HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0306.32 – Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, lobsters (Homarus spp.), whether in shell or not
HS code 0306.32 is the 6-digit subheading for crustaceans, live, fresh or chilled, lobsters (Homarus spp.), whether in shell or not. It is used for live American lobster, fresh European lobster, chilled Canadian lobster, live Maine lobster and fresh Nova Scotia lobster.
What HS 0306.32 covers
This HS code is dedicated to live, fresh, or chilled true lobsters of the Homarus genus, primarily referring to American (Homarus americanus) and European (Homarus gammarus) lobsters. These are iconic luxury seafood products, highly valued for their delicate flavor and texture, especially when traded live. The international trade in these lobsters is a significant industry, with sophisticated logistics required to transport them alive to markets worldwide, often involving specialized tanks and air freight. Key importers are countries with strong culinary traditions and high disposable incomes, such as the United States, Canada, and various European and Asian nations. Exporters are predominantly countries with robust lobster fisheries, notably Canada and the United States. Sustainability, quota management, and animal welfare during transport are critical considerations in this high-value, perishable trade.
- Covers
- Live American lobster
- Fresh European lobster
- Chilled Canadian lobster
- Live Maine lobster
- Fresh Nova Scotia lobster
- Live blue lobster
- Examples
- Clearwater Seafoods
- Luke's Lobster
- Lobster Place
- Boston Lobster Company
- Fisherman's Wharf
Codes often confused with 0306.32
Common mistake. Often confused with 030631 (live, fresh, or chilled rock lobsters/sea crawfish) due to general "lobster" terminology, but Homarus species are distinct. Also, 030612 covers frozen Homarus lobsters.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 030632, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030632 in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% 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 Canada $799M 52% of world exports
- 2 United States $550M 36% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $67M 4.3% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $550M 32% of world imports
- 2 United States $420M 25% of world imports
- 3 Canada $238M 14% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 0306.32
Brazil does not split HS 0306.32: its NCM code is 0306.32.00.
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 0306.32
What is HS code 030632?
HS code 030632 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, lobsters (Homarus spp.), whether in shell or not. This HS code is dedicated to live, fresh, or chilled true lobsters of the Homarus genus, primarily referring to American (Homarus americanus) and European (Homarus gammarus) lobsters. These are iconic luxury seafood products, highly valued for their delicate flavor and texture, especially when traded live. The international trade in these lobsters is a significant industry, with sophisticated logistics required to transport them alive to markets worldwide, often involving specialized tanks and air freight. Key importers are countries with strong culinary traditions and high disposable incomes, such as the United States, Canada, and various European and Asian nations. Exporters are predominantly countries with robust lobster fisheries, notably Canada and the United States. Sustainability, quota management, and animal welfare during transport are critical considerations in this high-value, perishable trade.
What products fall under HS code 030632?
Live American lobster, fresh European lobster, chilled Canadian lobster, live Maine lobster, fresh Nova Scotia lobster, live blue lobster
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030632?
Often confused with 030631 (live, fresh, or chilled rock lobsters/sea crawfish) due to general "lobster" terminology, but Homarus species are distinct. Also, 030612 covers frozen Homarus lobsters.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030632?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030632 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($799M, 52% of world exports), the United States ($550M) and the United Kingdom ($67M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 030632?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030632 in UN Comtrade data were China ($550M, 32% of world imports), the United States ($420M) and Canada ($238M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 030632 structured?
HS code 030632 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 (32) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030632?
In Brazil, HS code 030632 is NCM 0306.32.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.