HS Code for Fresh cockles

HS code 0307.71 is used for the classification of fresh cockles and related molluscs. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0307 is specifically for molluscs, whether in shell or not, and whether live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Subheading 0307.71 is a specific category for clams, cockles, and ark shells belonging to several families, including Arcidae, Cardiidae, and Veneridae. The primary criteria for this classification are the biological family and the state of the product, which must be live, fresh, or chilled. This includes cockles transported in seawater or kept on ice. The classification remains the same whether the cockles are presented in their shells or have been shucked (removed from the shell), as long as they have not been cooked or otherwise preserved.

Products Included

• Live common cockles (Cerastoderma edule)
• Fresh blood cockles (Anadara granosa)
• Chilled ark shells (Arcidae family)
• Live dog cockles (Glycymeris glycymeris)
• Fresh Venus clams (Veneridae family)

Common Misclassification

Cockles are frequently confused with other molluscs such as mussels (0307.31) or scallops (0307.21). A common technical error is misclassifying fresh cockles under 0307.72, which is reserved for frozen clams, cockles, and ark shells, or 0307.79, which covers those that are dried, salted, or in brine. Furthermore, if the cockles have been steamed or boiled in water, they must be classified under heading 1605 as prepared or preserved molluscs.

FAQ

What is the HS code for fresh cockles?

The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled cockles is 0307.71.

Are ark shells classified under the same code as cockles?

Yes, ark shells (family Arcidae) are specifically included in the same subheading 0307.71 alongside cockles and clams.