Product classification
HS code for Prepared scallops: 1605.52
Mollusc preparations, scallops, including queen scallops, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared scallops under HS 1605.52
Prepared scallops, including queen scallops, are classified under HS code 1605.52. This classification follows the structural logic of the Harmonized System, where Chapter 16 acts as the destination for seafood products that have undergone significant processing. To qualify for 1605.52, the scallops must be prepared or preserved by methods such as cooking, smoking, or being put up in airtight containers with preservatives. This distinguishes them from the raw, fresh, or frozen scallops found in heading 0307. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) require that the most specific description applies; since 1605.52 explicitly mentions scallops, it takes precedence over more general seafood preparation codes. This classification is vital for ensuring compliance with food safety standards and trade quotas that specifically target processed mollusc products.
- Covers
- Canned scallops in brine or sauce
- Breaded and pre-cooked scallop medallions
- Smoked scallops
- Scallop meat preserved in vinegar
- Dried scallops that have been seasoned or cooked
- Also under 1605.52
- SeaPak Scallops
- Trident Seafoods Scallops
- Hokkaido Scallops (processed)
- various European brands for frozen queen scallops
Codes often confused with 1605.52
Common mistake. Scallops are frequently misclassified under 0307.21 or 0307.22. These codes are reserved for live, fresh, chilled, or frozen scallops that have not been cooked. If a scallop is even partially cooked (blanched) for preservation, it should be moved to 1605.52. Another error involves scallop-flavored surimi, which is classified under 1604.20 as a fish preparation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160552 (the code used for prepared scallops), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160552 (the code used for prepared scallops) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 31% 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 160552, not only prepared scallops.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $119M 51% of world exports
- 2 Japan $78M 34% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $16M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $232M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$46M 31% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Japan $45M 30% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $9.9M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $149M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 scallops
Brazil classifies prepared scallops under NCM 1605.52.00: HS 1605.52 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared scallops
What is the HS code for Prepared scallops?
The HS code for Prepared scallops is 160552 (Mollusc preparations; scallops, including queen scallops, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved scallops is 1605.52.
How do I classify Prepared scallops for customs?
Prepared scallops is classified under HS code 160552 — Mollusc preparations; scallops, including queen scallops, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are frozen scallops considered prepared?
Generally, no. If they are only frozen and raw, they belong in 0307.22. They only move to 1605.52 if they are cooked or breaded before freezing.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared scallops (HS 160552)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160552 (the code used for prepared scallops) in UN Comtrade data were China ($119M, 51% of world exports), Japan ($78M) and the Netherlands ($16M). World exports came to about $232M, 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 scallops (HS 160552)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160552 (the code used for prepared scallops) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $46M, 31% of world imports), Japan ($45M) and South Korea ($9.9M). World imports came to about $149M, 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 scallops the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160552 for Prepared scallops 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 scallops in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared scallops (HS 160552) is classified under NCM 1605.52.00.