HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0307.12 – Molluscs; oysters, whether in shell or not, frozen
HS code 0307.12 is the 6-digit subheading for molluscs, oysters, whether in shell or not, frozen. It is used for frozen whole oysters (in shell), frozen half-shell oysters, frozen shucked oysters, frozen oyster meat and frozen oyster stew base.
What HS 0307.12 covers
This HS code pertains to frozen oysters, whether in the shell or shucked. The freezing process allows for extended shelf life and wider distribution, making oysters accessible year-round and to markets far from coastal regions. This product is crucial for both the foodservice industry, including restaurants and caterers, and the retail sector, offering convenience to consumers. The trade involves various oyster species, both wild-harvested and aquaculture-farmed. Importers include seafood distributors, restaurant chains, and supermarkets. Exporters are typically countries with significant oyster farming operations or coastal fisheries. Key aspects of this trade include maintaining strict cold chain management, ensuring food safety and quality, and addressing consumer preferences for different oyster varieties and forms (e.g., whole, half-shell, shucked meat).
- Covers
- Frozen whole oysters (in shell)
- Frozen half-shell oysters
- Frozen shucked oysters
- Frozen oyster meat
- Frozen oyster stew base
- Individually quick frozen (IQF) oysters
- Examples
- Pacific Seafood (frozen oysters)
- Taylor Shellfish Farms (frozen products)
- various Asian seafood suppliers
- wholesale seafood distributors
Codes often confused with 0307.12
Common mistake. Can be confused with fresh or chilled oysters (0307.11) or other frozen molluscs (e.g., frozen scallops 0307.22). The 'frozen' and 'oysters' are the key identifiers.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 030712, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030712 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 27% 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 South Korea $46M 51% of world exports
- 2 Japan $26M 29% of world exports
- 3 China $6.6M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $90M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $25M 27% of world imports
- 2 United States $15M 16% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $12M 13% of world imports
World total: $94M 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 0307.12
Brazil does not split HS 0307.12: its NCM code is 0307.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.07 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0307.12
What is HS code 030712?
HS code 030712 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Molluscs; oysters, whether in shell or not, frozen. This HS code pertains to frozen oysters, whether in the shell or shucked. The freezing process allows for extended shelf life and wider distribution, making oysters accessible year-round and to markets far from coastal regions. This product is crucial for both the foodservice industry, including restaurants and caterers, and the retail sector, offering convenience to consumers. The trade involves various oyster species, both wild-harvested and aquaculture-farmed. Importers include seafood distributors, restaurant chains, and supermarkets. Exporters are typically countries with significant oyster farming operations or coastal fisheries. Key aspects of this trade include maintaining strict cold chain management, ensuring food safety and quality, and addressing consumer preferences for different oyster varieties and forms (e.g., whole, half-shell, shucked meat).
What products fall under HS code 030712?
Frozen whole oysters (in shell), frozen half-shell oysters, frozen shucked oysters, frozen oyster meat, frozen oyster stew base, individually quick frozen (IQF) oysters
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030712?
Can be confused with fresh or chilled oysters (0307.11) or other frozen molluscs (e.g., frozen scallops 0307.22). The 'frozen' and 'oysters' are the key identifiers.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030712?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030712 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($46M, 51% of world exports), Japan ($26M) and China ($6.6M). World exports came to about $90M, 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 030712?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030712 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($25M, 27% of world imports), the United States ($15M) and Hong Kong ($12M). World imports came to about $94M, 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 030712 structured?
HS code 030712 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (07) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030712?
In Brazil, HS code 030712 is NCM 0307.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.