Product classification
HS code for Frozen rock lobster: 0306.11
Crustaceans, frozen, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus 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 rock lobster under HS 0306.11
Frozen rock lobster is classified under HS code 0306.11. This classification is found in Chapter 3, which covers crustaceans and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0306 is specifically for crustaceans, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Subheading 0306.11 is dedicated to frozen rock lobsters and other sea crawfish, specifically those belonging to the genera Palinurus, Panulirus, and Jasus. These are often referred to as spiny lobsters and are distinguished from the "true" lobsters (Homarus species) by their lack of large claws and their long, thick antennae. The classification includes lobsters that are frozen raw, as well as those that have been cooked by steaming or boiling in water while still in the shell before being frozen. This is a specific provision within heading 0306 that allows for basic heat treatment without moving the product to the prepared foods of Chapter 16.
- Covers
- Frozen whole rock lobster
- Frozen rock lobster tails (in shell)
- Frozen spiny lobster
- Frozen sea crawfish
- Rock lobster cooked in shell by steaming then frozen
- IQF rock lobster portions (in shell)
- Also under 0306.11
- Australian Rock Lobster
- South African Rock Lobster
- Caribbean Spiny Lobster
- New Zealand Crayfish.
Codes often confused with 0306.11
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 0306.12, which is reserved for frozen lobsters of the genus Homarus (such as Maine or European lobsters). Another common error involves lobster meat that has been removed from the shell and cooked; if it is further prepared or preserved beyond simple steaming/boiling in shell, it may fall under HS code 1605.30. Fresh or chilled rock lobsters are classified under 0306.31 and should not be declared under the frozen code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030611 (the code used for frozen rock lobster), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030611 (the code used for frozen rock lobster) in UN Comtrade data was the Bahamas, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 44% 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 030611, not only frozen rock lobster.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Bahamas* ~$119M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Nicaragua* ~$83M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Brazil $81M 14% of world exports
World total: $597M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $261M 44% of world imports
- 2 China $105M 18% of world imports
- 3 France $58M 9.8% of world imports
World total: $594M 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 rock lobster
Brazil splits HS 0306.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0306.11.10Frozen whole rock lobsters
- 0306.11.90Frozen rock lobsters, not whole
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen rock lobster
What is the HS code for Frozen rock lobster?
The HS code for Frozen rock lobster is 030611 (Crustaceans; frozen, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus 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 rock lobster and other sea crawfish is 0306.11.
How do I classify Frozen rock lobster for customs?
Frozen rock lobster is classified under HS code 030611 — Crustaceans; frozen, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus 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 the lobster be cooked and still use this code?
Yes, provided the rock lobster is cooked by steaming or boiling in water while still in its shell before freezing, it remains under HS code 0306.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen rock lobster (HS 030611)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030611 (the code used for frozen rock lobster) in UN Comtrade data were the Bahamas (about $119M, 20% of world exports), Nicaragua (about $83M) and Brazil ($81M). World exports came to about $597M, 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 rock lobster (HS 030611)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030611 (the code used for frozen rock lobster) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($261M, 44% of world imports), China ($105M) and France ($58M). World imports came to about $594M, 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 rock lobster the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030611 for Frozen rock 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 rock lobster in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030611 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for frozen rock lobster depends on the product's details: 0306.11.10 (Frozen whole rock lobsters), 0306.11.90 (Frozen rock lobsters, not whole).