Product classification
HS code for Frozen langoustine: 0306.15
Crustaceans, frozen, Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus), 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 langoustine under HS 0306.15
Frozen langoustine, scientifically known as Nephrops norvegicus and often referred to as Norway lobster or Dublin Bay prawn, is classified under HS code 0306.15. This classification is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Specifically, heading 0306 applies to crustaceans, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The subheading 0306.15 is reserved for frozen Norway lobsters. To qualify for this code, the product must be frozen and may be in-shell or shelled. It can be raw or cooked by steaming or boiling in water before freezing. However, if the langoustine has been further prepared—such as being breaded, battered, or incorporated into a prepared meal—it would move out of Chapter 3 and into Chapter 16, which covers preparations of meat and fish.
- Covers
- Whole frozen Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus)
- Frozen langoustine tails (in shell)
- Frozen peeled langoustine meat (raw or boiled)
- Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) langoustines
- Bulk-packed frozen langoustines for industrial processing
- Also under 0306.15
- Young's Seafood (UK)
- Pescanova (Spain)
- Icelandic Seafarms
- M&J Seafood
- Ocean Beauty Seafoods
Codes often confused with 0306.15
Common mistake. Frozen langoustines are frequently misclassified under HS code 0306.12, which is specifically for lobsters of the Homarus species (such as American or European lobsters). While both are lobsters, the HS nomenclature distinguishes between genera. Another common error is using HS code 1605.30, which applies to lobster that has been prepared or preserved beyond simple steaming or boiling, such as langoustine thermidor or canned langoustine meat in sauce. Additionally, smaller langoustines are sometimes confused with shrimp or prawns under HS code 0306.17, but the biological classification as Nephrops norvegicus mandates the use of 0306.15.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030615 (the code used for frozen langoustine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030615 (the code used for frozen langoustine) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 36% 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 030615, not only frozen langoustine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $100M 25% of world exports
- 2 Ireland $77M 19% of world exports
- 3 France $67M 17% of world exports
World total: $395M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $136M 36% of world imports
- 2 France $90M 24% of world imports
- 3 Spain $48M 13% of world imports
World total: $375M 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 langoustine
Brazil classifies frozen langoustine under NCM 0306.15.00: HS 0306.15 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen langoustine
What is the HS code for Frozen langoustine?
The HS code for Frozen langoustine is 030615 (Crustaceans; frozen, Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus), in shell or not, smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking; in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water). The specific HS code for frozen langoustine (Norway lobster) is 0306.15.
How do I classify Frozen langoustine for customs?
Frozen langoustine is classified under HS code 030615 — Crustaceans; frozen, Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus), 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 the HS code change if the langoustine is peeled?
No, HS code 0306.15 covers Norway lobsters whether they are in shell or not, provided they are frozen and not further prepared than steamed or boiled.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen langoustine (HS 030615)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030615 (the code used for frozen langoustine) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($100M, 25% of world exports), Ireland ($77M) and France ($67M). World exports came to about $395M, 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 langoustine (HS 030615)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030615 (the code used for frozen langoustine) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($136M, 36% of world imports), France ($90M) and Spain ($48M). World imports came to about $375M, 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 langoustine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030615 for Frozen langoustine 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 langoustine in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen langoustine (HS 030615) is classified under NCM 0306.15.00.