Product classification
HS code for Fresh lobster: 0306.32
Crustaceans, live, fresh or chilled, lobsters (Homarus spp.), whether in shell or not.
Classification of fresh lobster under HS 0306.32
Fresh lobster of the genus Homarus is classified under HS code 0306.32. This classification is found in Chapter 3 (Fish and Crustaceans). Heading 0306 covers crustaceans, and the subheading 0306.32 specifically targets the Homarus species, which includes the American lobster (Homarus americanus) and the European lobster (Homarus gammarus). The classification criteria focus on the genus of the crustacean and its state of preservation. To qualify for 0306.32, the lobster must be live, fresh, or chilled. This code is used by customs authorities to monitor the trade of these high-value marine resources and to enforce size and seasonal restrictions. It is important to note that the presence or absence of the shell does not change the heading, provided the lobster is not cooked (except for steaming or boiling in shell in specific circumstances) or frozen. The distinction between "fresh" and "frozen" is a primary factor in determining the correct 6-digit subheading.
- Covers
- Live American lobsters
- Live European lobsters
- Fresh lobster meat, chilled
- Whole fresh lobsters on ice
- Chilled lobster claws and tails
- Also under 0306.32
- Clearwater Seafoods
- Luke's Lobster
- Lobster Place
- Boston Lobster Company
- Fisherman's Wharf
Codes often confused with 0306.32
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0306.31, which is reserved for rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.). These are biologically different from the Homarus genus. Another error is using 0306.34 for langoustines (Norway lobsters). Additionally, if the lobster has been frozen, it must be classified under 0306.12. Importers must also be careful not to use 1605.30, which is for prepared or preserved lobster (such as canned or highly processed lobster meat), as 0306.32 is strictly for the raw, fresh, or chilled state.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030632 (the code used for fresh lobster), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030632 (the code used for fresh lobster) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% 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 030632, not only fresh lobster.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $799M 52% of world exports
- 2 United States $550M 36% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $67M 4.3% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $550M 32% of world imports
- 2 United States $420M 25% of world imports
- 3 Canada $238M 14% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 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 lobster
Brazil classifies fresh lobster under NCM 0306.32.00: HS 0306.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh lobster
What is the HS code for Fresh lobster?
The HS code for Fresh lobster is 030632 (Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, lobsters (Homarus spp.), whether in shell or not). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled lobsters of the genus Homarus is 0306.32.
How do I classify Fresh lobster for customs?
Fresh lobster is classified under HS code 030632 — Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, lobsters (Homarus spp.), whether in shell or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include spiny lobsters?
No, spiny lobsters or rock lobsters are classified under HS code 0306.31, as they belong to different genera than the Homarus lobster.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh lobster (HS 030632)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030632 (the code used for fresh lobster) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($799M, 52% of world exports), the United States ($550M) and the United Kingdom ($67M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 lobster (HS 030632)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030632 (the code used for fresh lobster) in UN Comtrade data were China ($550M, 32% of world imports), the United States ($420M) and Canada ($238M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 lobster the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030632 for Fresh lobster 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 lobster in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh lobster (HS 030632) is classified under NCM 0306.32.00.