Product classification
HS code for Frozen 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 crab under HS 0306.14
Frozen crab is classified under HS code 0306.14. This code covers all species of crabs that have been preserved by freezing. Similar to other crustaceans in heading 0306, the crabs can be in shell or out of shell. The classification also permits the crabs to be smoked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water (while in shell) prior to the freezing process. This code is broad and includes major commercial species such as King crab, Snow crab, and Blue crab. The distinction between frozen and prepared crab is a major factor in international trade, as processed crab meat (like canned crab) is subject to different regulations. Accurate classification under 0306.14 is necessary for the application of specific duties and for compliance with seafood safety standards required by importing nations.
- Covers
- Frozen King crab legs and claws
- Frozen whole Snow crab
- Frozen Blue crab meat (raw)
- Frozen Dungeness crab, cooked in shell
- 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. Frozen crab is frequently misclassified under HS code 1605.10, which is for prepared or preserved crab (such as canned crab meat or crab cakes). It is also often confused with HS code 0306.33, which applies to live, fresh, or chilled crabs. Importers must also ensure they do not use 0306.19, which is for other frozen crustaceans like crawfish, as crabs have their own specific subheading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030614 (the code used for frozen crab), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030614 (the code used for frozen 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 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 crab
Brazil classifies frozen 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 crab
What is the HS code for Frozen crab?
The HS code for Frozen 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 crabs, whether in shell or not, is 0306.14.
How do I classify Frozen crab for customs?
Frozen 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.
Is frozen crab meat without the shell still 0306.14?
Yes, frozen crab meat that is raw or was cooked in the shell before being extracted and frozen remains under 0306.14. However, if it is further prepared, it moves to 1605.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen crab (HS 030614)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030614 (the code used for frozen 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 crab (HS 030614)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030614 (the code used for frozen 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 crab the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030614 for Frozen 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 crab in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen crab (HS 030614) is classified under NCM 0306.14.00.