Product classification
HS code for Fresh octopus: 0307.51
Molluscs, octopus (Octopus spp.), live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of fresh octopus under HS 0307.51
Fresh octopus is classified under HS code 0307.51. As part of Chapter 3, which covers aquatic animals, heading 0307 includes various types of molluscs. Subheading 0307.51 specifically targets the genus Octopus spp. in its live, fresh, or chilled state. Classification is straightforward based on the biological identification of the species and the preservation state at the time of import. "Fresh or chilled" implies that the product's temperature has been reduced to around 0°C (32°F) to prevent spoilage without actually freezing the tissue. The integrity of the product as "unprocessed" (other than cleaning, gutting, or chilling) is vital for this specific code. If the octopus is subjected to freezing, it must be moved to a different subheading. This classification follows the General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, which prioritize the specific naming of the genus Octopus within the mollusc heading and the distinction of its physical state.
- Covers
- Live Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
- Fresh chilled octopus tentacles
- Whole fresh octopus, cleaned
- Live baby octopus
- Chilled octopus (Octopus spp.) on ice
- Fresh octopus, skin-on or skinless (not cooked)
- Also under 0307.51
- Moroccan Octopus
- Spanish Octopus
- Galician Octopus
- Mediterranean Octopus
Codes often confused with 0307.51
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for fresh octopus is HS code 0307.52, which is the designated code for frozen octopus. Additionally, if the octopus has been dried, salted, or placed in brine, it falls under 0307.59. Another significant error involves prepared octopus; if the octopus has been boiled, grilled, or preserved in oil or vinegar, it must be classified under heading 1605.55. Importers must also be careful not to confuse octopus with squid or cuttlefish, which are classified under heading 0307.41 (fresh) or 0307.43 (frozen).
Top exporters and importers of HS 030751 (the code used for fresh octopus), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030751 (the code used for fresh octopus) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 53% 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 030751, not only fresh octopus.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $113M 49% of world exports
- 2 Spain $47M 20% of world exports
- 3 France $39M 17% of world exports
World total: $231M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $129M 53% of world imports
- 2 Italy $41M 17% of world imports
- 3 Spain $28M 11% of world imports
World total: $244M 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 octopus
Brazil classifies fresh octopus under NCM 0307.51.00: HS 0307.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh octopus
What is the HS code for Fresh octopus?
The HS code for Fresh octopus is 030751 (Molluscs; octopus (Octopus spp.), live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled octopus (Octopus spp.) is 0307.51.
How do I classify Fresh octopus for customs?
Fresh octopus is classified under HS code 030751 — Molluscs; octopus (Octopus spp.), live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 0307.51 include octopus that has been cleaned?
Yes, basic cleaning, such as removing the beak or viscera, does not change the classification as long as the octopus remains fresh or chilled and is not cooked or frozen.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh octopus (HS 030751)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030751 (the code used for fresh octopus) in UN Comtrade data were China ($113M, 49% of world exports), Spain ($47M) and France ($39M). World exports came to about $231M, 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 octopus (HS 030751)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030751 (the code used for fresh octopus) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($129M, 53% of world imports), Italy ($41M) and Spain ($28M). World imports came to about $244M, 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 octopus the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030751 for Fresh octopus 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 octopus in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh octopus (HS 030751) is classified under NCM 0307.51.00.