Product classification
HS code for Fresh crab: 0306.33
Crustaceans, live, fresh or chilled, crabs, whether in shell or not.
Classification of fresh crab under HS 0306.33
Fresh crab is classified under HS code 0306.33, which falls within Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System. This chapter is dedicated to fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0306 specifically covers crustaceans, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The subheading 0306.33 is reserved for crabs that are presented in a live, fresh, or chilled state. This classification is determined by General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, which dictate that products are classified according to the terms of the headings and subheadings. To qualify for this code, the crab must not have been cooked, frozen, or preserved beyond simple chilling. Chilling refers to the process of reducing the temperature of the product to near 0°C without freezing it. This distinction is vital for international trade, as it separates highly perishable fresh seafood from processed or frozen alternatives, which are subject to different tariff rates and sanitary regulations.
- Covers
- Live Blue crabs
- Fresh King crabs (not frozen)
- Chilled Snow crabs
- Live Dungeness crabs
- Fresh Mud crabs
- Chilled Soft-shell crabs
- Also under 0306.33
- Alaskan King Crab Co.
- Joe's Crab Shack (for sourcing)
- Maryland Blue Crab
- Pacific Seafood
- Red Lobster (for sourcing)
Codes often confused with 0306.33
Common mistake. A frequent error is confusing fresh crab (0306.33) with frozen crab, which is classified under HS code 0306.14. The physical state of the product—whether it has been frozen below its freezing point—is the deciding factor. Another common misclassification occurs with prepared or preserved crab meat, such as canned or pasteurized crab, which falls under HS code 1605.10. If the crab has been boiled or steamed before shipment, it must be moved to Chapter 16, even if it is currently chilled.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030633 (the code used for fresh crab), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030633 (the code used for fresh crab) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 70% 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 030633, not only fresh crab.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$1.5B 58% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Vietnam* ~$161M 6.4% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Indonesia $120M 4.8% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.9B 70% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $318M 12% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $70M 2.6% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 fresh crab
Brazil classifies fresh crab under NCM 0306.33.00: HS 0306.33 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh crab
What is the HS code for Fresh crab?
The HS code for Fresh crab is 030633 (Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, crabs, whether in shell or not). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled crab is 0306.33.
How do I classify Fresh crab for customs?
Fresh crab is classified under HS code 030633 — Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, crabs, whether in shell or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 0306.33 and 0306.14?
HS code 0306.33 is for live, fresh, or chilled crabs, while 0306.14 is specifically for crabs that have been frozen.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh crab (HS 030633)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030633 (the code used for fresh crab) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $1.5B, 58% of world exports), Vietnam (about $161M) and Indonesia ($120M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 crab (HS 030633)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030633 (the code used for fresh crab) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 70% of world imports), South Korea ($318M) and Hong Kong ($70M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 crab the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030633 for Fresh crab 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 crab in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh crab (HS 030633) is classified under NCM 0306.33.00.