Product classification
HS code for Frozen cooked lobster: 0306.12
Crustaceans, frozen, lobsters (Homarus spp.), 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 lobster under HS 0306.12
Frozen lobsters of the genus Homarus are classified under HS code 0306.12. This genus specifically includes the American lobster (Homarus americanus) and the European lobster (Homarus gammarus). These are the "true" lobsters characterized by their large, meat-filled claws. The classification is strictly defined by the biological genus. If the lobster is a rock lobster or a spiny lobster (which belong to the genera Palinurus, Panulirus, or Jasus), it must be classified under 0306.11 instead. The product can be imported whole, as tails, or as meat, provided it is frozen. The rules for Chapter 3 allow for the lobster to be cooked by steaming or boiling in water while in the shell before freezing. This is a common way to process lobster for the retail and food service sectors. If the lobster is prepared in any other way—such as being cooked out of the shell, or being part of a prepared meal with sauces—it moves to Chapter 16. Accurate classification is vital because Homarus lobsters are high-value commodities often subject to specific size limits, conservation regulations, and varying duty rates depending on the country of origin and trade agreements.
- Covers
- Frozen whole American lobster (Homarus americanus)
- Frozen European lobster tails (Homarus gammarus)
- Frozen lobster claws (Homarus spp.)
- Frozen lobster meat (raw or cooked in-shell)
- Also under 0306.12
- Maine Lobster
- Canadian Atlantic Lobster
- Brittany Lobster
- Norwegian Lobster.
Codes often confused with 0306.12
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using 0306.11, which is reserved for rock lobsters and spiny lobsters. These species do not have the large claws characteristic of the Homarus genus. Another common error is using 1605.30, which is for prepared or preserved lobster. If the lobster meat is removed from the shell and then cooked, or if it is preserved in a way other than freezing (like canning), it belongs in 1605.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030612 (the code used for frozen cooked lobster), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030612 (the code used for frozen cooked lobster) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 79% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 63% 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 030612, not only frozen cooked lobster.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $876M 79% of world exports
- 2 United States $68M 6.1% of world exports
- 3 Egypt $42M 3.7% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $643M 63% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $45M 4.4% of world imports
- 3 Spain $45M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 cooked lobster
Brazil classifies frozen cooked lobster under NCM 0306.12.00: HS 0306.12 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 lobster
What is the HS code for Frozen cooked lobster?
The HS code for Frozen cooked lobster is 030612 (Crustaceans; frozen, lobsters (Homarus spp.), 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 lobsters of the genus Homarus (cooked in-shell) is 0306.12.
How do I classify Frozen cooked lobster for customs?
Frozen cooked lobster is classified under HS code 030612 — Crustaceans; frozen, lobsters (Homarus spp.), 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.
Is frozen lobster tail classified under 0306.12?
Yes, as long as the tail is from a Homarus species and is frozen. If it is a spiny lobster tail, it would be 0306.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen cooked lobster (HS 030612)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030612 (the code used for frozen cooked lobster) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($876M, 79% of world exports), the United States ($68M) and Egypt ($42M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 lobster (HS 030612)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030612 (the code used for frozen cooked lobster) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($643M, 63% of world imports), South Korea ($45M) and Spain ($45M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 lobster the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030612 for Frozen cooked 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 frozen cooked lobster in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen cooked lobster (HS 030612) is classified under NCM 0306.12.00.