Product classification
HS code for Preserved bonito: 1604.14
Fish preparations, tunas, skipjack tuna and bonito (Sarda spp.), prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Classification of preserved bonito under HS 1604.14
Preserved bonito is classified under HS code 1604.14. This code is part of Chapter 16, which covers preparations of meat and fish. Heading 1604 specifically applies to fish that has been prepared or preserved by processes such as cooking, salting in a way that goes beyond simple preservation, or packing in oil, vinegar, or other media. Subheading 1604.14 is designated for tunas, skipjack, and bonito (specifically the Sarda species). To fall under this specific subheading, the fish must be whole or in pieces, but not minced. Minced fish or fish pastes are relegated to subheading 1604.20. The classification is driven by the species of the fish and the state of the product. Because bonito is biologically related to tuna and skipjack, the Harmonized System groups them together for trade statistics and tariff application. This ensures consistency in how these similar scombroid fish are treated globally.
- Covers
- Canned bonito in vegetable oil
- Bonito fillets in brine
- Vacuum-packed preserved bonito
- Smoked bonito if further prepared
- Bonito chunks in tomato sauce
- Pickled bonito pieces
- Also under 1604.14
- Starkist Canned Tuna
- Bumble Bee Canned Tuna
- Chicken of the Sea Canned Tuna
- Genova Tuna
- Rio Mare Tuna
Codes often confused with 1604.14
Common mistake. Preserved bonito is often misclassified under HS code 0302 or 0303, which are for fresh, chilled, or frozen fish. These codes do not apply once the fish has been cooked or preserved in oil. Additionally, it may be confused with 1604.20 if the bonito is finely minced or prepared as a spread.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160414 (the code used for preserved bonito), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160414 (the code used for preserved bonito) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 160414, not only preserved bonito.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $2.5B 25% of world exports
- 2 Ecuador $1.7B 17% of world exports
- 3 China $917M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $9.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.2B 12% of world imports
- 2 Spain $1.0B 11% of world imports
- 3 Italy $1.0B 10% of world imports
World total: $9.8B 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 codes for preserved bonito
Brazil splits HS 1604.14 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1604.14.10Prepared or preserved tuna, not minced
- 1604.14.20Prepared or preserved skipjack tuna, not minced
- 1604.14.30Prepared or preserved bonito
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about preserved bonito
What is the HS code for Preserved bonito?
The HS code for Preserved bonito is 160414 (Fish preparations; tunas, skipjack tuna and bonito (Sarda spp.), prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)). The HS code for prepared or preserved bonito (whole or in pieces) is 1604.14.
How do I classify Preserved bonito for customs?
Preserved bonito is classified under HS code 160414 — Fish preparations; tunas, skipjack tuna and bonito (Sarda spp.), prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include canned tuna?
Yes, HS code 1604.14 covers tunas, skipjack, and bonito together as they are part of the same fish preparation category.
Which countries are the top exporters of preserved bonito (HS 160414)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160414 (the code used for preserved bonito) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($2.5B, 25% of world exports), Ecuador ($1.7B) and China ($917M). World exports came to about $9.9B, 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 preserved bonito (HS 160414)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160414 (the code used for preserved bonito) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 12% of world imports), Spain ($1.0B) and Italy ($1.0B). World imports came to about $9.8B, 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 Preserved bonito the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160414 for Preserved bonito 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 preserved bonito in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 160414 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for preserved bonito depends on the product's details: 1604.14.10 (Prepared or preserved tuna, not minced), 1604.14.20 (Prepared or preserved skipjack tuna, not minced), 1604.14.30 (Prepared or preserved bonito).