Product classification
HS code for Live octopus: 0307.51
Molluscs, octopus (Octopus spp.), live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of live octopus under HS 0307.51
Live octopus is classified under HS code 0307.51. This code is part of Chapter 3, which encompasses aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0307 is the primary category for molluscs. The subheading 0307.51 specifically covers octopus (Octopus spp.) in its live, fresh, or chilled state. Classification is based on the biological identification of the specimen as belonging to the Octopus genus and its physical condition at the time of crossing the border. If the octopus is transported in oxygenated water tanks to ensure it remains alive until it reaches its destination, or if it is kept on ice (chilled) but not frozen, it falls under 0307.51. This classification is vital for customs as it distinguishes raw, live biological matter from processed or frozen seafood, which may be subject to different sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations. The distinction between live/fresh and frozen is a fundamental principle of Chapter 3 classification, requiring precise documentation of the preservation method used during transport.
- Covers
- Live common octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
- Fresh octopus, whole or parts
- Chilled octopus on ice
- Live octopus for aquarium use
- Live octopus for human consumption
- Also under 0307.51
- Moroccan Octopus
- Spanish Octopus
- Galician Octopus
- Mediterranean Octopus
Codes often confused with 0307.51
Common mistake. Octopus is frequently misclassified under HS code 0307.52, which is the specific code for frozen octopus. The transition from 0307.51 to 0307.52 occurs the moment the product is frozen. Another common mistake is using HS code 1605.55, which applies to octopus that has been prepared or preserved, such as boiled, grilled, or canned octopus. If the octopus is not raw, it cannot stay in Chapter 3. Occasionally, it is confused with squid or cuttlefish, which are classified under 0307.41 (live/fresh/chilled) or 0307.43 (frozen).
Top exporters and importers of HS 030751 (the code used for live octopus), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030751 (the code used for live octopus) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 53% 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 030751, not only live octopus.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $113M 49% of world exports
- 2 Spain $47M 20% of world exports
- 3 France $39M 17% of world exports
World total: $231M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $129M 53% of world imports
- 2 Italy $41M 17% of world imports
- 3 Spain $28M 11% of world imports
World total: $244M 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 octopus
Brazil classifies live octopus under NCM 0307.51.00: HS 0307.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live octopus
What is the HS code for Live octopus?
The HS code for Live octopus is 030751 (Molluscs; octopus (Octopus spp.), live, fresh or chilled). Live, fresh, or chilled octopus is classified under HS code 0307.51.
How do I classify Live octopus for customs?
Live octopus is classified under HS code 030751 — Molluscs; octopus (Octopus spp.), live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is frozen octopus under the same HS code?
No, frozen octopus is classified under HS code 0307.52.
Which countries are the top exporters of live octopus (HS 030751)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030751 (the code used for live octopus) in UN Comtrade data were China ($113M, 49% of world exports), Spain ($47M) and France ($39M). World exports came to about $231M, 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 octopus (HS 030751)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030751 (the code used for live octopus) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($129M, 53% of world imports), Italy ($41M) and Spain ($28M). World imports came to about $244M, 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 octopus the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030751 for Live octopus 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 octopus in Brazil?
In Brazil, live octopus (HS 030751) is classified under NCM 0307.51.00.