HS Code: 160510
Crab products
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 16 is the major category in the HS classification system for 'preparations of meat, of fish, of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates', covering processed (e.g., cooked, cured, smoked, canned, etc.) animal food products. This chapter includes sausages, meat preparations, fish preparations, crustacean preparations, etc., but excludes unprocessed products that have only undergone simple freezing, refrigeration, or cutting, which are usually classified under Chapter 2, Chapter 3, or Chapter 7.
Heading
Heading 1605 covers 'crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved by other methods', including crabs, shrimp, lobster, shellfish, and other products that have been cooked, cured, smoked, canned, or otherwise processed. Products under this heading have usually lost their original animal form or undergone deep processing, and are ready for direct consumption or require only simple heating.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits = 16: indicates Chapter 16, i.e., preparations of meat, of fish, of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates. Digits 3-4 = 05: indicates heading 1605, i.e., crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved by other methods. Digits 5-6 = 10: indicates subheading 160510, i.e., preparations of crab. This subheading is further subdivided into multiple lower-level subheadings (such as 16051010, 16051090, etc.), but this code only goes to 6 digits for international uniform classification.
Classification Basis
This product is a crab preparation, i.e., crab meat or crab products that have been prepared or preserved, such as canned crab meat, crab sticks, pickled crab, etc. Since crab is a crustacean and has been processed (not simply frozen), it is classified under Chapter 16. Under heading 1605, crab preparations have a specific subheading 160510, so this code takes priority over other crustacean preparations (such as 160520 shrimp preparations) or unprocessed crab (0306).

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
Fill in the specific name of the product, such as 'canned crab meat', 'frozen cooked crab meat', 'crab sticks', etc., which must be consistent with the actual product.
⚠️ Writing only 'crab products' is too general; it should be specific to the processing method and state.
Brand
Fill in the product brand; if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand', which must be consistent with the packaging label.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or inconsistency with the actual product, leading to customs questioning.
Ingredient Content
Fill in the main ingredients and their contents, such as crab meat content, starch, seasonings, etc., expressed as percentages.
⚠️ Not indicating crab meat content, or inaccurate ingredient proportions.
Processing Method
Describe the processing technique in detail, such as 'cooked then canned', 'steamed then frozen', 'cured', etc.
⚠️ Writing only 'processed' is too vague; it should be specific to the key steps.
Packaging Specifications
Fill in the packaging form and specifications, such as 'canned, 200 grams per can', 'vacuum bag, 500 grams per bag'.
⚠️ Not indicating packaging material and net weight, affecting classification.
Storage Method
Fill in the storage conditions, such as 'room temperature storage', 'frozen storage', etc., related to the processing method.
⚠️ Contradicting the processing method, such as writing room temperature storage for frozen products.
Production Date
Fill in the production date in YYYY-MM-DD format, which must be consistent with the label.
⚠️ Incorrect format or inconsistency with the label.
Example:
Product Name: Canned crab meat; Brand: ABC; Ingredient Content: crab meat 80%, water 15%, salt 5%; Processing Method: cooked then canned; Packaging Specifications: canned, 200 grams per can, 24 cans/carton; Storage Method: room temperature storage; Production Date: 2023-08-01.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification lies in the degree of processing and the form of the product. If the crab has only undergone simple freezing, refrigeration, shelling, etc., it should be classified under Chapter 3 (0306); if it has undergone deep processing such as cooking, curing, smoking, canning, etc., it should be classified under Chapter 16. It is also necessary to confirm whether other ingredients are mixed in; if crab meat is only used as an ingredient with low content, it may be classified under other headings.
Confused Codes:
030614 - Frozen crab
030614 is unprocessed or simply frozen crab, while 160510 is crab preparations that have undergone deep processing such as cooking, canning, etc.
160520 - Shrimp preparations
160520 is preparations of shrimp, 160510 is preparations of crab; the processing methods are similar but the raw materials are different.
160530 - Lobster preparations
160530 is lobster preparations, 160510 is crab preparations; the main difference is the animal species.
160540 - Other crustacean preparations
160540 covers crustacean preparations other than crab, shrimp, and lobster; mixed crab and shrimp preparations should be classified according to the main ingredient.
210690 - Other food preparations
If crab meat is only used as a seasoning with extremely low content, it may be classified under 210690, but crab preparations are usually classified under 160510 first.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How to check the tariff rate for HS code 160510?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. Note that tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement (such as RCEP), and country of origin, and must be confirmed based on the specific trade scenario.
Q: Should crab sticks be classified under 160510 or another code?
A: If the crab stick has a high crab meat content and has been processed, it is usually classified under 160510; if the crab meat content is extremely low (e.g., only for flavoring), it may be classified under 210690. It must be determined based on actual ingredients and processing techniques.
Q: What is the difference in classification between frozen crab meat and canned crab meat?
A: If frozen crab meat has only undergone freezing, it is classified under 0306; if it has been cooked and then frozen, it is classified under 160510. Canned crab meat, due to deep processing, is usually classified under 160510.
Q: How should ingredient content be filled in during declaration?
A: Main ingredients should be filled in as percentages, such as crab meat, water, starch, seasonings, etc. Crab meat content is key, affecting classification and tariffs, and must be accurate.
Q: How should mixed crab and shrimp products be classified?
A: Classification is determined by the main ingredient: if crab meat content is the highest, classify under 160510; if shrimp meat is predominant, classify under 160520. If it cannot be distinguished, it may be classified under 160540.
Q: What special documents are required for importing crab products?
A: Usually, a certificate of origin, health certificate, production date certificate, ingredient test report, etc. are required. Specific requirements vary by country; it is recommended to consult customs or an agent in advance.
Q: What lower-level subheadings are under HS code 160510?
A: Under the 6-digit code, countries may subdivide into 8-digit or 10-digit subheadings, such as 16051010 (canned crab meat), 16051090 (other crab preparations). When querying, the complete national code must be used.
Q: How to avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors?
A: It is recommended to prepare detailed product descriptions, processing techniques, ingredient analysis, and other materials in advance, and apply for advance classification if necessary. Communicate fully with the customs broker to ensure accurate and complete declaration elements.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.