Product classification
HS code for Live Norway lobster: 0306.34
Crustaceans, live, fresh or chilled, Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus), in shell or not.
Classification of live Norway lobster under HS 0306.34
The classification of live Norway lobster under HS code 0306.34 is determined by its biological taxonomy and its physical state at the time of transport. As a crustacean belonging to the species Nephrops norvegicus, it falls under Heading 0306, which encompasses crustaceans whether in shell or not. The specific subheading 0306.34 is reserved for Norway lobsters that are presented in a live, fresh, or chilled state. This classification is crucial for international trade as it distinguishes these specific decapods from other lobster species like the Homarus genus. The General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System dictate that products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since this product is live and specifically named in the subheading, 0306.34 is the legally applicable code. This code ensures that customs authorities can apply the correct tariffs and sanitary regulations specific to live shellfish, which often require different handling and inspection protocols compared to frozen or processed seafood.
- Covers
- Live Nephrops norvegicus
- Fresh Norway lobsters (in shell or not)
- Chilled Norway lobsters
- Dublin Bay prawns (live or fresh)
- Langoustines (live or fresh)
- Also under 0306.34
- M&J Seafood (UK)
- Pescanova (Spain)
- various local European fishmongers
- Young's Seafood (for sourcing)
- Icelandic Seafarms
Codes often confused with 0306.34
Common mistake. HS code 0306.32 (Lobsters of the genus Homarus) is often confused with 0306.34. While both are referred to as lobsters in common parlance, Norway lobsters are taxonomically distinct. Another common error is using 0306.14, which is for frozen Norway lobsters; the live, fresh, or chilled status is the defining factor for 0306.34. Additionally, if the lobster is cooked, it may move to different subheadings within 0306 depending on the preservation method.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030634 (the code used for live Norway lobster), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030634 (the code used for live Norway lobster) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 60% 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 030634, not only live Norway lobster.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $71M 47% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $30M 20% of world exports
- 3 France $19M 12% of world exports
World total: $150M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $83M 60% of world imports
- 2 Spain $21M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $11M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $139M 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 Norway lobster
Brazil classifies live Norway lobster under NCM 0306.34.00: HS 0306.34 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live Norway lobster
What is the HS code for Live Norway lobster?
The HS code for Live Norway lobster is 030634 (Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus), in shell or not). The HS code for live Norway lobster is 0306.34.
How do I classify Live Norway lobster for customs?
Live Norway lobster is classified under HS code 030634 — Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus), in shell or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen langoustines?
No, frozen langoustines or Norway lobsters are classified under HS code 0306.14.
Which countries are the top exporters of live Norway lobster (HS 030634)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030634 (the code used for live Norway lobster) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($71M, 47% of world exports), Denmark ($30M) and France ($19M). World exports came to about $150M, 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 Norway lobster (HS 030634)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030634 (the code used for live Norway lobster) in UN Comtrade data were France ($83M, 60% of world imports), Spain ($21M) and Italy ($11M). World imports came to about $139M, 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 Norway lobster the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030634 for Live Norway lobster 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 Norway lobster in Brazil?
In Brazil, live Norway lobster (HS 030634) is classified under NCM 0306.34.00.