Product classification

HS code for Chilled mussels: 0307.31

Molluscs, mussels (Mytilus spp., Perna spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled.

Classification of chilled mussels under HS 0307.31

Mussels belonging to the genera Mytilus and Perna are classified under HS code 0307.31 when they are live, fresh, or chilled. This classification is part of Heading 0307, which covers molluscs. The subheading 0307.31 is specific to these two genera, which include the common blue mussel and the green-lipped mussel. The classification applies whether the mussels are presented in their shells or have been shucked. The "fresh or chilled" designation is critical; it refers to products that are either alive or have been kept at a temperature just above freezing to maintain freshness during transport and sale. This code excludes mussels that have been frozen (0307.32) or those that have been prepared or preserved, such as those canned in brine or vinegar, which would move to Chapter 16. Proper classification depends on verifying the genus and ensuring the preservation method does not exceed chilling. Mussels are often traded live in mesh bags or chilled on ice. For customs purposes, the distinction between species is less important than the genus and the state of the product. This code is also used to monitor health certifications required for bivalve molluscs in many jurisdictions, ensuring they originate from approved harvesting waters.

Covers
  • Live Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis)
  • Chilled Green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus)
  • Fresh shucked mussel meat on ice
  • Mussels in shell, chilled for retail sale
Also under 0307.31
  • Prince Edward Island Mussels
  • New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels
  • Penn Cove Mussels
  • Bouchot Mussels

Codes often confused with 0307.31

Common mistake. Mussels are frequently misclassified under 0307.32 if they are frozen, or 0307.39 if they are dried, salted, or smoked. Another common error is using 1605.53, which is for prepared or preserved mussels (e.g., those in airtight containers or marinated). Importers must also distinguish between the genera Mytilus/Perna and other bivalves like clams (0307.71) or scallops (0307.21), which have different subheadings. Misidentifying the genus can lead to incorrect duty applications.

Top exporters and importers of HS 030731 (the code used for chilled mussels), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030731 (the code used for chilled mussels) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 28% 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 030731, not only chilled mussels.

Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports

  1. 1 Netherlands $169M
  2. 2 Spain $60M
  3. 3 Canada $32M

World total: $375M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports

  1. 1 Belgium $99M
  2. 2 Italy $53M
  3. 3 France $52M

World total: $354M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

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 mussels

Brazil classifies chilled mussels under NCM 0307.31.00: HS 0307.31 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about chilled mussels

What is the HS code for Chilled mussels?

The HS code for Chilled mussels is 030731 (Molluscs; mussels (Mytilus spp., Perna spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled mussels (Mytilus spp., Perna spp.) is 0307.31.

How do I classify Chilled mussels for customs?

Chilled mussels is classified under HS code 030731 โ€” Molluscs; mussels (Mytilus spp., Perna spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are smoked mussels included here?

No, smoked mussels are classified under HS code 0307.39. HS code 0307.31 is strictly for live, fresh, or chilled products.

Which countries are the top exporters of chilled mussels (HS 030731)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030731 (the code used for chilled mussels) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($169M, 45% of world exports), Spain ($60M) and Canada ($32M). World exports came to about $375M, 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 mussels (HS 030731)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 030731 (the code used for chilled mussels) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($99M, 28% of world imports), Italy ($53M) and France ($52M). World imports came to about $354M, 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 mussels the same in all countries?

The base HS code 030731 for Chilled mussels 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 mussels in Brazil?

In Brazil, chilled mussels (HS 030731) is classified under NCM 0307.31.00.