Product classification
HS code for Chilled octopus: 0307.51
Molluscs, octopus (Octopus spp.), live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of chilled octopus under HS 0307.51
The classification of chilled octopus is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6. Under the nomenclature, octopus belongs to Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Within this chapter, heading 0307 is dedicated to molluscs, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The specific subheading 0307.51 is reserved for octopus (Octopus spp.) that are presented in a live, fresh, or chilled state. Chilled products are defined as those whose temperature has been reduced to around 0°C (32°F) without the product actually being frozen. This distinction is critical because the physical state of the mollusc determines the six-digit HS code. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the octopus is presented whole or has undergone basic processing such as cleaning, gutting, or removal of the beak, provided it has not been cooked or frozen.
- Covers
- Live common octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
- Fresh whole octopus on ice
- Chilled octopus tentacles, raw and unprocessed
- Cleaned and gutted fresh octopus
- Octopus spp. maintained at temperatures just above freezing during transport
- Also under 0307.51
- Moroccan Octopus
- Spanish Octopus
- Galician Octopus
- Mediterranean Octopus
Codes often confused with 0307.51
Common mistake. Chilled octopus is frequently misclassified under HS code 0307.52, which is specifically for frozen octopus. The distinction depends entirely on whether the product has been subjected to temperatures below its freezing point to ensure long-term preservation. Another common error involves HS code 1605.55, which covers octopus that has been prepared or preserved, such as being boiled, grilled, or canned in oil. If the octopus is even partially cooked, it must move from Chapter 3 to Chapter 16. Additionally, dried or salted octopus falls under 0307.59.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030751 (the code used for chilled octopus), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030751 (the code used for chilled octopus) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 53% 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 030751, not only chilled octopus.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $113M 49% of world exports
- 2 Spain $47M 20% of world exports
- 3 France $39M 17% of world exports
World total: $231M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $129M 53% of world imports
- 2 Italy $41M 17% of world imports
- 3 Spain $28M 11% of world imports
World total: $244M 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 octopus
Brazil classifies chilled octopus under NCM 0307.51.00: HS 0307.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled octopus
What is the HS code for Chilled octopus?
The HS code for Chilled octopus is 030751 (Molluscs; octopus (Octopus spp.), live, fresh or chilled). The primary HS code for chilled octopus is 0307.51, which covers live, fresh, or chilled specimens of the genus Octopus spp.
How do I classify Chilled octopus for customs?
Chilled octopus is classified under HS code 030751 — Molluscs; octopus (Octopus spp.), live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the octopus is cleaned?
No, as long as the octopus remains raw and chilled (not frozen or cooked), basic cleaning and gutting do not change the classification from 0307.51.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled octopus (HS 030751)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030751 (the code used for chilled octopus) in UN Comtrade data were China ($113M, 49% of world exports), Spain ($47M) and France ($39M). World exports came to about $231M, 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 octopus (HS 030751)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030751 (the code used for chilled octopus) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($129M, 53% of world imports), Italy ($41M) and Spain ($28M). World imports came to about $244M, 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 octopus the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030751 for Chilled octopus 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 octopus in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled octopus (HS 030751) is classified under NCM 0307.51.00.