Product classification
HS code for Jellyfish: 0308.30
Aquatic invertebrates, jellyfish (Rhopilema spp.), live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking.
Classification of jellyfish under HS 0308.30
Jellyfish are classified under HS code 0308.30. This code is part of Chapter 3, which encompasses fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Specifically, 0308 covers aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Jellyfish (specifically species like Rhopilema spp.) are harvested primarily for culinary use in Asian markets. The classification 0308.30 applies regardless of whether the jellyfish is live, fresh, or preserved through drying or salting. It also includes jellyfish that have been cooked before or during the smoking process, provided they have not been prepared or preserved by other methods like canning. The inclusion of jellyfish in Chapter 3 highlights its status as a primary food product rather than a processed food preparation.
- Covers
- Live jellyfish for aquariums or research
- Fresh or chilled jellyfish for food consumption
- Frozen jellyfish blocks
- Dried jellyfish shreds
- Salted jellyfish (often processed with alum)
- Jellyfish in brine
- Smoked jellyfish, whether or not cooked
- Rhopilema esculentum and other edible species
- Also under 0308.30
- Rhopilema esculentum (edible jellyfish)
- Cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris) products
- processed jellyfish salad
Codes often confused with 0308.30
Common mistake. Jellyfish are frequently misclassified under HS code 0307, which is reserved for molluscs like squid or clams. However, jellyfish lack the biological characteristics of molluscs and are correctly placed in 0308. Another common error is using HS code 1605.69, which covers prepared or preserved aquatic invertebrates. If the jellyfish has been significantly processed (e.g., seasoned, mixed with vegetables, or put into airtight cans), it moves to Chapter 16. However, simple salting and drying—common in jellyfish production—keep the product in 0308.30. Importers should also avoid Chapter 5 (animal products not elsewhere specified) because jellyfish are considered edible fish products for human consumption.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030830 (the code used for jellyfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030830 (the code used for jellyfish) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% 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 030830, not only jellyfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $27M 30% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $10M 11% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $9.8M 11% of world exports
World total: $89M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $34M 43% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $17M 22% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $7.3M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $80M 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 jellyfish
Brazil classifies jellyfish under NCM 0308.30.00: HS 0308.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about jellyfish
What is the HS code for Jellyfish?
The HS code for Jellyfish is 030830 (Aquatic invertebrates; jellyfish (Rhopilema spp.), live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking). The HS code for jellyfish, whether live, fresh, frozen, dried, or salted, is 0308.30.
How do I classify Jellyfish for customs?
Jellyfish is classified under HS code 030830 — Aquatic invertebrates; jellyfish (Rhopilema spp.), live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the jellyfish is salted?
No, HS code 0308.30 specifically includes jellyfish that are salted or in brine, as these are standard methods of preservation for this product.
Which countries are the top exporters of jellyfish (HS 030830)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030830 (the code used for jellyfish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($27M, 30% of world exports), Malaysia ($10M) and Thailand ($9.8M). World exports came to about $89M, 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 jellyfish (HS 030830)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030830 (the code used for jellyfish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($34M, 43% of world imports), South Korea ($17M) and Malaysia ($7.3M). World imports came to about $80M, 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 Jellyfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030830 for Jellyfish 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 jellyfish in Brazil?
In Brazil, jellyfish (HS 030830) is classified under NCM 0308.30.00.