HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0309.90 – Flours, meals and pellets of crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, fit for human consumption
HS code 0309.90 is the 6-digit subheading for flours, meals and pellets of crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, fit for human consumption. It is used for shrimp flour, krill meal (human grade), clam powder, squid meal (human grade) and mussel powder.
What HS 0309.90 covers
This HS code encompasses flours, meals, and pellets derived from crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates, all specifically prepared and deemed fit for human consumption. These products serve as specialty protein sources, flavor enhancers, or nutritional supplements, particularly popular in Asian cuisines and the health food industry. For instance, shrimp powder is used as a seasoning, while krill meal or mussel powder might be found in dietary supplements. Exporters are typically countries with significant seafood processing industries, often in Asia or coastal regions globally. Importers include food manufacturers, nutraceutical companies, and markets with a demand for unique seafood-derived ingredients. The 'fit for human consumption' criterion is paramount, differentiating these products from animal feed.
- Covers
- Shrimp flour
- Krill meal (human grade)
- Clam powder
- Squid meal (human grade)
- Mussel powder
- Oyster powder
- Crab meal (human grade)
- Examples
- Dried shrimp powder (for seasoning)
- Krill protein supplements
- Green-lipped mussel powder (nutraceutical)
- Scallop powder
Codes often confused with 0309.90
Common mistake. Similar to 0309.10, the key distinction is 'fit for human consumption.' Products for animal feed (e.g., 2301.20 for crustacean/mollusc meal) are classified differently due to varying processing and safety standards.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 030990, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030990 in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 17% 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 New Zealand $12M 29% of world exports
- 2 Norway $9.9M 24% of world exports
- 3 Chile $5.6M 14% of world exports
World total: $41M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $7.1M 17% of world imports
- 2 China $5.3M 13% of world imports
- 3 Nigeria $5.2M 13% of world imports
World total: $41M 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 0309.90
Brazil does not split HS 0309.90: its NCM code is 0309.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0309.90
What is HS code 030990?
HS code 030990 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Flours, meals and pellets of crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, fit for human consumption. This HS code encompasses flours, meals, and pellets derived from crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates, all specifically prepared and deemed fit for human consumption. These products serve as specialty protein sources, flavor enhancers, or nutritional supplements, particularly popular in Asian cuisines and the health food industry. For instance, shrimp powder is used as a seasoning, while krill meal or mussel powder might be found in dietary supplements. Exporters are typically countries with significant seafood processing industries, often in Asia or coastal regions globally. Importers include food manufacturers, nutraceutical companies, and markets with a demand for unique seafood-derived ingredients. The 'fit for human consumption' criterion is paramount, differentiating these products from animal feed.
What products fall under HS code 030990?
Shrimp flour, krill meal (human grade), clam powder, squid meal (human grade), mussel powder, oyster powder, crab meal (human grade)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030990?
Similar to 0309.10, the key distinction is 'fit for human consumption.' Products for animal feed (e.g., 2301.20 for crustacean/mollusc meal) are classified differently due to varying processing and safety standards.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030990?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030990 in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($12M, 29% of world exports), Norway ($9.9M) and Chile ($5.6M). World exports came to about $41M, 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 030990?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030990 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($7.1M, 17% of world imports), China ($5.3M) and Nigeria ($5.2M). World imports came to about $41M, 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 030990 structured?
HS code 030990 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030990?
In Brazil, HS code 030990 is NCM 0309.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.