Product classification
HS code for Live cold-water shrimp: 0306.35
Crustaceans, live, fresh or chilled, cold-water shrimps and prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon), in shell or not.
Classification of live cold-water shrimp under HS 0306.35
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.
- Covers
- 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)
- Also under 0306.35
- Royal Greenland (for sourcing)
- Clearwater Seafoods (for sourcing)
- local fish markets in Scandinavia
- various European seafood distributors
- Ocean Choice International
Codes often confused with 0306.35
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030635 (the code used for live cold-water shrimp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030635 (the code used for live cold-water shrimp) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 28% 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 030635, not only live cold-water shrimp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $69M 37% of world exports
- 2 Germany $38M 20% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $29M 16% of world exports
World total: $187M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $41M 28% of world imports
- 2 Morocco $32M 22% of world imports
- 3 Germany $16M 11% of world imports
World total: $147M 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 cold-water shrimp
Brazil classifies live cold-water shrimp under NCM 0306.35.00: HS 0306.35 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live cold-water shrimp
What is the HS code for Live cold-water shrimp?
The HS code for Live cold-water shrimp is 030635 (Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, cold-water shrimps and prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon), in shell or not). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled cold-water shrimps and prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon) is 0306.35.
How do I classify Live cold-water shrimp for customs?
Live cold-water shrimp is classified under HS code 030635 — Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, cold-water shrimps and prawns (Pandalus spp., Crangon crangon), in shell or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of live cold-water shrimp (HS 030635)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030635 (the code used for live cold-water shrimp) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($69M, 37% of world exports), Germany ($38M) and Denmark ($29M). World exports came to about $187M, 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 cold-water shrimp (HS 030635)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030635 (the code used for live cold-water shrimp) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($41M, 28% of world imports), Morocco ($32M) and Germany ($16M). World imports came to about $147M, 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 cold-water shrimp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030635 for Live cold-water 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 live cold-water shrimp in Brazil?
In Brazil, live cold-water shrimp (HS 030635) is classified under NCM 0306.35.00.