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HS code for canned sardines

Products described as canned sardines are usually classified under heading 1604 of the Harmonized System. Pick the 6-digit subheading that matches your product, then add the importing country's national digits.

Heading 1604Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs

Usual subheading

Other subheadings of heading 1604

  • Fish preparations; salmon, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
  • Fish preparations; herrings, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
  • Fish preparations; tunas, skipjack tuna and bonito (Sarda spp.), prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
  • Fish preparations; mackerel, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
  • Fish preparations; anchovies, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
  • Fish preparations; eels, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
  • Fish preparations; shark fins, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced)
  • Fish preparations; fish prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced), n.e.c. in heading no. 1604
  • Fish preparations; fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved
  • Fish preparations; caviar
  • Fish preparations; caviar substitutes, prepared from fish eggs

Click a code to copy it.

How to confirm the code

  1. Read the heading and subheading texts above and pick the one that describes what your product is made of and what it does.
  2. Check the section and chapter notes of chapter 16, which can include or exclude products.
  3. Add the national digits from the importing country's tariff (8 to 10 digits) and confirm with a customs broker, or ask customs for a binding ruling if the duty matters.
  4. Keep a record of the product facts and your reasoning, for example in a free HS classification worksheet: HS classification worksheet →

Search the HS code lookup →Chapter 16

Source: HS 2022 nomenclature, 6-digit level (UN Comtrade). Descriptions are in English, as in the official nomenclature. Digits after the 6th differ by country.

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Common questions

What is the HS code for canned sardines?

Products described as canned sardines are usually classified under HS heading 1604, subheading 1604.13. Confirm the full national code in the importing country's tariff.

Is the HS code the same in every country?

The first 6 digits are the same in every country that uses HS 2022, and national codes are built on them: the EU's CN, the US HTS, India's ITC-HS and HSN codes and Brazil's NCM all start with these digits. Each country adds its own digits (usually to 8 or 10) and sets the duty rate, so check the destination country's tariff.

What if my product is different?

Materials, function and how the product is put up can change the heading. Search your own description in the HS code lookup, read the chapter notes, and ask a customs broker or the customs authority for a ruling when in doubt.

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