HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0307.81 – Molluscs; abalone (Haliotis spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled
HS code 0307.81 is the 6-digit subheading for molluscs, abalone (Haliotis spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. It is used for live greenlip abalone, fresh red abalone, chilled blacklip abalone, live farmed abalone and fresh wild-caught abalone.
What HS 0307.81 covers
This HS code specifically covers live, fresh, or chilled abalone, a highly prized delicacy in many cultures, particularly in East Asia. The international trade in these forms demands extremely careful handling, rapid transportation, and strict temperature control to maintain the abalone's premium quality and ensure its viability upon arrival. Major importers are typically high-end restaurants, luxury seafood markets, and affluent consumers in countries like China, Japan, and Hong Kong. Exporters are often nations with well-developed abalone aquaculture industries or strictly managed wild fisheries, such as Australia, South Africa, and Mexico. Key considerations include adherence to CITES regulations for certain species, obtaining health certifications, and utilizing specialized packaging to keep the abalone alive and fresh during transit.
- Covers
- Live greenlip abalone
- Fresh red abalone
- Chilled blacklip abalone
- Live farmed abalone
- Fresh wild-caught abalone
- Chilled abalone meat
- Examples
- Haliotis rufescens (Red Abalone)
- Haliotis laevigata (Greenlip Abalone)
- Haliotis midae (South African Abalone)
- California Abalone
Codes often confused with 0307.81
Common mistake. This code is for live, fresh, or chilled abalone and should not be confused with 030783 (frozen abalone) or 030799 if the abalone is canned or otherwise prepared.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 030781, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030781 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 31% 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 $50M 37% of world exports
- 2 China $28M 20% of world exports
- 3 Australia $25M 19% of world exports
World total: $135M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $38M 31% of world imports
- 2 China $37M 30% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $17M 14% of world imports
World total: $123M 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 0307.81
Brazil does not split HS 0307.81: its NCM code is 0307.81.00.
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 0307.81
What is HS code 030781?
HS code 030781 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Molluscs; abalone (Haliotis spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. This HS code specifically covers live, fresh, or chilled abalone, a highly prized delicacy in many cultures, particularly in East Asia. The international trade in these forms demands extremely careful handling, rapid transportation, and strict temperature control to maintain the abalone's premium quality and ensure its viability upon arrival. Major importers are typically high-end restaurants, luxury seafood markets, and affluent consumers in countries like China, Japan, and Hong Kong. Exporters are often nations with well-developed abalone aquaculture industries or strictly managed wild fisheries, such as Australia, South Africa, and Mexico. Key considerations include adherence to CITES regulations for certain species, obtaining health certifications, and utilizing specialized packaging to keep the abalone alive and fresh during transit.
What products fall under HS code 030781?
Live greenlip abalone, fresh red abalone, chilled blacklip abalone, live farmed abalone, fresh wild-caught abalone, chilled abalone meat
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030781?
This code is for live, fresh, or chilled abalone and should not be confused with 030783 (frozen abalone) or 030799 if the abalone is canned or otherwise prepared.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030781?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030781 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($50M, 37% of world exports), China ($28M) and Australia ($25M). World exports came to about $135M, 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 030781?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030781 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($38M, 31% of world imports), China ($37M) and Hong Kong ($17M). World imports came to about $123M, 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 030781 structured?
HS code 030781 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 (81) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030781?
In Brazil, HS code 030781 is NCM 0307.81.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.