HS Code for Live cold-water shrimp

Live cold-water shrimp are categorized under HS code 0306.35. This code is part of Chapter 03, which covers aquatic animals, and heading 0306, which is reserved for crustaceans. The specific subheading 0306.35 is designated for cold-water shrimps and prawns, specifically those belonging to the genus Pandalus or the species Crangon crangon. The "live, fresh or chilled" designation is a critical factor; if the shrimp are frozen, they move to a different subheading. Cold-water shrimp are typically smaller than warm-water varieties and are found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. For customs purposes, the scientific name is often required to distinguish these from other shrimp species. The classification applies whether the shrimp are in their shells or have been peeled, as long as they are not cooked or otherwise preserved beyond simple chilling. It is important to note that the term "prawn" is often used interchangeably with "shrimp" in international trade, but for HS classification, the genus and species are the definitive factors for 0306.35.

Products Included

• Live Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis)
• Fresh Common shrimp (Crangon crangon)
• Chilled Pandalus montagui
• Live cold-water prawns in shell
• Freshly peeled cold-water shrimp (not cooked)

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification involves HS code 0306.36, which is used for other live, fresh, or chilled shrimps and prawns (typically warm-water species like Tiger or White shrimp). Additionally, if the cold-water shrimp are frozen, they must be classified under 0306.16. If the shrimp have been cooked (e.g., boiled in shell), they are often still in 0306 but under different subheadings depending on the specific regional tariff schedule, or moved to 1605.21 if they are prepared or preserved in other ways.

FAQ

What is the HS code for live cold-water shrimp?

The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled cold-water shrimps and prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon) is 0306.35.

Does this code include tropical Tiger prawns?

No, tropical or warm-water shrimp species are classified under HS code 0306.36 if they are live, fresh, or chilled.