Shrimp & Prawns, Prepared or Preserved in Airtight Containers

The HS system separates these formats because airtight (hermetically sealed) containers produce a shelf-stable product with different commercial uses, labeling requirements, and sometimes different duty rates than frozen or refrigerated non-airtight packs. The distinction also affects FDA labeling and low-acid canned food regulations that may apply to retort-processed shrimp.

India leads, followed by Vietnam and Thailand. Indonesia and Denmark are also notable suppliers under this heading. Denmark's presence reflects re-export or further processing of shrimp sourced from other regions.

FDA regulates these products under both the Seafood HACCP regulation and, for thermally processed low-acid foods in hermetically sealed containers, the Low Acid Canned Food (LACF) regulations. Foreign processors must register their processes with FDA. Admissibility and classification are complex — consult a licensed customs broker or FDA before importing.