Product classification
HS code for Canned lobster: 1605.30
Crustacean preparations, lobster, prepared or preserved.
Classification of canned lobster under HS 1605.30
Canned lobster is classified under HS code 1605.30 as it falls under the category of prepared or preserved crustaceans. Chapter 16 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates. While fresh, chilled, or frozen lobster is classified in Chapter 3 (specifically 0306), the process of canning involves cooking and sealing the product in airtight containers, often with preservatives or flavoring agents. This level of processing moves the product into heading 1605. Subheading 1605.30 is specifically reserved for lobster preparations, ensuring that these high-value seafood products are tracked accurately in international trade statistics. The classification remains 1605.30 regardless of whether the lobster is canned as whole tails, claws, or meat chunks, provided it is not minced. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System clarify that "prepared or preserved" includes products that have been cooked by steaming or boiling in water, or which have been preserved in oil, vinegar, or other media. Because canned lobster is almost universally cooked during the canning process to ensure safety and shelf stability, it cannot remain in Chapter 3. This classification also covers lobster meat that has been extracted from the shell and then canned, a common practice for high-end culinary exports. The presence of additional ingredients like butter, salt, or citric acid does not change the classification from 1605.30, as the lobster remains the essential character of the preparation. Proper classification is essential for meeting the specific sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements often associated with processed crustacean products.
- Covers
- Canned lobster meat (claws and knuckles)
- Canned lobster tails in brine
- Smoked lobster in oil (canned)
- Lobster chunks in butter sauce (canned)
- Prepared lobster meat in airtight containers
- Also under 1605.30
- Clearwater Seafoods Lobster
- Maine Lobster Now
- Luke's Lobster
- Boston Lobster Feast
Codes often confused with 1605.30
Common mistake. Canned lobster is often confused with fresh or frozen lobster under codes 0306.11 (frozen rock lobster) or 0306.12 (frozen homarus lobster). The key distinction is the cooking and canning process; once cooked and hermetically sealed, it must move to 1605.30. Additionally, it should not be confused with canned crab (1605.10) or canned shrimp (1605.21/1605.29).
Top exporters and importers of HS 160530 (the code used for canned lobster), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160530 (the code used for canned lobster) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 93% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 89% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 160530, not only canned lobster.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $464M 93% of world exports
- 2 United States $11M 2.2% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $10M 2.0% of world exports
World total: $499M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $439M 89% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $11M 2.3% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $8.1M 1.6% of world imports
World total: $494M 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 canned lobster
Brazil classifies canned lobster under NCM 1605.30.00: HS 1605.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned lobster
What is the HS code for Canned lobster?
The HS code for Canned lobster is 160530 (Crustacean preparations; lobster, prepared or preserved). The HS code for canned lobster (prepared or preserved) is 1605.30.
How do I classify Canned lobster for customs?
Canned lobster is classified under HS code 160530 — Crustacean preparations; lobster, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can frozen lobster be classified here?
No, frozen lobster that has not been further prepared or cooked is classified under heading 0306.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned lobster (HS 160530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160530 (the code used for canned lobster) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($464M, 93% of world exports), the United States ($11M) and Ireland ($10M). World exports came to about $499M, 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 canned lobster (HS 160530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160530 (the code used for canned lobster) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($439M, 89% of world imports), Hong Kong ($11M) and the United Kingdom ($8.1M). World imports came to about $494M, 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.
Is the HS code for Canned lobster the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160530 for Canned lobster is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for canned lobster in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned lobster (HS 160530) is classified under NCM 1605.30.00.