Product classification
HS code for Frozen sea cucumber: 0308.12
Aquatic invertebrates, sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), frozen.
Classification of frozen sea cucumber under HS 0308.12
Frozen sea cucumbers are classified under HS code 0308.12. Heading 0308 covers aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, which are covered in headings 0306 and 0307 respectively. This heading includes sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and jellyfish. Within this heading, the 0308.1 series is dedicated specifically to sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea). Subheading 0308.12 specifically covers the frozen state of these invertebrates. Sea cucumbers are often traded in various forms, particularly in Asian markets, but for this specific code, they must be preserved by freezing. The classification is straightforward based on the preservation method and the biological identification of the specimen. If they were live, fresh, or chilled, they would fall under 0308.11, and if they were dried, salted, or smoked, they would fall under 0308.19. Proper classification is essential as many species of sea cucumber are protected under CITES, and accurate HS coding assists in the monitoring of international trade volumes.
- Covers
- Frozen Stichopus japonicus
- Frozen Holothuroidea species
- Frozen cleaned sea cucumber
- Frozen sea cucumber skins
- Frozen sea cucumber meat
- Also under 0308.12
- Frozen Japanese Sea Cucumber
- Frozen Australian Sandfish
- Frozen Indonesian Sea Cucumber
- Frozen Pacific Sea Cucumber.
Codes often confused with 0308.12
Common mistake. Sea cucumbers are often misclassified under 0308.19, which is the code for dried, salted, or smoked sea cucumbers (often referred to as beche-de-mer). They may also be confused with 0308.11 if they are shipped fresh or chilled. Occasionally, they are incorrectly placed in 1605.61 if they have been fully cooked or preserved in airtight containers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030812 (the code used for frozen sea cucumber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030812 (the code used for frozen sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% 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 030812, not only frozen sea cucumber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $17M 34% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$12M 23% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $4.2M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $50M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $14M 29% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $13M 28% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $12M 26% of world imports
World total: $47M 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 code for frozen sea cucumber
Brazil classifies frozen sea cucumber under NCM 0308.12.00: HS 0308.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen sea cucumber
What is the HS code for Frozen sea cucumber?
The HS code for Frozen sea cucumber is 030812 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), frozen). The HS code for frozen sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea) is 0308.12.
How do I classify Frozen sea cucumber for customs?
Frozen sea cucumber is classified under HS code 030812 — Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), frozen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the code for dried sea cucumber?
Dried, salted, or smoked sea cucumbers are classified under HS code 0308.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen sea cucumber (HS 030812)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030812 (the code used for frozen sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($17M, 34% of world exports), Vietnam (about $12M) and China ($4.2M). World exports came to about $50M, 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 sea cucumber (HS 030812)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030812 (the code used for frozen sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($14M, 29% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($13M) and Hong Kong ($12M). World imports came to about $47M, 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 sea cucumber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030812 for Frozen sea cucumber 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 sea cucumber in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen sea cucumber (HS 030812) is classified under NCM 0308.12.00.