Product classification
HS code for Crustacean meal: 0309.90
Flours, meals and pellets of crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, fit for human consumption.
Classification of crustacean meal under HS 0309.90
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 0309.90
- Dried shrimp powder (for seasoning)
- Krill protein supplements
- Green-lipped mussel powder (nutraceutical)
- Scallop powder
Codes often confused with 0309.90
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030990 (the code used for crustacean meal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030990 (the code used for crustacean meal) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 17% 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 030990, not only crustacean meal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $12M 29% of world exports
- 2 Norway $9.9M 24% of world exports
- 3 Chile $5.6M 14% of world exports
World total: $41M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $7.1M 17% of world imports
- 2 China $5.3M 13% of world imports
- 3 Nigeria $5.2M 13% of world imports
World total: $41M 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 crustacean meal
Brazil classifies crustacean meal under NCM 0309.90.00: HS 0309.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about crustacean meal
What is the HS code for Crustacean meal?
The HS code for Crustacean meal is 030990 (Flours, meals and pellets of crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, fit for human consumption). The HS code for crustacean meal fit for human consumption is 0309.90.
How do I classify Crustacean meal for customs?
Crustacean meal is classified under HS code 030990 — Flours, meals and pellets of crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, fit for human consumption. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of crustacean meal (HS 030990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030990 (the code used for crustacean meal) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($12M, 29% of world exports), Norway ($9.9M) and Chile ($5.6M). World exports came to about $41M, 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 crustacean meal (HS 030990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030990 (the code used for crustacean meal) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($7.1M, 17% of world imports), China ($5.3M) and Nigeria ($5.2M). World imports came to about $41M, 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 Crustacean meal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030990 for Crustacean meal 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 crustacean meal in Brazil?
In Brazil, crustacean meal (HS 030990) is classified under NCM 0309.90.00.