Product classification
HS code for Fresh rock lobster: 0306.31
Crustaceans, live, fresh or chilled, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), in shell or not.
Classification of fresh rock lobster under HS 0306.31
Fresh rock lobster is classified under HS code 0306.31. This classification falls under Chapter 3 (Fish and Crustaceans) and heading 0306, which covers crustaceans. Subheading 0306.31 is specifically dedicated to rock lobsters and other sea crawfish belonging to the genera Palinurus, Panulirus, and Jasus. These are distinguished from "true" lobsters (Homarus spp.) by their lack of large claws and their spiny shells. The classification is determined by the state of the product (live, fresh, or chilled) and its biological genus. Under GRI 1, the specific mention of rock lobsters in the subheading text provides the primary basis for classification. If the lobster is fresh and belongs to the specified genera, it must be placed here rather than under the general lobster or frozen categories.
- Covers
- Live Spiny lobsters (Panulirus argus)
- Fresh chilled Rock lobster tails (raw)
- Live Painted rock lobsters
- Chilled sea crawfish (Jasus lalandii)
- Whole fresh rock lobster on ice
- Also under 0306.31
- Western Rock Lobster Council (Australia)
- Clearwater Seafoods
- various high-end seafood distributors
- Whole Foods Market
- Luke's Lobster
Codes often confused with 0306.31
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying rock lobster under HS code 0306.32, which is specifically for lobsters of the genus Homarus (such as Maine or European lobsters). Another common misclassification is HS code 0306.11, which is used for frozen rock lobsters. It is vital to distinguish between the biological genus and the state of preservation (fresh vs. frozen) to ensure the correct duty rates and regulatory compliance are applied.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030631 (the code used for fresh rock lobster), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030631 (the code used for fresh rock lobster) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 88% 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 030631, not only fresh rock lobster.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$768M 46% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Australia $482M 29% of world exports
- 3 New Zealand $169M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.5B 88% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$57M 3.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Hong Kong $47M 2.8% 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 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 rock lobster
Brazil classifies fresh rock lobster under NCM 0306.31.00: HS 0306.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh rock lobster
What is the HS code for Fresh rock lobster?
The HS code for Fresh rock lobster is 030631 (Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), in shell or not). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled rock lobster (Palinurus, Panulirus, and Jasus spp.) is 0306.31.
How do I classify Fresh rock lobster for customs?
Fresh rock lobster is classified under HS code 030631 — Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), in shell or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does rock lobster differ from regular lobster in the HS system?
Rock lobsters (0306.31) are clawless spiny lobsters of specific genera, while regular lobsters (0306.32) refer to the Homarus genus, which typically possesses large claws.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh rock lobster (HS 030631)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030631 (the code used for fresh rock lobster) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $768M, 46% of world exports), Australia ($482M) and New Zealand ($169M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of fresh rock lobster (HS 030631)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030631 (the code used for fresh rock lobster) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 88% of world imports), Vietnam (about $57M) and Hong Kong ($47M). 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 rock lobster the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030631 for Fresh rock 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 rock lobster in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh rock lobster (HS 030631) is classified under NCM 0306.31.00.