Product classification
HS code for Frozen Norway lobster: 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 Norway lobster under HS 0306.15
The classification of Frozen Norway lobster under HS code 0306.15 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Chapter 3 covers fish and crustaceans, while heading 0306 specifically addresses crustaceans, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The subheading 0306.15 is reserved for the species Nephrops norvegicus, commonly known as Norway lobster, Dublin Bay prawn, or langoustine. This classification applies to products that are frozen and may be in shell or unshelled. It also includes specimens that have been smoked, or cooked by steaming or boiling in water before or during the smoking process, provided they have not been further prepared. The distinction is based on the biological species and the preservation state (frozen). To ensure correct classification, the commercial invoice must specify the scientific name to distinguish it from other lobster species.
- Covers
- Frozen whole Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus)
- Frozen Norway lobster tails, in shell
- Frozen Norway lobster meat, unshelled
- Smoked Norway lobsters, frozen
- Norway lobsters cooked by steaming or boiling in water, then frozen
- 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. Norway lobsters are frequently misclassified under 0306.11 (Rock lobster and other sea crawfish) or 0306.12 (Lobsters of the genus Homarus). These are often confused because they are all referred to as "lobsters" in common trade, but the HS system distinguishes them strictly by biological genus. 0306.15 is exclusively for Nephrops norvegicus. Another common error is using 1605.30, which is for prepared or preserved lobster; if the lobster is cooked in a way other than steaming or boiling in water (e.g., prepared in a butter sauce or as part of a meal), it belongs in Chapter 16.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030615 (the code used for frozen Norway lobster), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030615 (the code used for frozen Norway lobster) 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 Norway lobster.
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 Norway lobster
Brazil classifies frozen Norway lobster 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 Norway lobster
What is the HS code for Frozen Norway lobster?
The HS code for Frozen Norway lobster 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 HS code for Frozen Norway lobster is 0306.15, which specifically covers the species Nephrops norvegicus.
How do I classify Frozen Norway lobster for customs?
Frozen Norway lobster 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.
Can cooked Norway lobsters be classified under 0306.15?
Yes, but only if they were cooked by steaming or boiling in water while still in the shell. If they are cooked by other methods or further prepared, they move to heading 1605.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen Norway lobster (HS 030615)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030615 (the code used for frozen Norway lobster) 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 Norway lobster (HS 030615)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030615 (the code used for frozen Norway lobster) 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 Norway lobster the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030615 for Frozen Norway 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 Norway lobster in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen Norway lobster (HS 030615) is classified under NCM 0306.15.00.