Product classification
HS code for Chilled cuttlefish: 0307.42
Molluscs, cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of chilled cuttlefish under HS 0307.42
Chilled cuttlefish is classified under HS code 0307.42, which falls within Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System. This chapter encompasses fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0307 specifically covers molluscs, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The classification process follows the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI), where the state of the product—in this case, "fresh or chilled"—is the primary determinant for the subheading. Cuttlefish and squid are grouped together under the 0307.4x series. Subheading 0307.42 is explicitly for live, fresh, or chilled specimens. Chilling involves lowering the temperature of the cuttlefish to near the freezing point of water without actually reaching a frozen state. This preservation method is intended to maintain the product's fresh characteristics for a limited duration. If the cuttlefish were to be subjected to freezing temperatures that alter the state of the meat to "frozen," the classification would shift to 0307.43. It is also important to note that the cuttlefish must be raw; any heat treatment or preservation in vinegar or oil would move the product to Chapter 16.
- Covers
- Fresh Sepia officinalis (Common cuttlefish)
- Chilled Rossia macrosoma (Stout bobtail)
- Live Sepiola spp. (Little cuttlefish)
- Chilled cuttlefish cleaned and gutted
- Fresh cuttlefish with or without skin
- Also under 0307.42
- Monterey Bay Squid
- Patagonian Squid
- Spanish Cuttlefish
- Japanese Flying Squid
Codes often confused with 0307.42
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs between 0307.42 (fresh/chilled) and 0307.43 (frozen). Because cuttlefish is often transported in ice, customs officials must verify if the product is merely chilled or if it has been deep-frozen. Another common error is using 1605.54, which is for prepared or preserved cuttlefish and squid. If the cuttlefish has been breaded, pre-cooked, or canned, it must be classified under 1605.54 rather than 0307.42.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030742 (the code used for chilled cuttlefish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030742 (the code used for chilled cuttlefish) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 35% 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 030742, not only chilled cuttlefish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $102M 26% of world exports
- 2 France $90M 23% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $30M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $387M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $137M 35% of world imports
- 2 Spain $80M 20% of world imports
- 3 France $34M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $397M 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 cuttlefish
Brazil classifies chilled cuttlefish under NCM 0307.42.00: HS 0307.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled cuttlefish
What is the HS code for Chilled cuttlefish?
The HS code for Chilled cuttlefish is 030742 (Molluscs; cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled cuttlefish and squid is 0307.42.
How do I classify Chilled cuttlefish for customs?
Chilled cuttlefish is classified under HS code 030742 — Molluscs; cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this code be used for frozen squid?
No, frozen squid and cuttlefish are classified under HS code 0307.43.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled cuttlefish (HS 030742)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030742 (the code used for chilled cuttlefish) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($102M, 26% of world exports), France ($90M) and the Netherlands ($30M). World exports came to about $387M, 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 cuttlefish (HS 030742)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030742 (the code used for chilled cuttlefish) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($137M, 35% of world imports), Spain ($80M) and France ($34M). World imports came to about $397M, 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 cuttlefish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030742 for Chilled cuttlefish 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 cuttlefish in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled cuttlefish (HS 030742) is classified under NCM 0307.42.00.