Product classification
HS code for Fresh prawns: 0306.36
Crustaceans, live, fresh or chilled, shrimps and prawns excluding cold-water varieties, in shell or not.
Classification of fresh prawns under HS 0306.36
Fresh prawns, specifically those that are not cold-water varieties, are classified under HS code 0306.36. Chapter 3 covers crustaceans, and heading 0306 includes crustaceans whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The subheading 0306.36 is designated for shrimps and prawns that are live, fresh, or chilled, excluding the cold-water species (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon). This classification relies on the species of the prawn and the state of preservation. Since the product is fresh or chilled and belongs to warm-water species like Tiger or King prawns, it fits perfectly into this category. The classification follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, ensuring that the specific species and the fresh state are the primary drivers for the 6-digit code selection.
- Covers
- Live Tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon)
- Fresh King prawns (Penaeus plebejus)
- Chilled Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
- Raw prawns in shell, chilled
- Raw peeled prawns, chilled
- Also under 0306.36
- CP Foods (for sourcing)
- Seajoy (for sourcing)
- local markets in Vietnam
- Thailand
- Ecuador
- various Asian seafood distributors
Codes often confused with 0306.36
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 0306.35, which is reserved for cold-water shrimps and prawns. Distinguishing between species is critical for correct entry. Another common error is using HS code 0306.17, which is for frozen shrimps and prawns. If the prawns have been cooked (e.g., boiled in water), they are classified under 0306.36 only if they remain in the shell; however, if they are cooked and peeled, they must be moved to HS code 1605.21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030636 (the code used for fresh prawns), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030636 (the code used for fresh prawns) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 36% 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 030636, not only fresh prawns.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $85M 15% of world exports
- 2 Spain $81M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $74M 13% of world exports
World total: $563M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $160M 36% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $33M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $30M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $443M 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 prawns
Brazil classifies fresh prawns under NCM 0306.36.00: HS 0306.36 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh prawns
What is the HS code for Fresh prawns?
The HS code for Fresh prawns is 030636 (Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, shrimps and prawns excluding cold-water varieties, in shell or not). The HS code for fresh or chilled warm-water prawns is 0306.36.
How do I classify Fresh prawns for customs?
Fresh prawns is classified under HS code 030636 — Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, shrimps and prawns excluding cold-water varieties, in shell or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 0306.35 and 0306.36?
Code 0306.35 is for cold-water species like Pandalus borealis, while 0306.36 is for all other species, typically warm-water varieties like Tiger or Vannamei prawns.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh prawns (HS 030636)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030636 (the code used for fresh prawns) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($85M, 15% of world exports), Spain ($81M) and China ($74M). World exports came to about $563M, 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 prawns (HS 030636)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030636 (the code used for fresh prawns) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($160M, 36% of world imports), Malaysia ($33M) and Singapore ($30M). World imports came to about $443M, 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 prawns the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030636 for Fresh 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 prawns in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh prawns (HS 030636) is classified under NCM 0306.36.00.