HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0308.19 – Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process
HS code 0308.19 is the 6-digit subheading for aquatic invertebrates, sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process. It is used for dried sea cucumber (beche-de-mer), salted sea cucumber, sea cucumber in brine, smoked sea cucumber and rehydrated dried sea cucumber.
What HS 0308.19 covers
This code covers sea cucumbers, including Stichopus japonicus and other Holothuroidea, that have undergone traditional preservation methods such as drying, salting, brining, or smoking. These processes are particularly significant for sea cucumbers, as dried sea cucumber, often called 'beche-de-mer,' is a highly valued and shelf-stable commodity, especially in East Asian markets. The preservation methods concentrate flavors and nutrients, making them a sought-after ingredient in gourmet cuisine and traditional medicine, often commanding high prices. Trade in these preserved forms is extensive, involving complex supply chains from harvesting regions to processing centers and then to consumer markets. The long shelf life of dried sea cucumbers makes them ideal for international trade, reducing spoilage risks. Importers are predominantly China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, while Indonesia, the Philippines, and various Pacific Island nations are major exporters, leveraging their abundant marine resources.
- Covers
- Dried sea cucumber (beche-de-mer)
- Salted sea cucumber
- Sea cucumber in brine
- Smoked sea cucumber
- Rehydrated dried sea cucumber
- Seasoned dried sea cucumber
- Processed beche-de-mer.
- Examples
- Dried Japanese Sea Cucumber
- Australian Beche-de-Mer
- Salted Caribbean Sea Cucumber
- Smoked Pacific Sea Cucumber.
Codes often confused with 0308.19
Common mistake. This code is for dried, salted, brined, or smoked sea cucumbers; misclassification can occur with 030811 (live, fresh, chilled) or 030812 (frozen) if the preservation state is not clearly defined. Prepared sea cucumber dishes (e.g., in sauces) would fall under Chapter 16.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 030819, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030819 in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 60% 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 Hong Kong $46M 31% of world exports
- 2 Australia $15M 10% of world exports
- 3 Nicaragua* ~$15M 9.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $150M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $112M 60% of world imports
- 2 Macao $44M 24% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $10M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $187M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 0308.19
Brazil does not split HS 0308.19: its NCM code is 0308.19.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0308.19
What is HS code 030819?
HS code 030819 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process. This code covers sea cucumbers, including Stichopus japonicus and other Holothuroidea, that have undergone traditional preservation methods such as drying, salting, brining, or smoking. These processes are particularly significant for sea cucumbers, as dried sea cucumber, often called 'beche-de-mer,' is a highly valued and shelf-stable commodity, especially in East Asian markets. The preservation methods concentrate flavors and nutrients, making them a sought-after ingredient in gourmet cuisine and traditional medicine, often commanding high prices. Trade in these preserved forms is extensive, involving complex supply chains from harvesting regions to processing centers and then to consumer markets. The long shelf life of dried sea cucumbers makes them ideal for international trade, reducing spoilage risks. Importers are predominantly China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, while Indonesia, the Philippines, and various Pacific Island nations are major exporters, leveraging their abundant marine resources.
What products fall under HS code 030819?
Dried sea cucumber (beche-de-mer), salted sea cucumber, sea cucumber in brine, smoked sea cucumber, rehydrated dried sea cucumber, seasoned dried sea cucumber, processed beche-de-mer.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030819?
This code is for dried, salted, brined, or smoked sea cucumbers; misclassification can occur with 030811 (live, fresh, chilled) or 030812 (frozen) if the preservation state is not clearly defined. Prepared sea cucumber dishes (e.g., in sauces) would fall under Chapter 16.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030819?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030819 in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($46M, 31% of world exports), Australia ($15M) and Nicaragua (about $15M). World exports came to about $150M, 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 030819?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030819 in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($112M, 60% of world imports), Macao ($44M) and Malaysia ($10M). World imports came to about $187M, 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 030819 structured?
HS code 030819 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (19) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030819?
In Brazil, HS code 030819 is NCM 0308.19.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.