46M 9.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $482M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $82M 25% of world imports
- 2 United States $52M 16% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $36M 11% of world imports
World total: $328M 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 octopus
Brazil classifies prepared octopus under NCM 1605.55.00: HS 1605.55 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared octopus
What is the HS code for Prepared octopus?
The HS code for Prepared octopus is 160555 (Mollusc preparations; octopus, prepared or preserved). The specific HS code for prepared or preserved octopus is 160555.
How do I classify Prepared octopus for customs?
Prepared octopus is classified under HS code 160555 — Mollusc preparations; octopus, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to octopus in a seafood mix?
If the octopus is the predominant component by weight, it may fall here, but seafood mixes are often classified under 160559 or 2106 depending on the composition and preparation.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared octopus (HS 160555)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160555 (the code used for prepared octopus) in UN Comtrade data were China ($210M, 44% of world exports), Spain ($137M) and Vietnam (about $46M). World exports came to about $482M, 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 octopus (HS 160555)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160555 (the code used for prepared octopus) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($82M, 25% of world imports), the United States ($52M) and South Korea ($36M). World imports came to about $328M, 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 octopus the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160555 for Prepared octopus 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 octopus in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared octopus (HS 160555) is classified under NCM 1605.55.00.