Product classification
HS code for Frozen cooked crab: 0306.14
Crustaceans, frozen, crabs, 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 cooked crab under HS 0306.14
HS code 0306.14 is the specific classification for frozen crabs. This includes a wide variety of species such as King crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus), Snow crab (Chionoecetes spp.), and Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). The classification applies whether the crab is whole, in pieces (such as legs and claws), or as meat removed from the shell, as long as it is frozen. A critical aspect of this classification is the processing method. According to the Explanatory Notes for Chapter 3, crustaceans remain classified here even if they have been cooked by steaming or boiling in water while in the shell. This is the standard industry practice for frozen crab legs and clusters. However, the moment the crab meat is subjected to further preparation—such as being cooked after the shell has been removed, or being preserved in airtight containers with brine or vinegar—it must be classified under Chapter 16. For international trade, the distinction between 0306 (raw or simple boiled) and 1605 (prepared or preserved) is one of the most frequent points of dispute with customs authorities. The product must be frozen to fall under 0306.14; fresh, chilled, or live crabs are classified under 0306.33.
- Covers
- Frozen King crab legs and claws (cooked in-shell)
- Frozen Snow crab clusters
- Frozen whole cooked crabs
- Frozen raw crab meat or sections
- Also under 0306.14
- Alaskan King Crab
- Canadian Snow Crab
- Maryland Blue Crab
- Dungeness Crab from the Pacific Northwest.
Codes often confused with 0306.14
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 1605.10, which covers prepared or preserved crab. If crab meat is removed from the shell and then cooked, it must be classified under 1605.10. Another common error is using 0306.33, which is reserved for live, fresh, or chilled crabs. Importers must ensure the product state (frozen vs. fresh) and the cooking method (in-shell vs. out-of-shell) are clearly documented.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030614 (the code used for frozen cooked crab), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030614 (the code used for frozen cooked crab) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 53% 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 030614, not only frozen cooked crab.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $1.3B 44% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$565M 19% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Norway $241M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $3.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.6B 53% of world imports
- 2 Japan $430M 15% of world imports
- 3 China $225M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 frozen cooked crab
Brazil classifies frozen cooked crab under NCM 0306.14.00: HS 0306.14 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen cooked crab
What is the HS code for Frozen cooked crab?
The HS code for Frozen cooked crab is 030614 (Crustaceans; frozen, crabs, 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 cooked crab (cooked in-shell) is 0306.14.
How do I classify Frozen cooked crab for customs?
Frozen cooked crab is classified under HS code 030614 — Crustaceans; frozen, crabs, 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.
Does 0306.14 include crab meat without the shell?
Yes, 0306.14 can include crab meat removed from the shell, provided it is raw and frozen. If the meat was cooked after being removed from the shell, it moves to 1605.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen cooked crab (HS 030614)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030614 (the code used for frozen cooked crab) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($1.3B, 44% of world exports), Russia (about $565M) and Norway ($241M). World exports came to about $3.1B, 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 cooked crab (HS 030614)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030614 (the code used for frozen cooked crab) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 53% of world imports), Japan ($430M) and China ($225M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 cooked crab the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030614 for Frozen cooked crab 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 cooked crab in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen cooked crab (HS 030614) is classified under NCM 0306.14.00.