Product classification
HS code for Fresh mussels: 0307.31
Molluscs, mussels (Mytilus spp., Perna spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of fresh mussels under HS 0307.31
Fresh mussels are classified under HS code 0307.31. This classification is governed by the rules of Chapter 3, which covers fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0307 is dedicated specifically to molluscs. Within this heading, mussels belonging to the genera Mytilus and Perna are explicitly identified. The subheading 0307.31 applies to these mussels when they are presented in a live, fresh, or chilled state. This includes mussels still in their shells or those that have been shucked (removed from the shell). The primary requirement for this code is that the product has not been frozen, dried, salted, or cooked. Chilling involves reducing the temperature to approximately 0°C to maintain freshness during transport without reaching the freezing point. This classification is determined by GRI 1 (terms of the heading) and GRI 6 (terms of the subheading), ensuring that the specific genus and the fresh state are the primary factors for identification.
- Covers
- Live Blue Mussels (Mytilus edulis)
- Fresh Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)
- Chilled Green-lipped Mussels (Perna canaliculus)
- Live Perna perna mussels
- Shucked fresh mussel meat (not frozen)
- Mussels in shell, chilled on ice
- Also under 0307.31
- Prince Edward Island Mussels
- New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels
- Penn Cove Mussels
- Bouchot Mussels
Codes often confused with 0307.31
Common mistake. Fresh mussels are most frequently misclassified with frozen mussels, which fall under HS code 0307.32. Another common mistake is using 1605.53, which is reserved for mussels that have been prepared or preserved (e.g., cooked, smoked, or canned in brine). It is also important to distinguish between the genera Mytilus/Perna and other molluscs; if the species is not one of these two, it may fall under the residual "other" category in 0307.91. Importers must ensure the product has not undergone any heat treatment, as even partial cooking can change the classification to Chapter 16.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030731 (the code used for fresh mussels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030731 (the code used for fresh mussels) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 45% 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 030731, not only fresh mussels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $169M 45% of world exports
- 2 Spain $60M 16% of world exports
- 3 Canada $32M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $375M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $99M 28% of world imports
- 2 Italy $53M 15% of world imports
- 3 France $52M 15% of world imports
World total: $354M 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 mussels
Brazil classifies fresh mussels under NCM 0307.31.00: HS 0307.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh mussels
What is the HS code for Fresh mussels?
The HS code for Fresh mussels is 030731 (Molluscs; mussels (Mytilus spp., Perna spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled mussels (Mytilus spp., Perna spp.) is 0307.31.
How do I classify Fresh mussels for customs?
Fresh mussels is classified under HS code 030731 — Molluscs; mussels (Mytilus spp., Perna spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can shucked mussels be classified under 0307.31?
Yes, as long as the mussel meat is fresh or chilled and has not been frozen or cooked, it remains under 0307.31 regardless of whether the shell is present.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh mussels (HS 030731)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030731 (the code used for fresh mussels) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($169M, 45% of world exports), Spain ($60M) and Canada ($32M). World exports came to about $375M, 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 mussels (HS 030731)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030731 (the code used for fresh mussels) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($99M, 28% of world imports), Italy ($53M) and France ($52M). World imports came to about $354M, 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 mussels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030731 for Fresh mussels 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 mussels in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh mussels (HS 030731) is classified under NCM 0307.31.00.