Product classification
HS code for Live clams: 0307.71
Molluscs, clams, cockles and ark shells (families Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae and Veneridae), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of live clams under HS 0307.71
The classification of live clams under HS code 0307.71 is a precise process governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Chapter 03 is dedicated to fish and aquatic invertebrates, and heading 0307 specifically covers molluscs. The subheading 0307.71 is reserved for clams, cockles, and ark shells that are presented in a live, fresh, or chilled state. This includes a vast array of biological families such as Veneridae (hard clams) and Myidae (soft-shell clams). To maintain this classification, the product must not have been subjected to any cooking processes, nor should it be frozen. Chilling, which involves lowering the temperature to near 0°C without freezing the cellular structure, is permitted. This code applies whether the molluscs are in their shells or have been shucked. Accurate classification is vital for international trade, as it determines the applicable tariff rates, import quotas, and sanitary regulations required by customs authorities worldwide. Proper documentation of the species is often required to ensure the product falls within the specified families like Arcidae or Cardiidae.
- Covers
- Live hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria)
- Fresh Manila clams (Venerupis philippinarum)
- Chilled cockles (Cerastoderma edule)
- Live ark shells (Arcidae family)
- Shucked fresh clam meat (not frozen)
- Also under 0307.71
- Geoduck (Panopea generosa)
- Manila Clams (Venerupis philippinarum)
- Littleneck Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria)
- Razor Clams (Ensis directus)
Codes often confused with 0307.71
Common mistake. A frequent error in the trade of molluscs is the confusion between HS code 0307.71 and 0307.72. While 0307.71 is strictly for live, fresh, or chilled clams, 0307.72 is the correct code for frozen clams. Another common misclassification occurs with 1605.56, which covers clams that have been prepared or preserved, such as those that are boiled, canned, or pickled. Furthermore, if the clams are dried, salted, or in brine but not cooked, they should be classified under 0307.79. Importers must also distinguish clams from other molluscs like mussels (0307.31) or scallops (0307.21).
Top exporters and importers of HS 030771 (the code used for live clams), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030771 (the code used for live clams) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, 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 030771, not only live clams.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $96M 16% of world exports
- 2 China $85M 14% of world exports
- 3 Canada $68M 12% of world exports
World total: $589M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $110M 25% of world imports
- 2 China $63M 14% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $56M 13% of world imports
World total: $436M 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 live clams
Brazil classifies live clams under NCM 0307.71.00: HS 0307.71 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live clams
What is the HS code for Live clams?
The HS code for Live clams is 030771 (Molluscs; clams, cockles and ark shells (families Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae and Veneridae), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled). The primary HS code for live, fresh, or chilled clams, cockles, and ark shells is 0307.71.
How do I classify Live clams for customs?
Live clams is classified under HS code 030771 — Molluscs; clams, cockles and ark shells (families Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae and Veneridae), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can I use this code for frozen clams?
No, frozen clams must be classified under HS code 0307.72. Using the live/fresh code for frozen goods can lead to customs delays and incorrect duty payments.
Which countries are the top exporters of live clams (HS 030771)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030771 (the code used for live clams) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($96M, 16% of world exports), China ($85M) and Canada ($68M). World exports came to about $589M, 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 live clams (HS 030771)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030771 (the code used for live clams) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($110M, 25% of world imports), China ($63M) and South Korea ($56M). World imports came to about $436M, 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 Live clams the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030771 for Live clams 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 live clams in Brazil?
In Brazil, live clams (HS 030771) is classified under NCM 0307.71.00.