Product classification
HS code for Chilled crustaceans: 0306.39
Crustaceans, live, fresh or chilled, n.e.c. in item no. 0306.3, in shell or not.
Classification of chilled crustaceans under HS 0306.39
The classification of chilled crustaceans under HS code 0306.39 is determined by the biological nature of the specimen and its preservation state at the time of customs entry. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, classification is dictated by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 3 covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0306 specifically applies to crustaceans, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Subheading 0306.39 serves as a residual or "basket" category for crustaceans that are live, fresh, or chilled but are not specifically enumerated in subheadings 0302.31 through 0302.36. The term "chilled" refers to products that have been reduced in temperature to approximately 0°C (32°F) without being frozen. This distinction is critical because once the cellular structure of the crustacean is frozen, it must be classified under the 0306.1x series. Furthermore, the product must not have undergone any cooking process, such as steaming or boiling in water, unless specifically allowed by the heading notes, as cooked crustaceans are generally classified elsewhere or under specific subheadings for cooked-in-shell products.
- Covers
- Live or chilled mantis shrimp
- Fresh or chilled freshwater crayfish
- Chilled slipper lobsters
- Live or chilled velvet crabs
- Various marine crustaceans not specified in 0306.31-0306.36
- Also under 0306.39
- Alaskan Dungeness Crab (live)
- Australian Mud Crab (live)
- Florida Stone Crab (fresh)
- Vietnamese Blue Crab (chilled)
- Louisiana Crawfish (live)
Codes often confused with 0306.39
Common mistake. A frequent error involves confusing 0306.39 with 0306.19, which is reserved for frozen crustaceans. Additionally, if the crustaceans have been cooked (e.g., boiled in water), they may fall under 0306.39 only if they are still in shell and meet specific criteria; otherwise, they are classified under heading 1605 as prepared or preserved crustaceans. Importers often mistakenly use 0306.39 for shrimps or prawns, which should actually be classified under 0306.35 or 0306.36 depending on the species.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030639 (the code used for chilled crustaceans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030639 (the code used for chilled crustaceans) in UN Comtrade data was Myanmar, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% 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 030639, not only chilled crustaceans.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Myanmar $8.4M 22% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $6.4M 17% of world exports
- 3 France $4.3M 11% of world exports
World total: $38M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $66M 54% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $24M 20% of world imports
- 3 Italy $5.9M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $122M 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 codes for chilled crustaceans
Brazil splits HS 0306.39 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0306.39.10Live, fresh or chilled freshwater crayfish
- 0306.39.90Other live, fresh or chilled crustaceans
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled crustaceans
What is the HS code for Chilled crustaceans?
The HS code for Chilled crustaceans is 030639 (Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, n.e.c. in item no. 0306.3, in shell or not). The HS code for chilled crustaceans not elsewhere specified is 0306.39.
How do I classify Chilled crustaceans for customs?
Chilled crustaceans is classified under HS code 030639 — Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, n.e.c. in item no. 0306.3, in shell or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen products?
No, frozen crustaceans are classified under the 0306.1x series, specifically 0306.19 for those not elsewhere specified.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled crustaceans (HS 030639)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030639 (the code used for chilled crustaceans) in UN Comtrade data were Myanmar ($8.4M, 22% of world exports), Thailand ($6.4M) and France ($4.3M). World exports came to about $38M, 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 crustaceans (HS 030639)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030639 (the code used for chilled crustaceans) in UN Comtrade data were China ($66M, 54% of world imports), Hong Kong ($24M) and Italy ($5.9M). World imports came to about $122M, 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 crustaceans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030639 for Chilled crustaceans 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 crustaceans in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030639 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for chilled crustaceans depends on the product's details: 0306.39.10 (Live, fresh or chilled freshwater crayfish), 0306.39.90 (Other live, fresh or chilled crustaceans).