Product classification
HS code for Prepared snails: 1605.58
Mollusc preparations, snails, other than sea snails, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared snails under HS 1605.58
Prepared snails, specifically those of the land variety (such as Helix pomatia or Helix aspersa), are classified under HS code 1605.58. This code falls within the category of prepared or preserved molluscs. The classification is applied when the snails have been removed from their shells, cooked, or preserved in liquids like brine or wine. It also covers "escargot" preparations where the snail meat may have been replaced in the shell with added ingredients like garlic butter. It is important to note that this code excludes sea snails, which are classified elsewhere in the nomenclature. The transition from Chapter 3 (0307.60 for live, fresh, or chilled snails) to Chapter 16 (1605.58) occurs once the product has been subjected to heat treatment or complex preservation methods that change the nature of the raw meat. This classification is vital for the gourmet food industry, as it distinguishes between the raw agricultural product and the processed culinary item ready for final consumption or secondary cooking.
- Covers
- Canned land snails in brine
- Escargot prepared with garlic butter and herbs
- Cooked snail meat, vacuum-packed
- Snails preserved in wine or vinegar
- Frozen prepared snail dishes
- Also under 1605.58
- Roland Escargots
- Sarlat Escargots
- various French and Eastern European brands for canned/frozen snails
Codes often confused with 1605.58
Common mistake. Prepared snails are often confused with 0307.60, which covers live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, or salted snails. If any cooking has occurred, 1605.58 is the correct code. Additionally, sea snails (like whelks) should not be classified here; they belong under 1605.59 (other molluscs) if prepared.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160558 (the code used for prepared snails), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160558 (the code used for prepared snails) in UN Comtrade data was Romania, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 45% 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 160558, not only prepared snails.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Romania $26M 28% of world exports
- 2 France $16M 18% of world exports
- 3 Lithuania $12M 13% of world exports
World total: $92M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $37M 45% of world imports
- 2 Japan $10M 12% of world imports
- 3 Romania $8.5M 10% of world imports
World total: $83M 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 snails
Brazil classifies prepared snails under NCM 1605.58.00: HS 1605.58 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared snails
What is the HS code for Prepared snails?
The HS code for Prepared snails is 160558 (Mollusc preparations; snails, other than sea snails, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved land snails is 1605.58.
How do I classify Prepared snails for customs?
Prepared snails is classified under HS code 160558 — Mollusc preparations; snails, other than sea snails, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include sea snails?
No, 1605.58 is specifically for snails other than sea snails. Sea snails that are prepared or preserved are generally classified under 1605.59.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared snails (HS 160558)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160558 (the code used for prepared snails) in UN Comtrade data were Romania ($26M, 28% of world exports), France ($16M) and Lithuania ($12M). 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 snails (HS 160558)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160558 (the code used for prepared snails) in UN Comtrade data were France ($37M, 45% of world imports), Japan ($10M) and Romania ($8.5M). World imports came to about $83M, 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 snails the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160558 for Prepared snails 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 snails in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared snails (HS 160558) is classified under NCM 1605.58.00.