Product classification
HS code for Chilled ark shells: 0307.71
Molluscs, clams, cockles and ark shells (families Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae and Veneridae), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of chilled ark shells under HS 0307.71
Chilled ark shells are classified under HS code 0307.71. This code is part of Chapter 3, which encompasses fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. Heading 0307 is dedicated to molluscs, whether in shell or not, and covers various states including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Subheading 0307.71 specifically groups clams, cockles, and ark shells (families Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae, and Veneridae). The classification requires the ark shells to be in a live, fresh, or chilled state. Chilling refers to the process of lowering the temperature of the product to approximately 0°C without freezing it. This code applies to the molluscs regardless of whether they are presented in their shells or as shucked meat, provided they have not been cooked or otherwise preserved.
- Covers
- Live ark shells (Arcidae family)
- Fresh ark shells in shell
- Chilled ark shell meat (shucked)
- Chilled blood clams (a type of ark shell)
- Also under 0307.71
- Geoduck (Panopea generosa)
- Manila Clams (Venerupis philippinarum)
- Littleneck Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria)
- Razor Clams (Ensis directus)
Codes often confused with 0307.71
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with frozen ark shells, which are categorized under HS code 0307.72. Importers often fail to distinguish between chilled and frozen states in documentation. Furthermore, if the ark shells have been steamed, boiled, or otherwise cooked before being chilled, they may fall under HS code 0307.79, which covers other preparations of these molluscs. It is also important not to confuse ark shells with other molluscs like scallops (0307.21) or mussels (0307.31), which have their own specific subheadings within the 0307 group.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030771 (the code used for chilled ark shells), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030771 (the code used for chilled ark shells) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 25% 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 030771, not only chilled ark shells.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $96M 16% of world exports
- 2 China $85M 14% of world exports
- 3 Canada $68M 12% of world exports
World total: $589M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $110M 25% of world imports
- 2 China $63M 14% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $56M 13% of world imports
World total: $436M 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 chilled ark shells
Brazil classifies chilled ark shells under NCM 0307.71.00: HS 0307.71 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled ark shells
What is the HS code for Chilled ark shells?
The HS code for Chilled ark shells is 030771 (Molluscs; clams, cockles and ark shells (families Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae and Veneridae), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled ark shells is 0307.71.
How do I classify Chilled ark shells for customs?
Chilled ark shells is classified under HS code 030771 — Molluscs; clams, cockles and ark shells (families Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae and Veneridae), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can shucked ark shell meat be classified here?
Yes, as long as the meat is fresh or chilled and has not been cooked or frozen, it remains under HS code 0307.71.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled ark shells (HS 030771)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030771 (the code used for chilled ark shells) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($96M, 16% of world exports), China ($85M) and Canada ($68M). World exports came to about $589M, 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 chilled ark shells (HS 030771)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030771 (the code used for chilled ark shells) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($110M, 25% of world imports), China ($63M) and South Korea ($56M). World imports came to about $436M, 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 Chilled ark shells the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030771 for Chilled ark shells 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 chilled ark shells in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled ark shells (HS 030771) is classified under NCM 0307.71.00.