Product classification
HS code for Frozen 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 lobster under HS 0306.12
Frozen lobster is classified under HS code 030612 based on its biological genus and physical state. This code specifically covers lobsters of the genus Homarus, which includes the American and European lobster. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified by the terms of the headings and subheadings. Heading 0306 covers crustaceans, and the subheading 030612 is reserved for those that are frozen. A unique aspect of this classification is that it includes lobsters that are in shell and have been cooked by steaming or boiling in water before or during the smoking process. However, if the lobster is deshelled and cooked, it typically moves to Chapter 16. The freezing process must be sufficient to preserve the product, distinguishing it from chilled items. This code ensures that 'true' lobsters are separated from rock lobsters or crawfish in international trade statistics.
- Covers
- Whole frozen American lobster (Homarus americanus)
- Frozen European lobster (Homarus gammarus)
- Frozen lobster tails (Homarus spp.), in shell
- Frozen lobster claws, in shell
- Smoked frozen lobster (Homarus spp.), 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 confusion occurs with HS code 030611, which is designated for Rock lobster and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.). While both are lobsters, 030612 is strictly for the Homarus genus. Another common error involves HS code 160530, which is used for lobster that has been prepared or preserved beyond simple freezing or steaming in shell, such as lobster meat that has been cooked and removed from the shell before freezing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030612 (the code used for frozen lobster), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030612 (the code used for frozen 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 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 lobster
Brazil classifies frozen 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 lobster
What is the HS code for Frozen lobster?
The HS code for Frozen 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 lobster of the genus Homarus is 030612.
How do I classify Frozen lobster for customs?
Frozen 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.
Can frozen lobster be cooked and still use this code?
Yes, but only if it is cooked by steaming or boiling in water while still in its shell. If it is cooked and deshelled, it is classified under 160530.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen lobster (HS 030612)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030612 (the code used for frozen 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 lobster (HS 030612)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030612 (the code used for frozen 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 lobster the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030612 for Frozen 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 lobster in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen lobster (HS 030612) is classified under NCM 0306.12.00.