Product classification
HS code for Prepared squid: 1605.54
Mollusc preparations, cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared squid under HS 1605.54
HS code 1605.54 covers cuttlefish and squid that have been prepared or preserved. This includes a wide range of processed cephalopod products. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, products that have been cooked (by steaming or boiling), breaded, battered, or preserved in sauces are moved from Chapter 3 to Chapter 16. Squid classified here might be canned in its own ink, prepared as frozen calamari rings with a coating, or seasoned and dried for snack consumption. The inclusion of both cuttlefish and squid in this single subheading reflects their similar biological classification and commercial usage. Proper classification requires identifying that the processing exceeds the simple freezing or drying allowed under heading 0307. For example, while plain dried squid is 0307.49, "shredded seasoned squid" (a common snack) is 1605.54 because the seasoning and shredding process constitutes a preparation. This distinction is important for applying the correct tariff rates, which are often higher for processed seafood than for raw seafood.
- Covers
- Canned squid in oil, brine, or ink
- Breaded and frozen calamari rings
- Seasoned and shredded dried squid snacks
- Boiled or steamed squid meat
- Squid rings preserved in vinegar (pickled)
- Also under 1605.54
- Goya Calamari
- Vigo Squid
- various Asian brands for dried squid snacks
- Mediterranean brands for marinated cuttlefish
Codes often confused with 1605.54
Common mistake. The most frequent error is classifying prepared squid under 0307.43 (frozen squid) or 0307.49 (dried squid). If the product has been cooked or seasoned, it must be in 1605.54. Another common mistake is confusing squid with octopus, which is classified under 1605.55 when prepared.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160554 (the code used for prepared squid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160554 (the code used for prepared squid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 22% 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 160554, not only prepared squid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 63% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$232M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Spain $157M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $258M 22% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $235M 20% of world imports
- 3 United States $94M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 squid
Brazil classifies prepared squid under NCM 1605.54.00: HS 1605.54 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared squid
What is the HS code for Prepared squid?
The HS code for Prepared squid is 160554 (Mollusc preparations; cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved squid and cuttlefish is 1605.54.
How do I classify Prepared squid for customs?
Prepared squid is classified under HS code 160554 — Mollusc preparations; cuttle fish and squid, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is breaded calamari classified as raw fish?
No, breaded calamari is considered a preparation and is classified under HS code 1605.54, even if it is sold in a frozen state.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared squid (HS 160554)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160554 (the code used for prepared squid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 63% of world exports), Peru (about $232M) and Spain ($157M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 squid (HS 160554)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160554 (the code used for prepared squid) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($258M, 22% of world imports), South Korea ($235M) and the United States ($94M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 squid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160554 for Prepared squid 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 squid in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared squid (HS 160554) is classified under NCM 1605.54.00.