Product classification
HS code for Preserved eggs: 0407.90
Birds' eggs, in shell, preserved or cooked.
Classification of preserved eggs under HS 0407.90
HS code 040790 applies to birds' eggs, in shell, that are either preserved or cooked. While Chapter 4 generally covers dairy products and natural honey, heading 0407 is dedicated to birds' eggs in shell, whether fresh, preserved, or cooked. The subheading 040790 is a residual category that includes eggs not intended for hatching (which fall under 040711 or 040719) and not fresh (040721 or 040729). This classification includes traditional preservation methods such as salting or immersion in alkaline solutions, as well as eggs that have been hard-boiled. Unlike fruits or vegetables in headings 0711 or 0812, these eggs are often ready for consumption, but their classification remains in Chapter 4 because they are still in their natural shell. The preservation process for these eggs is often cultural or artisanal, such as the production of century eggs. It is important to note that the eggs must remain in their shell to qualify for this specific code; once the shell is removed, the classification changes entirely.
- Covers
- Salted duck eggs in shell
- Century eggs (pidan) in shell
- Hard-boiled birds' eggs in shell
- Pickled birds' eggs in shell
- Preserved quail eggs in shell
- Also under 0407.90
- Wei-Chuan Century Eggs
- Marinated Quail Eggs (various brands)
- Salted Duck Eggs (Asian brands)
- Pre-cooked Hard-Boiled Eggs (e.g., Eggland's Best)
- Bay View Foods Pickled Eggs
Codes often confused with 0407.90
Common mistake. Preserved eggs are often misclassified under HS code 0408, which is reserved for birds' eggs not in shell (such as liquid or dried yolks). They may also be confused with 2106, which covers miscellaneous food preparations, but if the egg remains in its shell and is not part of a complex dish, 040790 is the correct designation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 040790 (the code used for preserved eggs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040790 (the code used for preserved eggs) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, 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 040790, not only preserved eggs.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $60M 25% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $52M 22% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $22M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $243M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $25M 12% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $24M 11% of world imports
- 3 France $23M 10% of world imports
World total: $216M 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 preserved eggs
Brazil classifies preserved eggs under NCM 0407.90.00: HS 0407.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about preserved eggs
What is the HS code for Preserved eggs?
The HS code for Preserved eggs is 040790 (Birds' eggs, in shell; preserved or cooked). The HS code for birds' eggs in shell that are preserved or cooked is 040790.
How do I classify Preserved eggs for customs?
Preserved eggs is classified under HS code 040790 — Birds' eggs, in shell; preserved or cooked. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include liquid eggs?
No, liquid eggs or eggs without shells are classified under heading 0408, regardless of whether they are preserved.
Which countries are the top exporters of preserved eggs (HS 040790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040790 (the code used for preserved eggs) in UN Comtrade data were China ($60M, 25% of world exports), the Netherlands ($52M) and Denmark ($22M). World exports came to about $243M, 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 eggs (HS 040790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 040790 (the code used for preserved eggs) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($25M, 12% of world imports), Hong Kong ($24M) and France ($23M). World imports came to about $216M, 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 eggs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 040790 for Preserved eggs 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 eggs in Brazil?
In Brazil, preserved eggs (HS 040790) is classified under NCM 0407.90.00.