HS Code for Crustacean meal

Crustacean meal intended for human consumption is classified under HS code 0309.90. This code was introduced in recent Harmonized System updates to provide a specific category for flours, meals, and pellets of aquatic invertebrates other than fish. The classification depends on two primary factors: the physical state of the product and its intended use. The product must be processed into a flour or meal (ground or pulverized) or compressed into pellets. Crucially, the 0309 heading is strictly for products "fit for human consumption." This meal is typically produced by drying and grinding the shells and meat of crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, or krill. It is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent, a protein source for soups, or as a nutritional supplement. If the product is not fit for human consumption, it is excluded from Chapter 3 and moved to the chapters covering animal feed or fertilizers.

Products Included

• Shrimp meal for human consumption
• Crab flour (food grade)
• Lobster meal pellets for human use
• Krill meal (food grade)
• Ground crustacean shells for food flavoring

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification for crustacean meal is HS code 2301.20. While 2301.20 also covers flours and meals of crustaceans, it is specifically for products "unfit for human consumption," typically used for animal feed or aquaculture. Another common error is using 0306, which covers whole or pieces of crustaceans (fresh, frozen, or dried) but not those that have been processed into a meal or flour. Additionally, fish meal for human consumption is classified under 0309.10, not 0309.90.

FAQ

What is the HS code for crustacean meal?

The HS code for crustacean meal fit for human consumption is 0309.90.

How does 0309.90 differ from 2301.20?

0309.90 is for food-grade products intended for human consumption, while 2301.20 is for feed-grade products intended for animals.