Product classification
HS code for Prepared sea cucumbers: 1605.61
Aquatic invertebrates, sea cucumbers, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared sea cucumbers under HS 1605.61
The classification of prepared sea cucumbers falls under HS code 1605.61. Sea cucumbers are aquatic invertebrates, and Chapter 16, specifically heading 1605, covers preparations of these organisms. The transition from Chapter 03 (raw) to Chapter 16 (prepared) occurs when the sea cucumber undergoes processing such as boiling, smoking, or preservation in vinegar, oil, or brine. In many cultures, sea cucumbers are heavily processed (gutted, boiled, and dried) to make them shelf-stable; if this process involves cooking, they are classified under 1605.61. This code is essential for tracking the trade of high-value processed seafood. The classification is determined by GRI 1, which looks at the heading text, and GRI 6, which looks at the subheading level for sea cucumbers specifically.
- Covers
- Boiled and vacuum-packed sea cucumbers
- Canned sea cucumbers in savory sauces
- Smoked sea cucumbers
- Sea cucumbers preserved in vinegar or brine
- Fried or breaded sea cucumber preparations
- Also under 1605.61
- Hokkaido Dried Sea Cucumber
- Pacific Sea Cucumber (various forms)
- Golden Phoenix Canned Sea Cucumber
- Dongwon F&B (prepared sea cucumber products)
Codes often confused with 1605.61
Common mistake. Sea cucumbers are often misclassified under 0308.11 or 0308.19. These codes are for live, fresh, chilled, frozen, or simply dried/salted sea cucumbers. The distinction is the "preparation" aspect; if the sea cucumber has been cooked (boiled) as part of the preservation process, it technically belongs in 1605.61, though some local customs still use 0308 for traditionally dried versions.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160561 (the code used for prepared sea cucumbers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160561 (the code used for prepared sea cucumbers) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 73% 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 160561, not only prepared sea cucumbers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $53M 48% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $13M 12% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $13M 12% of world exports
World total: $110M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $66M 73% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $12M 14% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$3.6M 4.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $90M 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 sea cucumbers
Brazil classifies prepared sea cucumbers under NCM 1605.61.00: HS 1605.61 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared sea cucumbers
What is the HS code for Prepared sea cucumbers?
The HS code for Prepared sea cucumbers is 160561 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved sea cucumbers is 1605.61.
How do I classify Prepared sea cucumbers for customs?
Prepared sea cucumbers is classified under HS code 160561 — Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include dried sea cucumbers?
If the sea cucumbers are simply dried and raw, they are 0308.19. If they were boiled before drying, they are classified under 1605.61.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared sea cucumbers (HS 160561)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160561 (the code used for prepared sea cucumbers) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($53M, 48% of world exports), South Korea ($13M) and Indonesia ($13M). World exports came to about $110M, 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 sea cucumbers (HS 160561)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160561 (the code used for prepared sea cucumbers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($66M, 73% of world imports), South Korea ($12M) and Taiwan (about $3.6M). World imports came to about $90M, 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 sea cucumbers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160561 for Prepared sea cucumbers 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 sea cucumbers in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared sea cucumbers (HS 160561) is classified under NCM 1605.61.00.