Product classification
HS code for Live cuttlefish: 0307.42
Molluscs, cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of live cuttlefish under HS 0307.42
The classification of live cuttlefish is governed by the Harmonized System under code 0307.42. This code is situated within Chapter 3, which encompasses fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Specifically, heading 0307 is designated for molluscs, whether in shell or not, and whether live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The subheading 0307.42 is precise, covering cuttlefish and squid that are presented in a live, fresh, or chilled state. Classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Because these specimens are live, they are distinguished from frozen or processed versions. This code is essential for monitoring the trade of cephalopods and ensuring that sanitary and phytosanitary regulations are applied correctly to live aquatic animals during transit.
- Covers
- Live common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)
- Live Rossia macrosoma
- Live Sepiola species
- Live squid (Ommastrephes spp., Loligo spp., Nototodarus spp., Sepioteuthis spp.)
- Live cuttlefish intended for aquaculture or immediate consumption
- Also under 0307.42
- Monterey Bay Squid
- Patagonian Squid
- Spanish Cuttlefish
- Japanese Flying Squid
Codes often confused with 0307.42
Common mistake. Live cuttlefish are frequently misclassified under HS code 0307.43, which is specifically reserved for frozen cuttlefish and squid. Another common error involves HS code 1605.54, which covers cuttlefish and squid that have been prepared or preserved (e.g., cooked or canned). It is also important to distinguish live cuttlefish from ornamental aquatic invertebrates, which might occasionally be incorrectly placed in 0301 if the distinction between fish and molluscs is not maintained. However, 0307.42 remains the primary code for all live, fresh, or chilled cuttlefish and squid species.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030742 (the code used for live cuttlefish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030742 (the code used for live cuttlefish) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 35% 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 030742, not only live cuttlefish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $102M 26% of world exports
- 2 France $90M 23% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $30M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $387M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $137M 35% of world imports
- 2 Spain $80M 20% of world imports
- 3 France $34M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $397M 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 cuttlefish
Brazil classifies live cuttlefish under NCM 0307.42.00: HS 0307.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live cuttlefish
What is the HS code for Live cuttlefish?
The HS code for Live cuttlefish is 030742 (Molluscs; cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live cuttlefish is 0307.42, which also includes fresh or chilled cuttlefish and squid.
How do I classify Live cuttlefish for customs?
Live cuttlefish is classified under HS code 030742 — Molluscs; cuttle fish and squid, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen squid?
No, frozen squid and cuttlefish are classified under HS code 0307.43. The 0307.42 code is strictly for live, fresh, or chilled specimens.
Which countries are the top exporters of live cuttlefish (HS 030742)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030742 (the code used for live cuttlefish) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($102M, 26% of world exports), France ($90M) and the Netherlands ($30M). World exports came to about $387M, 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 cuttlefish (HS 030742)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030742 (the code used for live cuttlefish) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($137M, 35% of world imports), Spain ($80M) and France ($34M). World imports came to about $397M, 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 cuttlefish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030742 for Live cuttlefish 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 cuttlefish in Brazil?
In Brazil, live cuttlefish (HS 030742) is classified under NCM 0307.42.00.