Product classification
HS code for Fresh cold-water prawns: 0306.35
Crustaceans, live, fresh or chilled, cold-water shrimps and prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon), in shell or not.
Classification of fresh cold-water prawns under HS 0306.35
The classification of fresh cold-water prawns under HS code 0306.35 is highly specific to the biological species and the temperature of the habitat from which they are harvested. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System covers aquatic animals, and heading 0306 is dedicated to crustaceans. Within this heading, the system distinguishes between various types of shrimps and prawns based on their species and state of preservation. Subheading 0306.35 is strictly reserved for 'Cold-water shrimps and prawns' of the species Pandalus spp. and Crangon crangon. These species are typically found in the colder waters of the Northern Hemisphere. To be classified here, the prawns must be live, fresh, or chilled. They can be presented either in shell or shelled. This specific code is used by customs authorities to monitor trade in these specific northern species, which are often subject to different environmental regulations and fishing quotas than tropical warm-water species.
- Covers
- Fresh Northern prawns (Pandalus borealis)
- Chilled brown shrimp (Crangon crangon)
- Live Pandalus montagui (Aesop shrimp)
- Fresh deep-water prawns (Pandalus spp.)
- Chilled cold-water prawns, shelled or in shell
- Also under 0306.35
- Royal Greenland (for sourcing)
- Clearwater Seafoods (for sourcing)
- local fish markets in Scandinavia
- various European seafood distributors
- Ocean Choice International
Codes often confused with 0306.35
Common mistake. Cold-water prawns are most often misclassified under HS code 0306.36, which is the category for 'other' live, fresh, or chilled shrimps and prawns (typically warm-water species like Penaeus spp.). Another common error is using 0306.16, which is the code for frozen cold-water prawns. It is critical to identify the species correctly; if the prawn is not Pandalus spp. or Crangon crangon, it cannot be classified under 0306.35 regardless of the water temperature where it was caught.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030635 (the code used for fresh cold-water prawns), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030635 (the code used for fresh cold-water prawns) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 28% 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 030635, not only fresh cold-water prawns.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $69M 37% of world exports
- 2 Germany $38M 20% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $29M 16% of world exports
World total: $187M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $41M 28% of world imports
- 2 Morocco $32M 22% of world imports
- 3 Germany $16M 11% of world imports
World total: $147M 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 cold-water prawns
Brazil classifies fresh cold-water prawns under NCM 0306.35.00: HS 0306.35 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh cold-water prawns
What is the HS code for Fresh cold-water prawns?
The HS code for Fresh cold-water prawns is 030635 (Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, cold-water shrimps and prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon), in shell or not). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled cold-water prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon) is 0306.35.
How do I classify Fresh cold-water prawns for customs?
Fresh cold-water prawns is classified under HS code 030635 — Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, cold-water shrimps and prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon), in shell or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include warm-water tiger prawns?
No, tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon) are warm-water species and are classified under HS code 0306.36 if fresh or chilled.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh cold-water prawns (HS 030635)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030635 (the code used for fresh cold-water prawns) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($69M, 37% of world exports), Germany ($38M) and Denmark ($29M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of fresh cold-water prawns (HS 030635)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030635 (the code used for fresh cold-water prawns) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($41M, 28% of world imports), Morocco ($32M) and Germany ($16M). World imports came to about $147M, 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 cold-water prawns the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030635 for Fresh cold-water prawns 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 cold-water prawns in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh cold-water prawns (HS 030635) is classified under NCM 0306.35.00.