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HS 16 Chapter · Prepared Foodstuffs, Beverages & Tobacco

Meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, or insects; preparations thereof

Chapter 16 of the Harmonised System covers Meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, or insects; preparations thereof — 5 four-digit headings that customs authorities worldwide use to classify these goods and set duty.

India exports 2024
$731.9M

Source: UN Comtrade — India's reported merchandise exports to the world, 2024.

Sourcing this category from India

Chapter 16 covers preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs and insects. India's value-added marine sector exports breaded, cooked and canned shrimp and fish preparations, adding margin over raw frozen product. Classification separates the goods by the animal of origin and by the form of preparation — prepared, preserved, in airtight containers, and so on.

How to read this code

16 is the two-digit HS chapter for meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic. To clear customs your destination country extends it to a full 8–10 digit code and assigns the duty rate. India's preferential trade agreements (UAE CEPA, Australia ECTA, and others) can reduce or zero out that duty on many prepared foodstuffs, beverages & tobacco lines — check our import guides for your market.

Top destinations for Chapter 16 exports

India's largest buyers of goods in this HS chapter in 2024, ranked by export value.

#1 USA $596.8M
#2 Canada $46.3M
#3 Belgium $12.6M
#4 Japan $11.5M
#5 France $6.9M

Chapter-level destination mix — your specific HS line may skew differently. Source: UN Comtrade, 2024.

Working out import duty for HS 16 into your market? See full duty context and India-vs-rivals comparisons in our India comparison guides and export resource hub.

Indian exporters in this category

Established export houses with relevant HS focus. Listings are compiled from public records — run your own due diligence.

Browse the full exporter directory →
Last updated 28 Jun 2026 Figures are indicative sourcing benchmarks compiled from exporter quotes, India trade-scheme notifications and public customs tariffs. Confirm live pricing and HS classification before contracting.
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