Product classification
HS code for Frozen shrimp: 0306.17
Crustaceans, frozen, shrimps and prawns, excluding cold-water varieties, 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 shrimp under HS 0306.17
Frozen shrimp and prawns are classified under HS code 0306.17, which falls within Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System. This specific subheading is reserved for frozen crustaceans that are not considered cold-water varieties. The classification is determined by the biological species and the state of preservation. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), products are classified based on their condition at the time of import. For 0306.17, the shrimp must be frozen. A unique provision of this code allows for the shrimp to be in-shell or peeled, and they may even be cooked by steaming or boiling in water prior to freezing. However, they must not be further prepared or preserved with other ingredients, as that would shift the classification to Chapter 16. The distinction between warm-water and cold-water species is a primary driver for this code, as warm-water varieties like those from the Penaeidae family are the primary products found here.
- Covers
- Frozen Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
- Frozen Giant tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon)
- Frozen Banana prawns (Penaeus merguiensis)
- Frozen King prawns
- Frozen raw peeled shrimp
- Frozen shell-on shrimp, boiled or steamed
- Also under 0306.17
- CP Foods
- Charoen Pokphand Foods
- Seajoy
- Ocean Garden Products
- Rubicon Resources
Codes often confused with 0306.17
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0306.16, which is specifically for cold-water shrimps and prawns (such as Pandalus spp. and Crangon crangon). Importers often confuse these based on size rather than biological species. Another common error involves HS code 1605.21 or 1605.29. These codes are for shrimp that have been further prepared, such as breaded shrimp, shrimp in sauce, or shrimp that has been cooked by methods other than steaming or boiling (e.g., frying). If the shrimp is part of a prepared meal, it may also fall under 2106.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030617 (the code used for frozen shrimp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030617 (the code used for frozen shrimp) in UN Comtrade data was Ecuador, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 030617, not only frozen shrimp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Ecuador $8.2B 38% of world exports
- 2 India $5.0B 23% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$1.6B 7.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $21.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $5.2B 25% of world imports
- 2 China $4.8B 23% of world imports
- 3 Spain $1.3B 6.1% of world imports
World total: $21.0B 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 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 shrimp
Brazil splits HS 0306.17 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0306.17.10Frozen whole non-cold-water shrimps and prawns
- 0306.17.90Frozen non-cold-water shrimps, not whole
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen shrimp
What is the HS code for Frozen shrimp?
The HS code for Frozen shrimp is 030617 (Crustaceans; frozen, shrimps and prawns, excluding cold-water varieties, 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 warm-water shrimp and prawns is 0306.17.
How do I classify Frozen shrimp for customs?
Frozen shrimp is classified under HS code 030617 — Crustaceans; frozen, shrimps and prawns, excluding cold-water varieties, 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 this code include breaded shrimp?
No, breaded shrimp are considered prepared crustaceans and are classified under HS code 1605.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen shrimp (HS 030617)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030617 (the code used for frozen shrimp) in UN Comtrade data were Ecuador ($8.2B, 38% of world exports), India ($5.0B) and Vietnam (about $1.6B). World exports came to about $21.4B, 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 shrimp (HS 030617)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030617 (the code used for frozen shrimp) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.2B, 25% of world imports), China ($4.8B) and Spain ($1.3B). World imports came to about $21.0B, 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 shrimp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030617 for Frozen shrimp 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 shrimp in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030617 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for frozen shrimp depends on the product's details: 0306.17.10 (Frozen whole non-cold-water shrimps and prawns), 0306.17.90 (Frozen non-cold-water shrimps, not whole).