Chapter 16 is the chapter in the HS classification system concerning 'preparations of meat, of fish, of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates,' covering processed animal food products (such as cooked, cured, canned, etc.). This chapter does not include animal products that have only undergone simple primary processing such as freezing, fresh, chilled, dried, smoked, etc. (classified under Chapters 2 and 3), nor does it include goods that have lost their essential character due to processing or have become products of other chapters. The core lies in determining the 'depth of processing.' Heading 1605 covers 'crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates prepared or preserved by other methods,' i.e., crustacean and mollusc products that have undergone deeper processing than simple refrigeration, freezing, drying, salting, etc. (such as cooking, oil immersion, vinegar curing, canning, etc.). This heading is further subdivided into multiple subheadings, divided by species (such as crab, shrimp, lobster, other crustaceans) and processing method (such as canned). The first 2 digits '16' represent Chapter 16: preparations of meat, of fish, of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates. The 3rd-4th digits '05' represent heading 1605: crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates prepared or preserved by other methods. The 5th-6th digits '40' represent subheading 160540: other crustacean products. This subheading falls under heading 1605 and, alongside 160510 (crab products), 160520 (shrimp products), and 160530 (lobster products), specifically covers processed products of other crustaceans not listed in 160510-160530 (such as crayfish, prawns, mantis shrimp, krill, etc.). This commodity is classified under 160540 because its raw material is crustaceans (not crab, not shrimp, not lobster) and it has been prepared or preserved (such as cooked, canned, seasoned, etc.), meeting the processing depth requirements of heading 1605. If it were fresh, chilled, frozen, or otherwise unprocessed or only simply preserved crustaceans, it should be classified under Chapter 3; if it were crab, shrimp, or lobster products, it would be classified under 160510, 160520, or 160530 respectively.
Chapter
Chapter 16 is the chapter in the HS classification system concerning 'preparations of meat, of fish, of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates,' covering processed animal food products (such as cooked, cured, canned, etc.). This chapter does not include animal products that have only undergone simple primary processing such as freezing, fresh, chilled, dried, smoked, etc. (classified under Chapters 2 and 3), nor does it include goods that have lost their essential character due to processing or have become products of other chapters. The core lies in determining the 'depth of processing.'
Heading
Heading 1605 covers 'crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates prepared or preserved by other methods,' i.e., crustacean and mollusc products that have undergone deeper processing than simple refrigeration, freezing, drying, salting, etc. (such as cooking, oil immersion, vinegar curing, canning, etc.). This heading is further subdivided into multiple subheadings, divided by species (such as crab, shrimp, lobster, other crustaceans) and processing method (such as canned).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '16' represent Chapter 16: preparations of meat, of fish, of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates. The 3rd-4th digits '05' represent heading 1605: crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates prepared or preserved by other methods. The 5th-6th digits '40' represent subheading 160540: other crustacean products. This subheading falls under heading 1605 and, alongside 160510 (crab products), 160520 (shrimp products), and 160530 (lobster products), specifically covers processed products of other crustaceans not listed in 160510-160530 (such as crayfish, prawns, mantis shrimp, krill, etc.).
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 160540 because its raw material is crustaceans (not crab, not shrimp, not lobster) and it has been prepared or preserved (such as cooked, canned, seasoned, etc.), meeting the processing depth requirements of heading 1605. If it were fresh, chilled, frozen, or otherwise unprocessed or only simply preserved crustaceans, it should be classified under Chapter 3; if it were crab, shrimp, or lobster products, it would be classified under 160510, 160520, or 160530 respectively.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use standardized Chinese or English commodity names, such as 'seasoned crayfish products,' 'canned mantis shrimp,' etc. Brand Type: Fill in the commodity brand, such as 'no brand,' 'XX brand,' which must be consistent with the packaging label. Export Preference Status: Fill in according to the actual trade situation, such as 'export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country' or 'do not enjoy,' etc. Method of Preparation or Preservation: Describe the processing technique in detail, such as 'cooked then canned,' 'seasoned then vacuum-packed,' 'oil-immersed,' etc. Ingredient Content: List the main ingredients and proportions, such as 'crustacean meat 80%, water 10%, seasoning 10%.' Packaging Specifications: Fill in the packaging form and net weight, such as 'canned, 200 grams per can,' 'vacuum bag, 500 grams per bag.' Brand (Chinese and Foreign Names): If there is a brand, both Chinese and foreign names must be provided; if no brand, fill in 'none.' GTIN Code: If there is a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), it should be filled in; if none, fill in 'none.' Product Name: seasoned crayfish products; Brand Type: no brand; Export Preference Status: do not enjoy; Method of Preparation or Preservation: crayfish meat cooked, then mixed with seasonings (salt, sugar, spices), vacuum-packed, quick-frozen; Ingredient Content: crayfish meat 85%, water 10%, seasoning 5%; Packaging Specifications: vacuum bag, 500 grams per bag, 20 bags per box; Brand: none; GTIN Code: none. Failing to specify the specific crustacean species, generally declaring as 'crustacean products,' which may lead to incorrect classification under other subheadings. The description of the preparation method is too simple, such as writing only 'processed,' which cannot prove that the degree of processing meets the requirements of 1605. Ignoring the declaration of brand and GTIN, causing the customs declaration form to be returned or questions to arise during inspection.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use standardized Chinese or English commodity names, such as 'seasoned crayfish products,' 'canned mantis shrimp,' etc.
⚠️ Writing only overly general names such as 'seafood products' or 'crustaceans' without specifying the specific species and processing state.
Brand Type
Fill in the commodity brand, such as 'no brand,' 'XX brand,' which must be consistent with the packaging label.
⚠️ Mistaking the manufacturer's name for the brand, or omitting the brand, leading to classification disputes.
Export Preference Status
Fill in according to the actual trade situation, such as 'export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country' or 'do not enjoy,' etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly checking the preference type, causing customs clearance delays or failure to enjoy tariff preferences.
Method of Preparation or Preservation
Describe the processing technique in detail, such as 'cooked then canned,' 'seasoned then vacuum-packed,' 'oil-immersed,' etc.
⚠️ Filling in only 'processed' or 'prepared' without specifying the specific method, making classification impossible.
Ingredient Content
List the main ingredients and proportions, such as 'crustacean meat 80%, water 10%, seasoning 10%.'
⚠️ Failing to indicate the actual crustacean content, or inaccurate ingredient proportions, affecting classification and tariff rates.
Packaging Specifications
Fill in the packaging form and net weight, such as 'canned, 200 grams per can,' 'vacuum bag, 500 grams per bag.'
⚠️ Writing only 'boxed' without indicating the inner packaging, making it impossible to determine whether it is retail packaging.
Brand (Chinese and Foreign Names)
If there is a brand, both Chinese and foreign names must be provided; if no brand, fill in 'none.'
⚠️ Filling in only the foreign brand without providing the Chinese translation, not complying with declaration specifications.
GTIN Code
If there is a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), it should be filled in; if none, fill in 'none.'
⚠️ Mistaking an internal enterprise code for the GTIN, causing data verification failure.
Example: Product Name: seasoned crayfish products; Brand Type: no brand; Export Preference Status: do not enjoy; Method of Preparation or Preservation: crayfish meat cooked, then mixed with seasonings (salt, sugar, spices), vacuum-packed, quick-frozen; Ingredient Content: crayfish meat 85%, water 10%, seasoning 5%; Packaging Specifications: vacuum bag, 500 grams per bag, 20 bags per box; Brand: none; GTIN Code: none.
Common Mistakes:
Failing to specify the specific crustacean species, generally declaring as 'crustacean products,' which may lead to incorrect classification under other subheadings.
The description of the preparation method is too simple, such as writing only 'processed,' which cannot prove that the degree of processing meets the requirements of 1605.
Ignoring the declaration of brand and GTIN, causing the customs declaration form to be returned or questions to arise during inspection.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the raw material is crustaceans (and not crab, not shrimp, not lobster); 2) whether the processing method exceeds the simple treatments of Chapter 3 (such as freezing, salting, drying, etc.), i.e., has undergone deep processing such as cooking, canning, seasoning, etc.; 3) whether it retains the essential character of crustaceans and has not become a product of another chapter. Reference should also be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for the interpretation of subheading 1605. 160510 Crab products: The raw material is crab, whereas 160540's raw material is other crustaceans (such as crayfish, mantis shrimp, etc.). If declared as crab products but actually other crustaceans, it is incorrect. 160520 Shrimp products: The raw material is shrimp (including prawns, small shrimp, etc.), whereas 160540 covers crustaceans other than crab, shrimp, and lobster. Note the distinction between shrimp and crayfish. 160530 Lobster products: The raw material is lobster, whereas 160540 is for other crustaceans. Lobster and crayfish are easily confused and must be determined based on the scientific name of the species. 0306 Fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted crustaceans, etc.: 0306 is primary processing, not subjected to deep processing such as cooking or canning; 160540 requires preparation or preservation. 1604 Prepared or preserved fish: 1604 is for fish products, 160540 is for crustacean products; the raw materials are different. Is the raw material crustaceans and not crab, not shrimp, not lobster? Does the processing method exceed simple treatments such as freezing or salting? Has it undergone deep processing such as cooking, seasoning, or canning? Does it retain the essential character of crustaceans and has not become a product of another chapter? Is it clearly distinguished from subheadings 160510, 160520, and 160530?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the raw material is crustaceans (and not crab, not shrimp, not lobster); 2) whether the processing method exceeds the simple treatments of Chapter 3 (such as freezing, salting, drying, etc.), i.e., has undergone deep processing such as cooking, canning, seasoning, etc.; 3) whether it retains the essential character of crustaceans and has not become a product of another chapter. Reference should also be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for the interpretation of subheading 1605.
Confused Codes:
160510 - Crab products
The raw material is crab, whereas 160540's raw material is other crustaceans (such as crayfish, mantis shrimp, etc.). If declared as crab products but actually other crustaceans, it is incorrect.
160520 - Shrimp products
The raw material is shrimp (including prawns, small shrimp, etc.), whereas 160540 covers crustaceans other than crab, shrimp, and lobster. Note the distinction between shrimp and crayfish.
160530 - Lobster products
The raw material is lobster, whereas 160540 is for other crustaceans. Lobster and crayfish are easily confused and must be determined based on the scientific name of the species.
0306 - Fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted crustaceans, etc.
0306 is primary processing, not subjected to deep processing such as cooking or canning; 160540 requires preparation or preservation.
1604 - Prepared or preserved fish
1604 is for fish products, 160540 is for crustacean products; the raw materials are different.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the raw material crustaceans and not crab, not shrimp, not lobster?
✓ Does the processing method exceed simple treatments such as freezing or salting?
✓ Has it undergone deep processing such as cooking, seasoning, or canning?
✓ Does it retain the essential character of crustaceans and has not become a product of another chapter?
✓ Is it clearly distinguished from subheadings 160510, 160520, and 160530?
❓ FAQ
How do I check the import tariff rate for 160540? You can check through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China.' Enter HS code 160540, select the corresponding country of origin, trade mode, etc., and the system will display the MFN rate, interim rate, agreement rate, etc. Note that tariff rates are subject to policy adjustments; it is recommended to use the latest version. Should crayfish products be classified under 160540 or 160520? Crayfish (such as Procambarus clarkii) are crustaceans but are not shrimp (shrimp usually refers to prawns, small shrimp, etc.). According to HS classification, crab, shrimp, and lobster have separate subheadings, and other crustaceans are classified under 160540. Therefore, crayfish products should be classified under 160540. How should canned mantis shrimp be declared? Mantis shrimp (squilla) are crustaceans, not crab, not shrimp, not lobster, and their canned products should be classified under 160540. When declaring, specify the product name, method of preparation (canned), ingredient content, etc., and ensure they are not confused with shrimp products. What is the main difference between 160540 and 0306? 0306 is crustaceans that have undergone simple processing such as fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, etc., not subjected to deep processing such as cooking or seasoning; 160540 is crustacean products that have been prepared or preserved, such as cooked, canned, seasoned, etc. The depth of processing is the key to distinction. If a crustacean product is a mixture of multiple crustaceans, how should it be classified? According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, if no single crustacean in the mixed product constitutes the essential character, it is generally classified according to the species with the highest content. If it cannot be distinguished, it may be classified under 160540. It is recommended to provide detailed ingredient proportions when declaring. For cross-border e-commerce sales of crustacean snacks, which HS code should be used? If the snack is a crustacean product that has undergone deep processing such as seasoning, cooking, canning, etc., and the raw material is not crab, not shrimp, not lobster, it is classified under 160540. If it is a shrimp snack, it is classified under 160520. It must be determined based on the actual raw materials and processing method. What is the export tax rebate rate for 160540? The export tax rebate rate is jointly issued by the State Taxation Administration and the General Administration of Customs and is subject to policy adjustments. You can obtain the latest rebate rate through the 'China Export Tax Rebate Consulting Network' or by consulting the local tax authorities. Usually, you need to provide the HS code, commodity name, etc., for inquiry. What special documents are required when declaring 160540? Generally, basic documents such as contract, invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are required. If it is food, a certificate of origin, health certificate, production date certificate, etc., are also required. The specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to confirm with the customs broker or customs in advance.
Q: How do I check the import tariff rate for 160540?
A: You can check through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China.' Enter HS code 160540, select the corresponding country of origin, trade mode, etc., and the system will display the MFN rate, interim rate, agreement rate, etc. Note that tariff rates are subject to policy adjustments; it is recommended to use the latest version.
Q: Should crayfish products be classified under 160540 or 160520?
A: Crayfish (such as Procambarus clarkii) are crustaceans but are not shrimp (shrimp usually refers to prawns, small shrimp, etc.). According to HS classification, crab, shrimp, and lobster have separate subheadings, and other crustaceans are classified under 160540. Therefore, crayfish products should be classified under 160540.
Q: How should canned mantis shrimp be declared?
A: Mantis shrimp (squilla) are crustaceans, not crab, not shrimp, not lobster, and their canned products should be classified under 160540. When declaring, specify the product name, method of preparation (canned), ingredient content, etc., and ensure they are not confused with shrimp products.
Q: What is the main difference between 160540 and 0306?
A: 0306 is crustaceans that have undergone simple processing such as fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, etc., not subjected to deep processing such as cooking or seasoning; 160540 is crustacean products that have been prepared or preserved, such as cooked, canned, seasoned, etc. The depth of processing is the key to distinction.
Q: If a crustacean product is a mixture of multiple crustaceans, how should it be classified?
A: According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, if no single crustacean in the mixed product constitutes the essential character, it is generally classified according to the species with the highest content. If it cannot be distinguished, it may be classified under 160540. It is recommended to provide detailed ingredient proportions when declaring.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of crustacean snacks, which HS code should be used?
A: If the snack is a crustacean product that has undergone deep processing such as seasoning, cooking, canning, etc., and the raw material is not crab, not shrimp, not lobster, it is classified under 160540. If it is a shrimp snack, it is classified under 160520. It must be determined based on the actual raw materials and processing method.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 160540?
A: The export tax rebate rate is jointly issued by the State Taxation Administration and the General Administration of Customs and is subject to policy adjustments. You can obtain the latest rebate rate through the 'China Export Tax Rebate Consulting Network' or by consulting the local tax authorities. Usually, you need to provide the HS code, commodity name, etc., for inquiry.
Q: What special documents are required when declaring 160540?
A: Generally, basic documents such as contract, invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are required. If it is food, a certificate of origin, health certificate, production date certificate, etc., are also required. The specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to confirm with the customs broker or customs in advance.
⚠️ 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.