Product classification
HS code for Chilled crab: 0306.33
Crustaceans, live, fresh or chilled, crabs, whether in shell or not.
Classification of chilled crab under HS 0306.33
Crabs that are live, fresh, or chilled are classified under HS code 0306.33. Heading 0306 is dedicated to crustaceans, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The subheading 0306.33 specifically identifies crabs. The term "fresh or chilled" implies that the product has not undergone any permanent preservation process like freezing, drying, or smoking. Chilling involves maintaining the crab at a low temperature, usually with ice or mechanical refrigeration, to prevent spoilage while maintaining the characteristics of fresh seafood. This classification includes various species of crabs, such as King crab, Snow crab, and Blue crab, provided they are in the specified state. If the crabs are cooked by steaming or boiling in water (whether or not in shell), they may still fall under 0306 if they are not further prepared, but once they are frozen or preserved in airtight containers, the classification shifts. The distinction between 0306.33 and other subheadings is primarily based on the species (crab vs. lobster or shrimp) and the state of preservation (fresh/chilled vs. frozen). Accurate classification is necessary for applying the correct tariff rates and complying with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures. The product must be identifiable as a crab species to avoid being placed in the residual crustacean categories.
- Covers
- Live Blue crabs
- Fresh King crab legs, chilled
- Chilled Snow crab, whole or pieces in shell
- Fresh Dungeness crab on ice
- Also under 0306.33
- Alaskan King Crab Co.
- Joe's Crab Shack (for sourcing)
- Maryland Blue Crab
- Pacific Seafood
- Red Lobster (for sourcing)
Codes often confused with 0306.33
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying chilled crabs under 0306.14, which is the code for frozen crabs. The physical state at the time of customs entry is the deciding factor. Another common mistake is using 1605.10, which is for prepared or preserved crab. If the crab has been processed beyond simple chilling or steaming in shell—such as being de-shelled and canned—it belongs in Chapter 16. Furthermore, other crustaceans like lobsters (0306.32) or shrimps (0306.36) are often confused with crabs in general shipping documents.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030633 (the code used for chilled crab), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030633 (the code used for chilled crab) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 70% 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 030633, not only chilled crab.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$1.5B 58% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Vietnam* ~$161M 6.4% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Indonesia $120M 4.8% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.9B 70% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $318M 12% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $70M 2.6% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 chilled crab
Brazil classifies chilled crab under NCM 0306.33.00: HS 0306.33 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled crab
What is the HS code for Chilled crab?
The HS code for Chilled crab is 030633 (Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, crabs, whether in shell or not). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled crabs, whether in shell or not, is 0306.33.
How do I classify Chilled crab for customs?
Chilled crab is classified under HS code 030633 — Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, crabs, whether in shell or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are cooked crabs classified here?
Cooked crabs (steamed or boiled in water) can be classified under 0306.33 if they are fresh or chilled and have not been frozen or further prepared/preserved.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled crab (HS 030633)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030633 (the code used for chilled crab) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $1.5B, 58% of world exports), Vietnam (about $161M) and Indonesia ($120M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 crab (HS 030633)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030633 (the code used for chilled crab) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 70% of world imports), South Korea ($318M) and Hong Kong ($70M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 crab the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030633 for Chilled crab 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 crab in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled crab (HS 030633) is classified under NCM 0306.33.00.