Product classification
HS code for Live mussels: 0307.31
Molluscs, mussels (Mytilus spp., Perna spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of live mussels under HS 0307.31
Live mussels are classified under HS code 0307.31. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0307 specifically addresses molluscs, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Within this heading, the 0307.31 subheading is dedicated to mussels (Mytilus spp., Perna spp.) that are live, fresh, or chilled. The classification depends on the state of the product at the time of import; if the mussels are alive or merely chilled on ice to maintain freshness without being frozen, they must be declared under this specific code. This follows GRI 1 and 6, ensuring that the biological genus and the preservation state (live/fresh) align with the subheading text. This classification is essential for regulatory bodies to monitor food safety, as live shellfish are subject to strict sanitary controls and must often be accompanied by health certificates to prevent the spread of marine toxins or pathogens.
- Covers
- Live blue mussels (Mytilus edulis)
- Live Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)
- Live green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus)
- Fresh or chilled mussels in the shell
- Shucked mussels, fresh or chilled
- Also under 0307.31
- Prince Edward Island Mussels
- New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels
- Penn Cove Mussels
- Bouchot Mussels
Codes often confused with 0307.31
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 0307.32, which is used for frozen mussels. If the mussels have been subjected to temperatures below freezing for preservation, they move from 0307.31 to 0307.32. Another frequent error involves HS code 1605.53, which covers prepared or preserved mussels (such as those canned, smoked, or marinated). If the mussels have been cooked or preserved in vinegar, they are no longer classified in Chapter 3. Additionally, freshwater mussels used for pearl production may sometimes be confused with other molluscs under 0307.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030731 (the code used for live mussels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030731 (the code used for live mussels) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 45% 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 030731, not only live mussels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $169M 45% of world exports
- 2 Spain $60M 16% of world exports
- 3 Canada $32M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $375M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $99M 28% of world imports
- 2 Italy $53M 15% of world imports
- 3 France $52M 15% of world imports
World total: $354M 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 mussels
Brazil classifies live mussels under NCM 0307.31.00: HS 0307.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live mussels
What is the HS code for Live mussels?
The HS code for Live mussels is 030731 (Molluscs; mussels (Mytilus spp., Perna spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled mussels is 0307.31.
How do I classify Live mussels for customs?
Live mussels is classified under HS code 030731 — Molluscs; mussels (Mytilus spp., Perna spp.), whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Do chilled mussels have a different code than live ones?
No, both live and chilled (but not frozen) mussels are classified under the same subheading, 0307.31.
Which countries are the top exporters of live mussels (HS 030731)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030731 (the code used for live mussels) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($169M, 45% of world exports), Spain ($60M) and Canada ($32M). World exports came to about $375M, 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 mussels (HS 030731)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030731 (the code used for live mussels) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($99M, 28% of world imports), Italy ($53M) and France ($52M). World imports came to about $354M, 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 mussels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030731 for Live mussels 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 mussels in Brazil?
In Brazil, live mussels (HS 030731) is classified under NCM 0307.31.00.