Product classification
HS code for Fresh abalone: 0307.81
Molluscs, abalone (Haliotis spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of fresh abalone under HS 0307.81
Fresh abalone is classified under HS code 0307.81, a specific designation within the broader category of molluscs in Chapter 3. This code is strictly for the genus Haliotis. The classification criteria require the product to be in a live, fresh, or chilled state. This means the abalone has not undergone any preservation processes beyond simple chilling to maintain its raw state. The presence or absence of the shell does not change this classification, as the code explicitly includes both "whether in shell or not." Importers must ensure that the biological species is correctly identified as Haliotis and that the temperature control during transport maintains the "fresh or chilled" status to avoid misclassification into frozen or processed categories. This heading is part of the international effort to track trade in specific seafood species, many of which are subject to environmental regulations or quotas. Documentation must often include the scientific name to confirm it belongs to the Haliotis genus.
- Covers
- Live abalone (Haliotis spp.)
- Fresh abalone meat
- Chilled whole abalone in shell
- Shucked fresh abalone
- Abalone kept on ice during transport
- Also under 0307.81
- Haliotis rufescens (Red Abalone)
- Haliotis laevigata (Greenlip Abalone)
- Haliotis midae (South African Abalone)
- California Abalone
Codes often confused with 0307.81
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with 0307.83, which is for frozen abalone. If the product temperature drops below the freezing point during transit, it may be reclassified. Another common error is using 1605.57, which is for prepared or preserved abalone (such as canned or smoked). If the abalone has been cooked or preserved in brine, it no longer qualifies for 0307.81.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030781 (the code used for fresh abalone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030781 (the code used for fresh abalone) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 31% 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 030781, not only fresh abalone.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $50M 37% of world exports
- 2 China $28M 20% of world exports
- 3 Australia $25M 19% of world exports
World total: $135M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $38M 31% of world imports
- 2 China $37M 30% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $17M 14% of world imports
World total: $123M 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 fresh abalone
Brazil classifies fresh abalone under NCM 0307.81.00: HS 0307.81 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh abalone
What is the HS code for Fresh abalone?
The HS code for Fresh abalone is 030781 (Molluscs; abalone (Haliotis spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled abalone is 0307.81.
How do I classify Fresh abalone for customs?
Fresh abalone is classified under HS code 030781 — Molluscs; abalone (Haliotis spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can 0307.81 be used for dried abalone?
No, dried abalone is classified under 0307.87. Code 0307.81 is strictly for live, fresh, or chilled products.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh abalone (HS 030781)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030781 (the code used for fresh abalone) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($50M, 37% of world exports), China ($28M) and Australia ($25M). World exports came to about $135M, 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 fresh abalone (HS 030781)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030781 (the code used for fresh abalone) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($38M, 31% of world imports), China ($37M) and Hong Kong ($17M). World imports came to about $123M, 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 Fresh abalone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030781 for Fresh abalone 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 fresh abalone in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh abalone (HS 030781) is classified under NCM 0307.81.00.