HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 0306.15 – Crustaceans; frozen, Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus), in shell or not, smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking; in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water

HS code 0306.15 is the 6-digit subheading for crustaceans, frozen, Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus), in shell or not, smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking, in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water. It is used for frozen whole Norway lobster, frozen Norway lobster tails, frozen smoked langoustine, frozen cooked scampi and frozen shelled Norway lobster meat.

What HS 0306.15 covers

This HS code specifically covers Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus) that have been frozen and undergone further processing, such as being smoked or cooked by steaming or boiling, whether in shell or not. These crustaceans, often known as langoustines or scampi, are highly valued in European markets for their delicate flavor. International trade in these products is significant, with seafood distributors and high-end restaurants being primary importers. Exporters are typically countries with strong fishing industries in the North Atlantic, like Norway, Iceland, and the UK, which have the infrastructure for processing and freezing. Key considerations in this trade include maintaining product quality through the freezing process, ensuring traceability from catch to consumer, and adhering to sustainable fishing practices to protect stocks. The convenience of pre-cooked or smoked options drives demand in retail and foodservice sectors.

Covers
  • Frozen whole Norway lobster
  • Frozen Norway lobster tails
  • Frozen smoked langoustine
  • Frozen cooked scampi
  • Frozen shelled Norway lobster meat
  • Frozen steamed Nephrops norvegicus
Examples
  • Young's Seafood (UK)
  • Pescanova (Spain)
  • Icelandic Seafarms
  • M&J Seafood
  • Ocean Beauty Seafoods

Codes often confused with 0306.15

Common mistake. This code can be confused with 030634 (live, fresh, or chilled Norway lobsters) if the product's state is not clearly frozen, or with 030619 (other frozen crustaceans, n.e.c.) if the species is not specifically Norway lobster or the processing method differs.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 030615, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030615 in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 36% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United Kingdom $100M
  2. 2 Ireland $77M
  3. 3 France $67M

World total: $395M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $136M
  2. 2 France $90M
  3. 3 Spain $48M

World total: $375M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for 0306.15

Brazil does not split HS 0306.15: its NCM code is 0306.15.00.

  1. 0306.15.00 Frozen Norway lobstersLagosta norueguesa (Lagostim*) (Nephrops norvegicus)

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.06 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 0306.15

What is HS code 030615?

HS code 030615 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Crustaceans; frozen, Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus), in shell or not, smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking; in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water. This HS code specifically covers Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus) that have been frozen and undergone further processing, such as being smoked or cooked by steaming or boiling, whether in shell or not. These crustaceans, often known as langoustines or scampi, are highly valued in European markets for their delicate flavor. International trade in these products is significant, with seafood distributors and high-end restaurants being primary importers. Exporters are typically countries with strong fishing industries in the North Atlantic, like Norway, Iceland, and the UK, which have the infrastructure for processing and freezing. Key considerations in this trade include maintaining product quality through the freezing process, ensuring traceability from catch to consumer, and adhering to sustainable fishing practices to protect stocks. The convenience of pre-cooked or smoked options drives demand in retail and foodservice sectors.

What products fall under HS code 030615?

Frozen whole Norway lobster, frozen Norway lobster tails, frozen smoked langoustine, frozen cooked scampi, frozen shelled Norway lobster meat, frozen steamed Nephrops norvegicus

What are common misclassifications for HS code 030615?

This code can be confused with 030634 (live, fresh, or chilled Norway lobsters) if the product's state is not clearly frozen, or with 030619 (other frozen crustaceans, n.e.c.) if the species is not specifically Norway lobster or the processing method differs.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030615?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030615 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($100M, 25% of world exports), Ireland ($77M) and France ($67M). World exports came to about $395M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 030615?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030615 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($136M, 36% of world imports), France ($90M) and Spain ($48M). World imports came to about $375M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

How is HS code 030615 structured?

HS code 030615 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (15) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030615?

In Brazil, HS code 030615 is NCM 0306.15.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.