Product classification
HS code for Chilled sea cucumber: 0308.11
Aquatic invertebrates, sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of chilled sea cucumber under HS 0308.11
Sea cucumbers in a live, fresh, or chilled state are classified under HS code 0308.11. This code belongs to heading 0308, which covers aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. The classification is specific to the class Holothuroidea. To be classified here, the sea cucumber must be unprocessed beyond basic cleaning and chilling. If the sea cucumber is dried, smoked, or salted, it would move to a different subheading within 0308. The distinction between 0308.11 and other codes in the same heading is strictly based on the state of preservation. This code is essential for tracking the trade of these echinoderms, which are often highly valued in specific international markets for culinary and medicinal purposes. The classification includes species such as Stichopus japonicus. Because sea cucumbers are often highly regulated under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), using the correct HS code is vital for legal compliance and environmental monitoring during the import and export process.
- Covers
- Live Stichopus japonicus
- Chilled Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers)
- Fresh sea cucumber, whole or cleaned
- Chilled aquatic invertebrates of class Holothuroidea
- Also under 0308.11
- Japanese Sea Cucumber (Namako)
- California Sea Cucumber
- Australian Sandfish
- Chinese Stichopus japonicus.
Codes often confused with 0308.11
Common mistake. Sea cucumbers are most commonly misclassified under 0308.19, which covers dried, salted, or smoked versions. Since the majority of the global sea cucumber trade involves the dried form (beche-de-mer), 0308.19 is often used incorrectly for fresh shipments. Another misclassification is 0308.12, which is for frozen sea cucumbers. It is also important not to confuse them with sea urchins, which are classified under 0308.21 (fresh/chilled).
Top exporters and importers of HS 030811 (the code used for chilled sea cucumber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030811 (the code used for chilled sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 31% 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 030811, not only chilled sea cucumber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.8M 56% of world exports
- 2 Canada $1.5M 21% of world exports
- 3 United States $361K 5.3% of world exports
World total: $6.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $2.6M 31% of world imports
- 2 Greece $1.9M 23% of world imports
- 3 United States $1.5M 18% of world imports
World total: $8.4M 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 sea cucumber
Brazil classifies chilled sea cucumber under NCM 0308.11.00: HS 0308.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled sea cucumber
What is the HS code for Chilled sea cucumber?
The HS code for Chilled sea cucumber is 030811 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled sea cucumber is 0308.11.
How do I classify Chilled sea cucumber for customs?
Chilled sea cucumber is classified under HS code 030811 — Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What code is used for dried sea cucumber?
Dried, salted, or smoked sea cucumbers are classified under HS code 0308.19, not 0308.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled sea cucumber (HS 030811)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030811 (the code used for chilled sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.8M, 56% of world exports), Canada ($1.5M) and the United States ($361K). World exports came to about $6.8M, 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 sea cucumber (HS 030811)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030811 (the code used for chilled sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($2.6M, 31% of world imports), Greece ($1.9M) and the United States ($1.5M). World imports came to about $8.4M, 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 sea cucumber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030811 for Chilled sea cucumber 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 sea cucumber in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled sea cucumber (HS 030811) is classified under NCM 0308.11.00.