HS Code 03.07 – Molluscs; whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked molluscs, whether in shell or not, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process

HS code 0307 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Molluscs; whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked molluscs, whether in shell or not, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process. Heading 0307 encompasses a diverse range of molluscs, covering them in virtually all raw or simply preserved states for human consumption. This includes molluscs 'whether in shell or not,' and in forms such as live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Additionally, smoked molluscs are covered, regardless of whether they were cooked before or during the smoking process. This broad classification is vital for international trade, distinguishing these products from more extensively prepared or processed molluscs found in Chapter 16 (e.g., canned oysters, breaded squid rings). The scope includes popular seafood like oysters, mussels, scallops, squid, octopus, and cuttlefish. Key sub-categories are defined by the species and the method of preservation. This classification is crucial for trade compliance, as it dictates specific tariff rates, import quotas, and stringent sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations, especially for bivalve molluscs which can carry significant health risks if not properly handled. Molluscs represent a substantial and growing segment of the global seafood market, with significant aquaculture and wild-capture components. As part of Chapter 3, this heading aligns with the chapter's focus on aquatic products in their raw or simply processed forms, providing a clear framework for these valuable marine and freshwater resources.

Live oysters, fresh mussels, frozen scallops (roe on/off), chilled squid tubes, dried abalone, salted clams, brined cockles, smoked oysters, cooked frozen octopus, fresh cuttlefish, frozen surf clams, live snails (edible), dried sea snails, smoked mussels, frozen squid rings (unprepared), fresh razor clams, live geoduck, frozen conch meat, dried scallops, smoked squid, fresh whelks, live clams, chilled squid, frozen mussels, dried octopus.

Common misclassifications for molluscs under HS 0307 primarily involve confusing them with more processed forms. Traders often mistakenly classify products under 1605, which covers 'prepared or preserved molluscs' (e.g., canned oysters, squid rings in batter, marinated octopus). The key distinction is that 0307 covers raw, simply preserved, or simply cooked molluscs, while 1605 involves further culinary preparation. Another frequent error is classifying inedible mollusc waste or by-products as 0307 instead of 0511. Live edible snails, although molluscs, might occasionally be confused with land animals of 0106 if not clearly defined as aquatic for consumption.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0307 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.4B, 14% of world exports), Spain ($1.4B) and Peru (about $1.2B). World exports came to about $16.7B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 0307 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($2.8B, 17% of world imports), China ($2.2B) and Italy ($1.8B). World imports came to about $16.7B, 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.

HS code 0307 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 03 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.