Product classification
HS code for Live molluscs: 0307.91
Molluscs, n.e.c. in heading 0307, whether in shell or not, live or fresh, chilled.
Classification of live molluscs under HS 0307.91
Live molluscs that are not specifically named in other subheadings of heading 0307 are classified under HS code 0307.91. Heading 0307 covers molluscs, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. The subheading 0307.91 is a residual category for \"other\" molluscs in a live, fresh, or chilled state. This includes a wide variety of species that do not fall under specific categories like oysters (0307.11), scallops (0307.21), mussels (0307.31), cuttlefish/squid (0307.43), octopus (0307.51), or abalone (0307.81). Classification under 0307.91 requires the specimen to be a mollusc and to be alive or in a fresh/chilled state at the time of customs declaration. This code is frequently used for regional delicacies and various species of clams and snails that lack their own dedicated HS subheadings. Because this is a residual code, it is essential to verify that the specific mollusc is not covered by the more specific subheadings earlier in the 0307 group.
- Covers
- Live cockles and ark shells
- Live razor clams (Solen spp.)
- Live land snails (Helix pomatia) intended for human consumption
- Live whelks and periwinkles
- Live geoduck clams (Panopea generosa)
- Also under 0307.91
- Live Whelk (Buccinum undatum)
- Fresh Razor Clams (Ensis directus)
- Chilled Cockles (Cerastoderma edule)
- Live Periwinkles (Littorina littorea).
Codes often confused with 0307.91
Common mistake. Common misclassifications occur when importers fail to use the specific codes for high-volume molluscs. For example, live oysters must be under 0307.11, and live abalone must be under 0307.81. Another error is confusing molluscs with other aquatic invertebrates like sea urchins or sea cucumbers, which are classified under heading 0308. Additionally, if the molluscs are frozen, they must be moved to the corresponding frozen subheading (e.g., 0307.92 for other frozen molluscs).
Top exporters and importers of HS 030791 (the code used for live molluscs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030791 (the code used for live molluscs) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% 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 030791, not only live molluscs.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$41M 31% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 France $13M 10.0% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $12M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $134M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $185M 65% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $32M 11% of world imports
- 3 France $15M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $283M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 molluscs
Brazil classifies live molluscs under NCM 0307.91.00: HS 0307.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live molluscs
What is the HS code for Live molluscs?
The HS code for Live molluscs is 030791 (Molluscs; n.e.c. in heading 0307, whether in shell or not, live or fresh, chilled). The HS code for live molluscs not elsewhere specified is 0307.91.
How do I classify Live molluscs for customs?
Live molluscs is classified under HS code 030791 — Molluscs; n.e.c. in heading 0307, whether in shell or not, live or fresh, chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are land snails included in this HS code?
Yes, live land snails (other than sea snails) intended for human consumption are classified under HS code 0307.91.
Which countries are the top exporters of live molluscs (HS 030791)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030791 (the code used for live molluscs) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $41M, 31% of world exports), France ($13M) and South Korea ($12M). World exports came to about $134M, 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 molluscs (HS 030791)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030791 (the code used for live molluscs) in UN Comtrade data were China ($185M, 65% of world imports), Hong Kong ($32M) and France ($15M). World imports came to about $283M, 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 molluscs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030791 for Live molluscs 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 molluscs in Brazil?
In Brazil, live molluscs (HS 030791) is classified under NCM 0307.91.00.