Product classification
HS code for Smoked mackerel: 1604.15
Fish preparations, mackerel, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Classification of smoked mackerel under HS 1604.15
Smoked mackerel is classified under HS code 1604.15. This classification falls under Chapter 16, which covers preparations of meat, fish, or crustaceans. Heading 1604 specifically refers to prepared or preserved fish. While many smoked fish products are found in Chapter 3 (specifically 0305), mackerel that is prepared for retail sale, often cooked during the smoking process and vacuum-sealed or canned, is frequently classified under 1604.15. This code covers mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus) that has been prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces, but not minced. The determination between Chapter 3 and Chapter 16 often depends on the degree of processing and the packaging. For many customs territories, smoked mackerel fillets that are ready-to-eat and commercially packaged are treated as preparations under 1604.15 rather than simply smoked fish under 0305.44, although the latter exists for basic smoked mackerel.
- Covers
- Smoked mackerel fillets in vacuum packaging
- Canned smoked mackerel
- Smoked mackerel in oil or brine
- Peppered smoked mackerel fillets
- Whole smoked mackerel (prepared/preserved)
- 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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0305.44, which is the specific code for smoked mackerel within the fish chapter. The distinction is subtle: 0305.44 is generally for fish that has undergone a simple smoking process for preservation, whereas 1604.15 is for fish that has been \"prepared\"—which can include being fully cooked, seasoned, or packaged in a way that constitutes a preparation. Importers must check local customs rulings, as some jurisdictions are stricter about moving smoked fish into Chapter 16 if it is intended for immediate consumption without further cooking.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160415 (the code used for smoked mackerel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160415 (the code used for smoked 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 smoked 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 smoked mackerel
Brazil classifies smoked 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 smoked mackerel
What is the HS code for Smoked mackerel?
The HS code for Smoked mackerel is 160415 (Fish preparations; mackerel, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)). The HS code for prepared or preserved smoked mackerel is 1604.15.
How do I classify Smoked mackerel for customs?
Smoked 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.
When should I use 0305.44 instead of 1604.15?
Use 0305.44 if the mackerel is only smoked and not further prepared, seasoned, or canned. If it is a retail-ready \"preparation,\" 1604.15 is usually more appropriate.
Which countries are the top exporters of smoked mackerel (HS 160415)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160415 (the code used for smoked 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 smoked mackerel (HS 160415)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160415 (the code used for smoked 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 Smoked mackerel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160415 for Smoked 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 smoked mackerel in Brazil?
In Brazil, smoked mackerel (HS 160415) is classified under NCM 1604.15.00.