Product classification
HS code for Frozen crustaceans: 0306.19
Crustaceans, frozen, n.e.c. in item no. 0306.1, 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 crustaceans under HS 0306.19
The classification of frozen crustaceans under HS code 0306.19 is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Chapter 3 covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0306 specifically applies to crustaceans, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The subheading 0306.19 is a residual category for frozen crustaceans that are not specifically enumerated in other subheadings of 0306.1, such as rock lobsters, lobsters, crabs, Norway lobsters, or shrimps and prawns. This classification includes products that have been frozen to preserve their quality during transport and storage. It also encompasses crustaceans that have been smoked, or cooked by steaming or boiling in water before or during the smoking process, provided they remain in shell. The inclusion of "n.e.c." (not elsewhere classified) ensures that less common species or specific preparations not covered by 0306.11 through 0306.17 fall into this category. The primary factor for this code is the preservation state (frozen) and the biological classification (crustacean) without being a more specific species listed elsewhere in the 0306.1 series.
- Covers
- Frozen mantis shrimp
- Frozen krill
- Frozen barnacles
- Frozen slipper lobsters
- Frozen smoked crustaceans (in shell)
- Frozen steamed or boiled crustaceans (in shell)
- Also under 0306.19
- Red Lobster (for sourcing)
- Sysco (distributor)
- various regional seafood processors
- Thai Union (for diverse seafood)
- Pacific Seafood
Codes often confused with 0306.19
Common mistake. A frequent error involves confusing 0306.19 with 0306.17, which is specifically for frozen shrimps and prawns. Importers often use the general code when a more specific species code is available. Another major area of confusion is Chapter 16, specifically 1605. If the crustaceans are cooked and shelled, or prepared as a meal, they must be classified under 1605 rather than 0306. Additionally, if the product is fresh or chilled rather than frozen, it belongs in the 0306.3 series. Distinguishing between simple preservation (freezing) and further preparation (breading, seasoning, or removing shells after cooking) is critical for correct code selection.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030619 (the code used for frozen crustaceans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030619 (the code used for frozen crustaceans) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 23% 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 030619, not only frozen crustaceans.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $10M 15% of world exports
- 2 Spain $9.3M 14% of world exports
- 3 New Zealand $7.2M 11% of world exports
World total: $66M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $47M 23% of world imports
- 2 China $33M 16% of world imports
- 3 United States $27M 13% of world imports
World total: $204M 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 codes for frozen crustaceans
Brazil splits HS 0306.19 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0306.19.10Frozen Antarctic krill
- 0306.19.90Other frozen crustaceans
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen crustaceans
What is the HS code for Frozen crustaceans?
The HS code for Frozen crustaceans is 030619 (Crustaceans; frozen, n.e.c. in item no. 0306.1, 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 crustaceans not elsewhere classified is 0306.19. This includes various species that do not have their own specific subheadings under the frozen category.
How do I classify Frozen crustaceans for customs?
Frozen crustaceans is classified under HS code 030619 — Crustaceans; frozen, n.e.c. in item no. 0306.1, 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 cooked crustaceans be classified under 0306.19?
Yes, but only if they are cooked by steaming or boiling in water while still in their shells and then frozen. If they are shelled after cooking or prepared with other ingredients, they move to heading 1605.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen crustaceans (HS 030619)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030619 (the code used for frozen crustaceans) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($10M, 15% of world exports), Spain ($9.3M) and New Zealand ($7.2M). World exports came to about $66M, 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 crustaceans (HS 030619)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030619 (the code used for frozen crustaceans) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($47M, 23% of world imports), China ($33M) and the United States ($27M). World imports came to about $204M, 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 crustaceans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030619 for Frozen crustaceans 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 crustaceans in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030619 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for frozen crustaceans depends on the product's details: 0306.19.10 (Frozen Antarctic krill), 0306.19.90 (Other frozen crustaceans).