Product classification
HS code for Frozen cold-water shrimp: 0306.16
Crustaceans, frozen, cold-water shrimps and prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon), in shell or not, smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking, in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water.
Classification of frozen cold-water shrimp under HS 0306.16
Frozen cold-water shrimp and prawns are classified under HS code 0306.16. This code specifically targets the species Pandalus spp. and Crangon crangon. These species are typically found in the colder waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. The classification applies whether the shrimp are in shell or not. A unique aspect of heading 0306 is that it includes crustaceans that have been cooked by steaming or boiling in water while still in their shells before being frozen. This is a common commercial practice for cold-water shrimp. The HS system distinguishes between cold-water and warm-water species because they represent different market segments and biological origins. Accurate classification is vital for adhering to quotas and environmental regulations that may apply specifically to northern shrimp fisheries.
- Covers
- Frozen Pandalus borealis (Northern shrimp)
- Frozen Crangon crangon (Common shrimp) in shell
- Frozen peeled cold-water prawns
- Cooked and then frozen cold-water shrimp (in shell)
- Also under 0306.16
- Royal Greenland
- Clearwater Seafoods
- Ocean Choice International
- High Liner Foods
- Espersen
Codes often confused with 0306.16
Common mistake. Frozen cold-water shrimp are often misclassified under HS code 0306.17, which is the category for "other" frozen shrimps and prawns, primarily warm-water species like Vannamei or Black Tiger shrimp. Another error involves HS code 1605.21, which is for shrimp that are prepared or preserved (e.g., peeled and cooked shrimp that are not in shell). If the shrimp are cooked and peeled before freezing, they move to Chapter 16.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030616 (the code used for frozen cold-water shrimp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030616 (the code used for frozen cold-water shrimp) in UN Comtrade data was Greenland, with about 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 030616, not only frozen cold-water shrimp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Greenland* ~$380M 23% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Denmark $330M 20% of world exports
- 3 Canada $210M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $441M 31% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $242M 17% of world imports
- 3 Morocco $122M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 codes for frozen cold-water shrimp
Brazil splits HS 0306.16 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0306.16.10Frozen whole cold-water shrimps and prawns
- 0306.16.90Frozen cold-water shrimps and prawns, not whole
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen cold-water shrimp
What is the HS code for Frozen cold-water shrimp?
The HS code for Frozen cold-water shrimp is 030616 (Crustaceans; frozen, cold-water shrimps and prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon), in shell or not, smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking; in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water). The HS code for frozen cold-water shrimps and prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon) is 0306.16.
How do I classify Frozen cold-water shrimp for customs?
Frozen cold-water shrimp is classified under HS code 030616 — Crustaceans; frozen, cold-water shrimps and prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon), in shell or not, smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking; in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can shrimp be cooked and still fall under 0306.16?
Yes, but only if they are cooked by steaming or boiling in water while still in the shell. If they are peeled and then cooked, they are classified in heading 1605.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen cold-water shrimp (HS 030616)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030616 (the code used for frozen cold-water shrimp) in UN Comtrade data were Greenland (about $380M, 23% of world exports), Denmark ($330M) and Canada ($210M). 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 frozen cold-water shrimp (HS 030616)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030616 (the code used for frozen cold-water shrimp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($441M, 31% of world imports), Denmark ($242M) and Morocco ($122M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 cold-water shrimp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030616 for Frozen cold-water shrimp 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 cold-water shrimp in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030616 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for frozen cold-water shrimp depends on the product's details: 0306.16.10 (Frozen whole cold-water shrimps and prawns), 0306.16.90 (Frozen cold-water shrimps and prawns, not whole).