Product classification
HS code for Crustacean waste: 0511.91
Animal products, of fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, dead animals of chapter 03, unfit for human consumption.
Classification of crustacean waste under HS 0511.91
HS code 0511.91 is utilized for the classification of animal products derived from fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates that are specifically designated as unfit for human consumption. This classification falls under Chapter 5, which covers products of animal origin not elsewhere specified. The determination for this code relies heavily on the state of the material; it must be dead and clearly unsuitable for the food supply chain. Crustacean waste typically consists of the chitinous exoskeletons and internal organs removed during industrial processing. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, the heading is determined by the literal description of the goods. Since these items are biological residues and not prepared food or animal feed at the point of export, 0511.91 is the most appropriate code. This code is essential for environmental and health regulations, as it tracks the movement of biological waste that may require specific disposal or processing protocols. The classification remains here as long as the waste has not been further prepared into flours or meals suitable for animal feeding, which would shift the classification to Chapter 23.
- Covers
- Shrimp shells and heads
- Crab carapaces and claws (inedible)
- Lobster shells and tail fans
- Crushed crustacean remains
- Inedible crustacean eggs and roe
- Soft tissue waste from aquatic invertebrates
- Also under 0511.91
- TripleNine Fish Protein
- FF Skagen fish meal
- Bio-Oregon aquaculture feed ingredients
- DSM feed additives.
Codes often confused with 0511.91
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these materials under HS code 0306, which is reserved for crustaceans that are fit for human consumption. Another common misclassification is HS code 2301, which covers flours, meals, and pellets of fish or crustaceans specifically prepared for animal feed. The distinction lies in the level of processing; 0511.91 is for raw or minimally processed waste, whereas 2301 requires the material to be rendered into a meal format.
Top exporters and importers of HS 051191 (the code used for crustacean waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 051191 (the code used for crustacean waste) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 051191, not only crustacean waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $108M 12% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $80M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Norway $67M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $919M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $106M 10% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $98M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Canada $89M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 codes for crustacean waste
Brazil splits HS 0511.91 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0511.91.10Fertilised fish roe for breeding
- 0511.91.90Other inedible aquatic animals and their products
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about crustacean waste
What is the HS code for Crustacean waste?
The HS code for Crustacean waste is 051191 (Animal products; of fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates; dead animals of chapter 03, unfit for human consumption). The HS code for crustacean waste that is unfit for human consumption is 0511.91.
How do I classify Crustacean waste for customs?
Crustacean waste is classified under HS code 051191 — Animal products; of fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates; dead animals of chapter 03, unfit for human consumption. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this code be used for fertilizer?
Yes, if the crustacean waste is in its raw state and intended for use as fertilizer, it is classified under 0511.91. However, if it is chemically treated or mixed with other fertilizing elements, it may fall under Chapter 31.
Which countries are the top exporters of crustacean waste (HS 051191)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 051191 (the code used for crustacean waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($108M, 12% of world exports), Denmark ($80M) and Norway ($67M). World exports came to about $919M, 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 waste (HS 051191)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 051191 (the code used for crustacean waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($106M, 10% of world imports), Denmark ($98M) and Canada ($89M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 051191 for Crustacean waste 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 waste in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 051191 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for crustacean waste depends on the product's details: 0511.91.10 (Fertilised fish roe for breeding), 0511.91.90 (Other inedible aquatic animals and their products).