Chapter 16 HS Codes: Chapter 16 Commodities
CHAPTER DEFINITION & SCOPE
HS Chapter 16 of the WCO Harmonized System covers chapter 16 commodities. It groups 5 4-digit WCO headings and 42 6-digit subheadings under the official 2026 customs nomenclature [USITC HTS 2026].
Chapter
Ch 16
Headings
5 Headings
Subheadings
42 HS6
US Tariff Status
Active 2026
Chapter 16 4-Digit Headings Directory
| Heading | WCO Heading Description | Subheading Count | Directory Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heading 1601 | Sausages and similar products, of meat, meat offal, blood or insects; food preparations based on these products | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 1601 → |
| Heading 1602 | Other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects | 10 subheadings | Browse Heading 1602 → |
| Heading 1603 | Extracts and juices of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 1603 → |
| Heading 1604 | Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs | 12 subheadings | Browse Heading 1604 → |
| Heading 1605 | Crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved | 18 subheadings | Browse Heading 1605 → |
Chapter 16 Subheading Sample & MFN Duty Rates
| HS Code | Subheading Description | Heading | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1601.00 | Sausages and similar products, of meat, meat offal, blood or insects; food preparations based on these products | 1601 | View 1601.00 → |
| 1602.10 | Other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects, Homogenized preparations | 1602 | View 1602.10 → |
| 1602.20 | Other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects, Of liver of any animal | 1602 | View 1602.20 → |
| 1602.31 | Other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects, Of poultry of heading 0105, Of turkeys | 1602 | View 1602.31 → |
| 1602.32 | Other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects, Of poultry of heading 0105, Of chickens | 1602 | View 1602.32 → |
| 1602.39 | Of poultry of heading 0105, Other | 1602 | View 1602.39 → |
| 1602.41 | Other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects, Of swine, Hams and cuts thereof | 1602 | View 1602.41 → |
| 1602.42 | Other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects, Of swine, Shoulders and cuts thereof | 1602 | View 1602.42 → |
| 1602.49 | Of swine, Other, including mixtures | 1602 | View 1602.49 → |
| 1602.50 | Other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects, Of bovine animals | 1602 | View 1602.50 → |
| 1602.90 | Other, including preparations of blood of any animal | 1602 | View 1602.90 → |
| 1603.00 | Extracts and juices of meat, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates | 1603 | View 1603.00 → |
| 1604.11 | Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, Salmon | 1604 | View 1604.11 → |
| 1604.12 | Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, Herrings | 1604 | View 1604.12 → |
| 1604.13 | Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, Sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats | 1604 | View 1604.13 → |
EXPERT CLASSIFICATION PRO TIPS
Common Pitfalls When Classifying Chapter 16 Goods
- Always review WCO Section and Chapter Legal Notes before assigning 4-digit headings.
- Distinguish carefully between unprocessed raw materials and further prepared or processed articles.
- Verify Partner Government Agency (PGA) flags for agriculture, food, or chemical items.
- Cross-reference official CBP CROSS rulings for binding precedents on mixed or composite goods.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Chapter 16 Tariff ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
Customs Rulings Online Search System for Chapter 16 binding classification precedents.
WCO HS Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization international 6-digit Harmonized System backbone standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau trade statistics and Schedule B concordance portal.
Chapter 16 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commodities are covered under HS Chapter 16?
Chapter 16 (Chapter 16 Commodities) covers WCO Harmonized System 4-digit headings from 1601 upward, encompassing primary goods, raw materials, and manufactured articles within this nomenclature section.
How many 4-digit headings exist in HS Chapter 16?
Chapter 16 contains 5 official 4-digit WCO headings and 42 6-digit tariff subheadings.
What is the US general import duty range for Chapter 16 commodities?
Base customs duties under Chapter 16 range from 0.0% (Duty-Free) up to representative MFN rate limits depending on 10-digit HTS statistical suffix extensions.
Do Section 301 China tariffs apply to Chapter 16 imports?
Section 301 tariffs depend on specific 8-digit HTS subheadings. Importers must verify if their exact HTS code appears on USTR Lists 1 through 4A.
Are Partner Government Agency (PGA) permits required for Chapter 16?
PGA message-set flags (such as FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA, or CITES) apply conditionally depending on the commodity classification within Chapter 16.
How are products classified between adjacent headings in Chapter 16?
Classification follows WCO General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 through 6, prioritizing specific heading terms over general descriptions.
Can Chapter 16 goods enter duty-free under USMCA or Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in USMCA member states (US, Mexico, Canada) or FTA partners enter duty-free under SPI code P, KR, AU, or CL with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Chapter 16 shipments?
Eligible commercial shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day may enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal entry of Chapter 16 goods?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, and entry summary CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer obtain a binding CBP ruling for Chapter 16?
Importers may submit an e-Ruling application under 19 CFR Part 177 to CBP National Commodity Specialist Division.