Product classification
HS code for Live oysters: 0307.11
Molluscs, oysters, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of live oysters under HS 0307.11
Live oysters are classified under HS code 0307.11. As part of Chapter 3 (Fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates), heading 0307 covers various molluscs. Subheading 0307.11 is specifically for oysters, whether they are in the shell or have been shucked, provided they are live, fresh, or chilled. The classification is determined by the state of the mollusc; "live" implies the organism is still biologically active, while "fresh" or "chilled" implies it has not undergone freezing or further processing like smoking or cooking. This code is essential for international trade to ensure that perishable live shellfish are handled according to specific food safety standards and environmental regulations regarding invasive species or water quality. The classification follows General Interpretative Rules 1 and 6, which prioritize the specific naming of "oysters" within the mollusc heading and the physical state of the product (live/fresh/chilled) over other forms of preservation.
- Covers
- Live European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis)
- Live Pacific cupped oysters (Magallana gigas)
- Fresh shucked oyster meat
- Chilled oysters in the shell
- Oyster spat (juvenile oysters) for aquaculture
- Also under 0307.11
- Kumamoto Oysters (live)
- Pacific Oysters (live)
- Belon Oysters (live)
- Bluepoint Oysters (live)
- Sydney Rock Oysters (live)
Codes often confused with 0307.11
Common mistake. Live oysters are often confused with HS code 0307.12, which is reserved for frozen oysters. If the oysters are frozen to extend shelf life, they must be moved to the .12 subheading. Another common misclassification is HS code 1605.51, which covers prepared or preserved oysters. This includes oysters that have been cooked, canned in brine, or smoked. If any heat treatment or preservation beyond simple chilling has occurred, Chapter 16 is the correct location. Finally, some importers mistakenly use 0307.19 for "other" oysters, but 0307.11 is the primary code for all live/fresh/chilled oyster species.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030711 (the code used for live oysters), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030711 (the code used for live oysters) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 030711, not only live oysters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $140M 37% of world exports
- 2 Canada $55M 15% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $42M 11% of world exports
World total: $380M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $64M 19% of world imports
- 2 France $48M 14% of world imports
- 3 Italy $45M 13% of world imports
World total: $344M 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 oysters
Brazil classifies live oysters under NCM 0307.11.00: HS 0307.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live oysters
What is the HS code for Live oysters?
The HS code for Live oysters is 030711 (Molluscs; oysters, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled oysters is 0307.11.
How do I classify Live oysters for customs?
Live oysters is classified under HS code 030711 — Molluscs; oysters, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the oyster is removed from the shell?
No, as long as the oyster meat remains live, fresh, or chilled, it stays under 0307.11 regardless of whether it is in the shell or shucked.
Which countries are the top exporters of live oysters (HS 030711)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030711 (the code used for live oysters) in UN Comtrade data were France ($140M, 37% of world exports), Canada ($55M) and Ireland ($42M). World exports came to about $380M, 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 oysters (HS 030711)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030711 (the code used for live oysters) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($64M, 19% of world imports), France ($48M) and Italy ($45M). World imports came to about $344M, 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 oysters the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030711 for Live oysters 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 oysters in Brazil?
In Brazil, live oysters (HS 030711) is classified under NCM 0307.11.00.