Product classification
HS code for Frozen ark shells: 0307.72
Molluscs, clams, cockles, ark shells (Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae and Veneridae), whether in shell or not, frozen.
Classification of frozen ark shells under HS 0307.72
The classification of frozen ark shells under HS code 0307.72 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Specifically, GRI 1 states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 3 covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0307 is dedicated to molluscs, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Within this heading, the 0307.7x series specifically addresses clams, cockles, and ark shells belonging to families such as Arcidae. The subheading 0307.72 is reserved for these specific molluscs when they are presented in a frozen state. This classification applies regardless of whether the shells are intact or if the meat has been removed, provided no further processing, such as smoking or cooking beyond simple steaming in the shell, has occurred. The product must remain in its natural state, preserved only by freezing, to qualify for this specific code.
- Covers
- Frozen whole ark shells (Arcidae family)
- Frozen ark shell meat (shucked)
- Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) blood clams
- Frozen Scapharca subcrenata
- Frozen Anadara broughtonii
- Also under 0307.72
- Gorton's Frozen Clam Strips
- PanaPesca Frozen Clams
- Trader Joe's Frozen Cooked Clams
- Ocean Garden Frozen Cockles
Codes often confused with 0307.72
Common mistake. Frozen ark shells are frequently misclassified under HS code 0307.71, which is reserved for live, fresh, or chilled clams, cockles, and ark shells. The distinction lies entirely in the method of preservation; once the product is frozen, it must move to 0307.72. Another common error is using HS code 1605.56. This code is for prepared or preserved molluscs. If the ark shells have been boiled in water (outside of the shell), canned, or preserved in vinegar or oil, they are no longer considered raw frozen products and must be classified under Chapter 16. Additionally, 0307.79 is sometimes used, but this is a residual category for dried, salted, or smoked versions, not frozen ones.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030772 (the code used for frozen ark shells), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030772 (the code used for frozen ark shells) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% 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 030772, not only frozen ark shells.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $81M 39% of world exports
- 2 China $49M 23% of world exports
- 3 Spain $22M 10% of world exports
World total: $208M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $55M 25% of world imports
- 2 Japan $50M 23% of world imports
- 3 Spain $22M 10% of world imports
World total: $219M 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 frozen ark shells
Brazil classifies frozen ark shells under NCM 0307.72.00: HS 0307.72 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen ark shells
What is the HS code for Frozen ark shells?
The HS code for Frozen ark shells is 030772 (Molluscs; clams, cockles, ark shells (Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae and Veneridae), whether in shell or not, frozen). The correct HS code for frozen ark shells is 0307.72, which covers frozen clams, cockles, and ark shells.
How do I classify Frozen ark shells for customs?
Frozen ark shells is classified under HS code 030772 — Molluscs; clams, cockles, ark shells (Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae and Veneridae), whether in shell or not, frozen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include ark shells that have been cooked?
No, if the ark shells have been fully cooked or prepared, they should be classified under HS code 1605.56. However, molluscs that are steamed or boiled in their shells as a part of the freezing process may still fall under 0307.72.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen ark shells (HS 030772)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030772 (the code used for frozen ark shells) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($81M, 39% of world exports), China ($49M) and Spain ($22M). World exports came to about $208M, 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 frozen ark shells (HS 030772)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030772 (the code used for frozen ark shells) in UN Comtrade data were China ($55M, 25% of world imports), Japan ($50M) and Spain ($22M). World imports came to about $219M, 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 Frozen ark shells the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030772 for Frozen ark shells 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 frozen ark shells in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen ark shells (HS 030772) is classified under NCM 0307.72.00.