Product classification
HS code for Preserved mackerel: 1604.15
Fish preparations, mackerel, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Classification of preserved mackerel under HS 1604.15
Preserved mackerel is classified under HS code 1604.15. This classification follows the structure of Chapter 16 for fish preparations. Heading 1604 is used for fish that has been prepared or preserved in a manner that excludes it from Chapter 3 (which covers fresh, chilled, or frozen fish). Subheading 1604.15 is specific to the mackerel species, including Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, and Scomber japonicus. The product must be presented whole or in pieces to qualify for this code. If the mackerel is finely minced or turned into a spread, it would move to 1604.20. Common preparations include mackerel in brine, oil, or tomato sauce, as well as mackerel that has been cooked and then vacuum-sealed. The key factor is the level of processing and the specific species identification. This classification allows for the monitoring of processed fish trade and the application of specific food safety and tariff regulations.
- Covers
- Canned mackerel in tomato sauce
- Mackerel fillets in olive oil
- Pickled mackerel pieces
- Salted mackerel if further prepared
- Cooked and vacuum-sealed mackerel
- Mackerel in brine
- Also under 1604.15
- King Oscar Mackerel
- Brunswick Mackerel
- Chicken of the Sea Mackerel
- John West Mackerel
- various brands of smoked mackerel
Codes often confused with 1604.15
Common mistake. Mackerel is often misclassified under HS code 0305, which covers dried, salted, or smoked fish that has not been further prepared (like cooking). It is also frequently confused with 1604.20, which is the code for minced fish, fish pastes, or sausages made from mackerel.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160415 (the code used for preserved mackerel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160415 (the code used for preserved mackerel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 21% 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 160415, not only preserved mackerel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $294M 32% of world exports
- 2 Morocco $122M 13% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $73M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $924M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $168M 21% of world imports
- 2 France $66M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 United States $62M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $810M 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 mackerel
Brazil classifies preserved mackerel under NCM 1604.15.00: HS 1604.15 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about preserved mackerel
What is the HS code for Preserved mackerel?
The HS code for Preserved mackerel is 160415 (Fish preparations; mackerel, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)). The HS code for prepared or preserved mackerel (whole or in pieces) is 1604.15.
How do I classify Preserved mackerel for customs?
Preserved mackerel is classified under HS code 160415 — Fish preparations; mackerel, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is frozen mackerel under this code?
No, frozen mackerel that has not been cooked or preserved in oil is classified under HS code 0303.54.
Which countries are the top exporters of preserved mackerel (HS 160415)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160415 (the code used for preserved mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($294M, 32% of world exports), Morocco ($122M) and Thailand ($73M). World exports came to about $924M, 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 mackerel (HS 160415)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160415 (the code used for preserved mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($168M, 21% of world imports), France ($66M) and the United States ($62M). World imports came to about $810M, 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 mackerel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160415 for Preserved mackerel 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 mackerel in Brazil?
In Brazil, preserved mackerel (HS 160415) is classified under NCM 1604.15.00.