Product classification
HS code for Prepared oysters: 1605.51
Mollusc preparations, oysters, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared oysters under HS 1605.51
The classification of prepared oysters under HS code 1605.51 is governed by the specific processing methods applied to the mollusc. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 16 is dedicated to preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates. For oysters to be classified here, they must have undergone processing that exceeds the basic preservation methods allowed in Chapter 03, such as simple chilling, freezing, or drying. Preparation typically involves cooking (steaming, boiling, or frying), smoking, or preserving in airtight containers with oil, vinegar, or specialized sauces. If the product consists of more than 20% by weight of mollusc meat, it remains within this heading. The inclusion of 1605.51 specifically identifies oysters, ensuring that these value-added seafood products are distinguished from raw commodities for both statistical and regulatory purposes.
- Covers
- Canned oysters in brine or oil
- Smoked oysters
- Breaded and pre-fried oysters
- Oyster stew containing a high percentage of mollusc meat
- Boiled oysters vacuum-packed for retail
- Also under 1605.51
- Bumble Bee Smoked Oysters
- Crown Prince Smoked Oysters
- Taylor Shellfish Farms (processed products)
- various Asian brands for canned oysters
Codes often confused with 1605.51
Common mistake. Prepared oysters are frequently confused with those in HS code 0307.11 or 0307.19. The primary difference lies in the state of the product; Chapter 03 covers live, fresh, chilled, frozen, or simply salted/dried oysters. Once an oyster is cooked or preserved in a manner not specified in Chapter 03, it must move to 1605.51. Additionally, oyster-based sauces are classified under 2103.90, as they are considered condiments rather than mollusc preparations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160551 (the code used for prepared oysters), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160551 (the code used for prepared oysters) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 52% 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 160551, not only prepared oysters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $51M 56% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $26M 28% of world exports
- 3 Japan $8.5M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $92M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $38M 52% of world imports
- 2 Canada $8.8M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $5.7M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $72M 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 oysters
Brazil classifies prepared oysters under NCM 1605.51.00: HS 1605.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared oysters
What is the HS code for Prepared oysters?
The HS code for Prepared oysters is 160551 (Mollusc preparations; oysters, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved oysters is 1605.51.
How do I classify Prepared oysters for customs?
Prepared oysters is classified under HS code 160551 — Mollusc preparations; oysters, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen raw oysters?
No, frozen raw oysters are classified under HS code 0307.12, as they have not been cooked or further prepared.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared oysters (HS 160551)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160551 (the code used for prepared oysters) in UN Comtrade data were China ($51M, 56% of world exports), South Korea ($26M) and Japan ($8.5M). World exports came to about $92M, 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 oysters (HS 160551)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160551 (the code used for prepared oysters) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($38M, 52% of world imports), Canada ($8.8M) and Japan ($5.7M). World imports came to about $72M, 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 oysters the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160551 for Prepared oysters 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 oysters in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared oysters (HS 160551) is classified under NCM 1605.51.00.