Shrimp Paste

A dense, fermented paste made from ground shrimp, salt, and spices, commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine for flavoring dishes. It falls under HTS 1604.20.10.00 as a prepared or preserved fish paste derived from crustaceans. This classification applies to shrimp-based pastes processed into a spreadable form.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+35.0%35%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

1605.21Lower: 10% vs 35%

If not processed into a uniform paste but as dried or powdered shrimp

Dried crustaceans in non-paste form fall under heading 1605 for preserved crustaceans excluding pastes.

2103.90.90Lower: 23.9% vs 35%

If heavily mixed with vegetables, spices, or other non-fish ingredients exceeding fish content

Mixtures where fish is not the predominant ingredient shift to Chapter 21 as sauces or condiments.

0306.17.00Same rate: 35%

If sold frozen or uncooked as raw shrimp paste base

Unprepared or frozen crustaceans are classified under Chapter 3 live, fresh, or frozen forms.

Not sure which classification is right?

Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.

Import Tips & Compliance

Verify compliance with section 609 of Public Law 101-162 regarding shrimp imports, including documentation on sea turtle protection measures

Provide detailed ingredient lists and processing methods to confirm classification as a paste rather than whole preserved shrimp

Label products accurately with species name (e.g

'Penaeus vannamei') to match Chapter 3 references and avoid reclassification