Product classification
HS code for Dried sea cucumber: 0308.19
Aquatic invertebrates, sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process.
Classification of dried sea cucumber under HS 0308.19
Dried sea cucumbers are classified under HS code 0308.19. Chapter 03 covers aquatic animals, and heading 0308 is specifically for aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. Sea cucumbers belong to the class Holothuroidea. Subheading 0308.19 covers those that are dried, salted, in brine, or smoked. This classification is essential for international trade, particularly in Asian markets where dried sea cucumber (trepang or bêche-de-mer) is a high-value commodity. The code applies to whole, gutted, or pieces of sea cucumber, provided they have not been prepared or preserved by methods other than those specified in the heading. Like other seafood, if the product undergoes extensive processing such as being cooked and vacuum-packed in a seasoned liquid, it moves to heading 1605. Because many sea cucumber species are protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), using the correct HS code is the first step in ensuring legal and sustainable trade documentation is provided.
- Covers
- Dried whole sea cucumbers
- Salted sea cucumbers
- Smoked sea cucumbers
- Dried sea cucumber skins or pieces
- Sea cucumbers in brine
- Also under 0308.19
- Dried Japanese Sea Cucumber
- Australian Beche-de-Mer
- Salted Caribbean Sea Cucumber
- Smoked Pacific Sea Cucumber.
Codes often confused with 0308.19
Common mistake. Sea cucumbers are often misclassified under HS code 0308.11, which is reserved for live, fresh, or chilled specimens. Another error is confusing them with molluscs in heading 0307. Furthermore, if the sea cucumber has been fully cooked and preserved in a way that makes it a prepared foodstuff (e.g., canned or in a ready-to-eat pouch), it should be classified under HS code 1605.61.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030819 (the code used for dried sea cucumber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030819 (the code used for dried sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 60% 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 030819, not only dried sea cucumber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hong Kong $46M 31% of world exports
- 2 Australia $15M 10% of world exports
- 3 Nicaragua* ~$15M 9.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $150M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $112M 60% of world imports
- 2 Macao $44M 24% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $10M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $187M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 dried sea cucumber
Brazil classifies dried sea cucumber under NCM 0308.19.00: HS 0308.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dried sea cucumber
What is the HS code for Dried sea cucumber?
The HS code for Dried sea cucumber is 030819 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process). The HS code for dried, salted, in brine, or smoked sea cucumber is 0308.19.
How do I classify Dried sea cucumber for customs?
Dried sea cucumber is classified under HS code 030819 — Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Do I need a CITES permit for dried sea cucumber?
Certain species of sea cucumber, such as those in the genus Holothuria, are listed under CITES Appendix II. While the HS code 0308.19 remains the same, you must check the specific species to determine if additional environmental permits are required.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried sea cucumber (HS 030819)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030819 (the code used for dried sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($46M, 31% of world exports), Australia ($15M) and Nicaragua (about $15M). World exports came to about $150M, 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 dried sea cucumber (HS 030819)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030819 (the code used for dried sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($112M, 60% of world imports), Macao ($44M) and Malaysia ($10M). World imports came to about $187M, 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 Dried sea cucumber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030819 for Dried 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 dried sea cucumber in Brazil?
In Brazil, dried sea cucumber (HS 030819) is classified under NCM 0308.19.00.