HS Code 16: Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates

Q: Is HS code 16 the same in every country?

Yes — HS code 16 is part of the WCO Harmonized System and is the same in every WCO member country at the 6-digit level. Beyond 6 digits, each country extends the code under its own system (e.g. HTSUS in the US, CN/TARIC in the EU, HSK in Korea, CCCHS in China) for national tariff rates and trade statistics. To see how a specific country classifies this code, select a country.

Q: Which WCO edition does HS code 16 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

The Harmonized System is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and revised approximately every five years. The current edition is HS 2022, which replaced HS 2017 on 1 January 2022. Codes are added, merged, or split between editions to reflect new products and trade patterns, so a code valid in one edition may not exist or may mean something different in another.

Q: How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 16?

Beyond the international 6-digit level, each country adds its own digits — the US extends to 10 digits (HTSUS), the EU to 8 or 10 (CN/TARIC), China to 13 (CCCHS), Korea to 10 (HSK), Japan to 9, and so on. To find the full code used by a specific country, select a country in TradeInt's HS Code Tool and search for 16.

What is HS Code 16

HS Code 16 covers Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates. It is one of the 96 chapters of the WCO Harmonized System, sitting in Section IV (Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes). The two digits "16" are the chapter level — every 4-digit heading and 6-digit subheading starting with "16" belongs here.

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What does HS Code 16 Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates Cover?

Section IV

Chapters (16-24) Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes

Chapter 16

Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates

HS Code 1601

Sausages and similar products, of meat, meat offal, blood or insects; food preparations based on these products

HS Code 1602

Prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects

HS Code 1603

Extracts and juices of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates

HS Code 1604

Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs

HS Code 1605

Crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved

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What HS Codes for Prepared Meat and Seafood Do Not Cover

Chapter 16 covers prepared or preserved meat, fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. Goods frequently misclassified here but that belong elsewhere include:

Fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, or smoked meat and fish (unprepared)

Chapters 02, 03

Meat or fish soups and broths

heading 2104

Animal-source food supplements

heading 2106

Pet food in retail packaging

heading 2309

This list highlights common classification errors only — it is not exhaustive. For binding classification, work with a licensed customs broker or qualified trade compliance professional.

Related HS Codes under Prepared Meat and Seafood HS 16

HS Code 1601

HS Code 1602

Prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects

HS Code 1603

Extracts and juices of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates

HS Code 1604

Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs

HS Code 1605

Crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved

HS Code 160100

Meat preparations; sausages and similar products, of meat, meat offal, blood or insects, and food preparations based on these products

HS Code 160210

Meat preparations; homogenised preparations of meat, meat offal blood or insects

HS Code 160220

Meat preparations; of the prepared or preserved liver of any animal (excluding homogenised preparations)

HS Code 160231

Meat preparations; of turkeys, prepared or preserved meat or meat offal (excluding livers and homogenised preparations)

HS Code 160232

Meat preparations; of the poultry of heading no. 0105, (i.e. of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 16?

HS code 16 covers Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, one of the chapter 16 of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System. It is the broadest level of HS classification, grouping all products of this type before they are narrowed down by more specific 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings.

Is HS code 16 the same in every country?

Which WCO edition does HS code 16 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 16?