Product classification
HS code for Fresh squid: 0307.42
Molluscs, cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of fresh squid under HS 0307.42
Fresh squid is classified under HS code 030742. This classification is situated within Chapter 3 (Fish and aquatic invertebrates) and specifically under heading 0307, which covers molluscs, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Subheading 030742 is dedicated to cuttlefish and squid that are presented live, fresh, or chilled. This includes various species of the families Loliginidae, Ommastrephidae, and others commonly traded as squid or calamari. The classification applies regardless of whether the squid is whole or has been cleaned (tentacles and tubes separated), provided it has not been frozen or cooked. The distinction between fresh/chilled and frozen is a primary factor in determining the correct code, as frozen variants move to 030743. Accurate classification is necessary for adhering to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures that vary significantly between fresh and processed seafood.
- Covers
- Live squid for the aquarium trade or food market
- Fresh whole squid (calamari)
- Chilled squid tubes and tentacles
- Fresh cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis and related species)
- Chilled squid rings (unbreaded and uncooked)
- Also under 0307.42
- Monterey Bay Squid
- Patagonian Squid
- Spanish Cuttlefish
- Japanese Flying Squid
Codes often confused with 0307.42
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 030743, which is used for frozen squid. Importers often fail to update the code when shipping methods change from chilled to frozen. Another common error is using HS code 160554, which is for prepared or preserved squid (e.g., cooked, breaded, or canned). If the squid is dried or salted but not cooked, it should be classified under 030749.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030742 (the code used for fresh squid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030742 (the code used for fresh squid) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 35% 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 030742, not only fresh squid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $102M 26% of world exports
- 2 France $90M 23% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $30M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $387M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $137M 35% of world imports
- 2 Spain $80M 20% of world imports
- 3 France $34M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $397M 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 squid
Brazil classifies fresh squid under NCM 0307.42.00: HS 0307.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh squid
What is the HS code for Fresh squid?
The HS code for Fresh squid is 030742 (Molluscs; cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled squid and cuttlefish is 030742.
How do I classify Fresh squid for customs?
Fresh squid is classified under HS code 030742 — Molluscs; cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen calamari rings?
No, frozen calamari rings are classified under HS code 030743. If they are breaded, they fall under 160554.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh squid (HS 030742)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030742 (the code used for fresh squid) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($102M, 26% of world exports), France ($90M) and the Netherlands ($30M). World exports came to about $387M, 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 squid (HS 030742)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030742 (the code used for fresh squid) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($137M, 35% of world imports), Spain ($80M) and France ($34M). World imports came to about $397M, 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 squid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030742 for Fresh squid 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 squid in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh squid (HS 030742) is classified under NCM 0307.42.00.