Product classification
HS code for Prepared shark fins: 1604.18
Fish preparations, shark fins, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Classification of prepared shark fins under HS 1604.18
Prepared shark fins are classified under HS code 1604.18. This classification is part of Chapter 16, which covers preparations of meat, fish, or crustaceans. Heading 1604 specifically addresses prepared or preserved fish and caviar. Shark fins are unique in the seafood trade and have their own specific subheading to monitor trade volumes and ensure regulatory compliance with environmental treaties. To fall under 1604.18, the fins must be prepared or preserved—meaning they have been cooked, heat-treated, or preserved in a manner that goes beyond simple drying or salting. The code specifically applies to fins that are whole or in pieces, but it excludes products that have been minced. This distinction is crucial for customs valuation and regulatory compliance, especially given the international trade regulations surrounding shark products. The preparation process often involves the removal of skin and cartilage, followed by steaming or treatment with hydrogen peroxide to whiten the fibers, which moves the product from the raw category of Chapter 3 into the prepared category of Chapter 16.
- Covers
- Cooked shark fins in vacuum packaging
- Canned shark fin soup base (where fins are the primary component)
- Shark fins preserved in brine or vinegar
- Ready-to-eat shark fin preparations
- Shark fin pieces that have been heat-treated
- Also under 1604.18
- Dried Shark Fin (various unbranded)
- Frozen Shark Fin (various unbranded)
- Canned Shark Fin Soup (local Asian brands)
- Prepared Shark Fin Strips (specialty suppliers)
Codes often confused with 1604.18
Common mistake. Shark fins are often misclassified under 0302, 0303, or 0305. These codes refer to fresh, chilled, frozen, or simply dried/salted fish. If a shark fin is merely dried without any further preparation like skinning or cooking, it remains in Chapter 3. Another common error is using 1604.20, which is for other prepared fish that are minced or in the form of pastes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160418 (the code used for prepared shark fins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160418 (the code used for prepared shark fins) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 48% 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 160418, not only prepared shark fins.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$795K 26% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Singapore $741K 25% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $441K 15% of world exports
World total: $3.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $2.3M 48% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $1.5M 30% of world imports
- 3 Japan $552K 11% of world imports
World total: $4.9M 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 shark fins
Brazil classifies prepared shark fins under NCM 1604.18.00: HS 1604.18 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared shark fins
What is the HS code for Prepared shark fins?
The HS code for Prepared shark fins is 160418 (Fish preparations; shark fins, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)). The correct HS code for prepared or preserved shark fins, whole or in pieces, is 1604.18.
How do I classify Prepared shark fins for customs?
Prepared shark fins is classified under HS code 160418 — Fish preparations; shark fins, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are dried shark fins always classified under 1604.18?
No. If the fins are only dried or salted and have not been further processed (like skinning or cooking), they are classified under 0305.71.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared shark fins (HS 160418)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160418 (the code used for prepared shark fins) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $795K, 26% of world exports), Singapore ($741K) and Indonesia ($441K). World exports came to about $3.0M, 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 shark fins (HS 160418)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160418 (the code used for prepared shark fins) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($2.3M, 48% of world imports), Singapore ($1.5M) and Japan ($552K). World imports came to about $4.9M, 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 shark fins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160418 for Prepared shark fins 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 shark fins in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared shark fins (HS 160418) is classified under NCM 1604.18.00.