HomeChapter 16Heading 16051605.53

HS Code 1605.53 : Molluscs, Mussels

Landed Cost Calculator →
MODULE 2: EXTRACTABLE ANSWER (AEO / SPEAKABLE)
EN (Official WCO) FR (Pending) ES (Pending)

The 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for molluscs, mussels is 1605.53. Under the 2026 India (CBIC), the representative MFN general duty rate is 30.00% [CBIC / Customs Tariff 2026].

Chapter
Heading
Subheading
1605.53
IN MFN Duty
30.00%
MODULE 3: SIGNATURE A: HS DECODE VISUAL HIERARCHY
Chapter 16
Crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved
Heading 1605
Crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved
Subheading .53
.53
Molluscs, Mussels
MODULE 4: SIGNATURE B: TARIFF MATRIX

Import Duty Rates by Destination

US UK EU Canada Mexico Germany India Japan China AU (soon) IN (soon) JP (soon) BR (soon) GCC (soon)
8-DIGIT INDIA ITC-HS CODE
1605.53.00
CBIC ITC-HS Tariff Schedule
BASIC CUSTOMS DUTY (BCD)
30.00%
Verified July 2026 · CBIC Tariff Source
Social Welfare Surcharge
10.00% of BCD
SWS Surcharge [CBIC]
Integrated GST (IGST)
18.00%
(AV + BCD + SWS) Base
Landed Duty Rate
56.94%
Worked Compound Stack
Advance Ruling System
CAAR Rulings
CBIC Customs Authority
TRACK THIS HS CODE

Get Real-Time Tariff & Trade Remedy Change Alerts for HS 1605.53

Receive an automated email notification whenever CBIC or the DGTR publishes duty rate adjustments or customs notices for 1605.53.

MODULE 6: Mandatory Customs Entry Document Matrix

Rule-Derived Customs Entry Package Checklist
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT

Commercial Invoice

Itemized description, currency, Incoterms, seller/buyer details, and country of origin.

UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT

Packing List & Bill of Lading

Gross/net weight, container/seal numbers, piece count, and transport B/L or Air Waybill.

PREFERENTIAL RULE

Certificate of Origin (If Claiming FTA)

Required only when claiming zero-duty preference under USMCA, KORUS, or GSP.

MODULE 7: Regulatory Compliance & Partner Government Agency (PGA) Flags

Standard Entry This commodity does not carry mandatory PGA pre-clearance flags under the ACE message set.

MODULE 8: Indian Trade Remedies (DGTR AD/CVD) & Safeguards

DGTR Anti-Dumping / CVD Measures
Subject to Item Notice
Directorate General of Trade Remedies [DGTR]

MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)

Imports of Molluscs, Mussels into India require ICEGATE Bill of Entry declaration. Importers must hold an active IEC code, GSTIN, and comply with DGFT import policy and CAROTAR 2020 rules of origin.
Agreement Code Trade Agreement / Program Preferential Rate Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement

MODULE 10: Logistics, Freight & Transport Specifications

Standard 20ft Container
~28 CBM / 28,000 kg Payload
Standard 40ft High-Cube
~68 CBM / 28,600 kg Payload
Stowage Factor & Handling
Standard commercial packaging for Molluscs, Mussels

MODULE 11: Customs Authority for Advance Rulings (CAAR / CBIC)

Legally binding tariff classification decisions issued by CAAR / CBIC under Section 28H of the Customs Act, 1962 for HS 1605.53.

Query the official CAAR Advance Ruling portal criteria:

Search Official CBIC Portal for 1605.53 →

India ITC-HS 8-Digit Commodity Lines (1605.53)

Commodity Code Description Duty Rate Unit
Molluscs, Mussels 30.00%

MODULE 12: Candidate Subheadings & Related Codes

Related HS Code Heading Category Action
1605.10 Subheading under Heading 1605 Compare Subheading 1605.10 →
1605.21 Subheading under Heading 1605 Compare Subheading 1605.21 →
1605.29 Subheading under Heading 1605 Compare Subheading 1605.29 →
1605.30 Subheading under Heading 1605 Compare Subheading 1605.30 →
1605.40 Subheading under Heading 1605 Compare Subheading 1605.40 →
1605.51 Subheading under Heading 1605 Compare Subheading 1605.51 →
1605.52 Subheading under Heading 1605 Compare Subheading 1605.52 →
1605.54 Subheading under Heading 1605 Compare Subheading 1605.54 →

Official Primary Sources & Authority References

CBIC Customs Tariff Schedule (ITC-HS 2026) ↗

Official Indian 8-digit ITC-HS tariff items, Basic Customs Duty (BCD), SWS, and IGST.

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) ↗

Indian Ministry of Finance customs administration and Customs Tariff Act 1975.

MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide

What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and India (CBIC) general duty for Molluscs, Mussels?
Under WCO Harmonized System 2022 and India (CBIC), Molluscs, Mussels is classified under HS 1605.53 (Heading 1605, Chapter 16). The representative IN MFN general duty rate is 30.00%.
How is HS 1605.53 distinguished within Heading 1605 (Crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved)?
Heading 1605 covers Crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved. Subheading 1605.53 specifically isolates Molluscs, Mussels. Importers must verify whether physical characteristics, processing state, or composition require alternative subheadings under Heading 1605.
What are the primary candidate subheadings related to HS 1605.53?
Related subheadings under Heading 1605 include 1605.10, 1605.21, 1605.29, 1605.30, 1605.40, 1605.51, 1605.52, 1605.54. Classification depends on processing stage, decaffeination, purity, or material form.
What mandatory commercial entry documents are required to import Molluscs, Mussels into India?
Importers require a Bill of Entry (BE) lodged on the ICEGATE portal by a Customs Broker (CHA), active Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT, GSTIN registration, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading.
Can goods under HS 1605.53 enter duty-free under FTAs into India?
Yes. Goods originating in ASEAN countries (AIFTA), Japan (IJCEPA), South Korea (IKCEPA), UAE (India-UAE CEPA), or Australia (ECTA) enter India under preferential BCD rates subject to CAROTAR 2020.
What is the Indian customs duty de minimis threshold for Molluscs, Mussels?
Under Courier Imports and Exports (Clearance) Regulations, imported goods valued up to ₹10,000 INR enter India duty-free, while commercial shipments above ₹10,000 require formal ICEGATE entry.
How can an importer obtain a CAAR Advance Ruling for HS 1605.53 in India?
Importers or foreign exporters may apply to the Customs Authority for Advance Rulings (CAAR) under Section 28H of the Customs Act, 1962 for a legally binding classification ruling.
What FSSAI or PQMS import clearances apply to food/agricultural goods under HS 1605.53 in India?
Imports of food or agricultural products under Chapter 16 into India require FSSAI import clearance and Plant Quarantine Information System (PQMS) phytosanitary NOC before customs release.
How is the compound landed duty (BCD + SWS + IGST) calculated for HS 1605.53 in India?
India applies a compound stack: Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on assessable value, Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) at 10% of BCD, and Integrated GST (IGST) on (assessable value + BCD + SWS). Some goods add AIDC or compensation cess.
What IGST rate applies to imports of HS 1605.53 into India?
Integrated GST (IGST) is levied at 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28% depending on the goods, assessed on the assessable value plus BCD plus SWS. There is no US-style MPF/HMF.
What is the Import Export Code (IEC) and GSTIN requirement for India?
Commercial importers require a 10-digit Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT and a GSTIN registration; entry is lodged as a Bill of Entry on ICEGATE via a Customs Broker (CHA).
How do CAROTAR 2020 rules of origin apply to preferential imports under HS 1605.53?
Importers claiming FTA preferential BCD rates must satisfy CAROTAR 2020 origin verification, holding a valid Certificate of Origin and supporting production records.
What DGTR trade remedy (anti-dumping / safeguard) measures apply to HS 1605.53?
Importers must verify whether anti-dumping, countervailing, or safeguard duties recommended by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) apply to their origin.
Are BIS or FSSAI standards clearances required for HS 1605.53 in India?
Regulated goods may require BIS (ISI) certification, FSSAI clearance for food, or other line-ministry NOCs prior to customs release.
💬 Ask Jack — Customs Lookup
💬 Ask Jack — Customs Lookup