Products described as fish sauce are usually classified under heading 2103 of the Harmonized System. Pick the 6-digit subheading that matches your product, then add the importing country's national digits.
Heading 2103Sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings, mustard flour and meal and prepared mustard
Usual subheading
Sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsAdd to invoice →
Other subheadings of heading 2103
Sauces; soya
Sauces; tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces
Mustard flour and meal and prepared mustard
Click a code to copy it.
How to confirm the code
Read the heading and subheading texts above and pick the one that describes what your product is made of and what it does.
Check the section and chapter notes of chapter 21, which can include or exclude products.
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.
Keep a record of the product facts and your reasoning, for example in a free HS classification worksheet: HS classification worksheet →
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.
Products described as fish sauce are usually classified under HS heading 2103, subheading 2103.90. 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.