HS Code for Escargot

Escargot, or land snails, are classified under HS code 0307.60. This classification is found within Chapter 3, which covers fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic invertebrates, but also includes certain land-dwelling molluscs like snails. Heading 0307 specifically covers molluscs, whether in shell or not, and whether they are live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Subheading 0307.60 is the dedicated code for snails other than sea snails. This includes the common edible land snails of the genus Helix. The classification applies regardless of whether the snails are still in their shells or have been removed. It also covers snails that have been smoked or cooked before or during the smoking process, provided they have not been further prepared with sauces or other ingredients that would move them into the 'prepared foods' category of Chapter 16.

Products Included

• Live land snails (Helix pomatia, Helix aspersa)
• Fresh or chilled escargot meat
• Frozen snails in or out of shell
• Dried or salted land snails
• Smoked land snails

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification for escargot is HS code 1605.58. While 0307.60 covers raw, frozen, or simply preserved snails, 1605.58 is for snails that have been 'prepared or preserved'—for example, snails canned in a butter sauce or seasoned with garlic and herbs. Another common error is using 0307.91 or 0307.99, which are for other molluscs; however, because snails have a specific subheading (0307.60), that code must be used. Sea snails (whelks/periwinkles) are also excluded from 0307.60 and are classified elsewhere in heading 0307.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Escargot?

The HS code for land snails (escargot), whether live, fresh, frozen, or dried, is 0307.60.

Does this code include canned escargot in garlic butter?

No, once snails are prepared with ingredients like butter or sauce, they are classified under HS code 1605.58 as prepared or preserved molluscs.