Product classification
HS code for Frozen cuttlefish: 0307.43
Molluscs, cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, frozen.
Classification of frozen cuttlefish under HS 0307.43
Frozen cuttlefish and squid are classified under HS code 0307.43 within the Harmonized System's nomenclature. This code falls under Chapter 3, which encompasses fish and various aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0307 is dedicated to molluscs, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The specific subheading 0307.43 is designated for cuttlefish and squid that have undergone a freezing process for preservation. This classification is vital for international trade as it distinguishes frozen molluscs from those that are live, fresh, or chilled (0307.42). The determination for this code relies on the physical state of the product (frozen) and its biological classification as a mollusc of the cuttlefish or squid variety. It includes whole specimens as well as parts, such as tubes or tentacles, provided they have not been further prepared or preserved beyond the processes allowed in Chapter 3, such as simple freezing. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the cuttlefish is in its shell or has been cleaned and de-shelled prior to freezing.
- Covers
- Frozen whole cuttlefish
- Frozen squid tubes
- Frozen squid tentacles
- Frozen cuttlefish fillets (unprocessed)
- Frozen squid rings (not breaded)
- Also under 0307.43
- Pescanova Frozen Squid Rings
- Trident Seafoods Frozen Calamari
- Goya Frozen Cuttlefish
- Kirkland Signature Frozen Squid
Codes often confused with 0307.43
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs between 0307.43 (frozen) and 0307.42 (live, fresh, or chilled). Temperature control during transport is the deciding factor. Furthermore, if the cuttlefish or squid has been breaded, battered, or pre-cooked (other than simple steaming/boiling in shell), it must be classified under heading 1605. Another point of confusion is with other molluscs like octopus (0307.52) or scallops (0307.22). It is essential to identify the specific genus and species to ensure the correct subheading is applied within heading 0307.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030743 (the code used for frozen cuttlefish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030743 (the code used for frozen cuttlefish) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% 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 030743, not only frozen cuttlefish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.6B 19% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$1.1B 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $803M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $8.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.7B 21% of world imports
- 2 Spain $1.5B 18% of world imports
- 3 Italy $808M 9.9% of world imports
World total: $8.2B 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 cuttlefish
Brazil splits HS 0307.43 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0307.43.10Frozen squid
- 0307.43.20Frozen cuttlefish
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen cuttlefish
What is the HS code for Frozen cuttlefish?
The HS code for Frozen cuttlefish is 030743 (Molluscs; cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, frozen). The HS code for frozen cuttlefish and squid is 0307.43. This code covers both whole and cleaned versions of these molluscs provided they are frozen.
How do I classify Frozen cuttlefish for customs?
Frozen cuttlefish is classified under HS code 030743 — Molluscs; cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, frozen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are frozen breaded squid rings classified under 0307.43?
No, breaded or battered squid rings are considered prepared food and are classified under HS code 1605.54. Code 0307.43 is reserved for raw, frozen products without added ingredients.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen cuttlefish (HS 030743)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030743 (the code used for frozen cuttlefish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 19% of world exports), Peru (about $1.1B) and India ($803M). World exports came to about $8.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of frozen cuttlefish (HS 030743)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030743 (the code used for frozen cuttlefish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 21% of world imports), Spain ($1.5B) and Italy ($808M). World imports came to about $8.2B, 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 cuttlefish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030743 for Frozen cuttlefish 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 cuttlefish in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030743 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for frozen cuttlefish depends on the product's details: 0307.43.10 (Frozen squid), 0307.43.20 (Frozen cuttlefish).