Product classification

HS code for Live rock lobster: 0306.31

Crustaceans, live, fresh or chilled, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), in shell or not.

Classification of live rock lobster under HS 0306.31

HS code 030631 is designated for live, fresh, or chilled rock lobsters and other sea crawfish. This code is part of Chapter 3, which covers fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. The classification specifically identifies members of the families Palinuridae, including the genera Palinurus, Panulirus, and Jasus. These are distinct from the "true" lobsters of the genus Homarus. The primary characteristic of rock lobsters is their lack of large crushing claws and their long, thick antennae. The "live, fresh or chilled" designation is a critical component of this code, as it distinguishes these products from frozen or preserved versions. This classification is used by seafood importers and exporters to ensure correct tariff application and to meet sanitary and phytosanitary regulations required for live seafood. Because these are high-value commodities, accurate classification is essential for trade statistics and for applying the correct duty rates, which can vary significantly between live and frozen crustaceans.

Covers
  • Live spiny lobsters (Palinuridae family)
  • Live rock lobsters (Jasus spp.)
  • Live sea crawfish (Panulirus spp.)
  • Fresh or chilled rock lobsters (not frozen)
  • Live tropical rock lobsters
Also under 0306.31
  • Western Rock Lobster Council (Australia)
  • Clearwater Seafoods
  • various high-end seafood distributors
  • Whole Foods Market
  • Luke's Lobster

Codes often confused with 0306.31

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs between 030631 and 030632. HS code 030632 is reserved for lobsters of the genus Homarus (such as the Maine or European lobster), which possess large claws. Rock lobsters (030631) are clawless. Another common error is failing to distinguish between the state of the product; if the rock lobster is frozen, it must be classified under 030611. If it has been prepared or preserved (e.g., cooked and then frozen or canned), it moves to heading 1605. Importers must also be careful not to confuse sea crawfish (030631) with freshwater crayfish, which are classified under 030639. Proper identification of the species and the preservation method is the only way to avoid these common errors.

0306.32Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, lobsters (Homarus spp.), whether in shell or not0306.11Crustaceans; frozen, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), in shell or not, smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking; in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water16.05Crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved0306.39Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, n.e.c. in item no. 0306.3, in shell or not

Top exporters and importers of HS 030631 (the code used for live rock lobster), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030631 (the code used for live rock lobster) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 88% 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 030631, not only live rock lobster.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$768M
  2. 2 Australia $482M
  3. 3 New Zealand $169M

World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $1.5B
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$57M
  3. 3 Hong Kong $47M

World total: $1.7B 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 rock lobster

Brazil classifies live rock lobster under NCM 0306.31.00: HS 0306.31 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about live rock lobster

What is the HS code for Live rock lobster?

The HS code for Live rock lobster is 030631 (Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), in shell or not). The HS code for live rock lobster is 030631. This code also covers rock lobsters that are fresh or chilled but not frozen.

How do I classify Live rock lobster for customs?

Live rock lobster is classified under HS code 030631 — Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), in shell or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 030631 and 030632?

HS code 030631 is for rock lobsters and sea crawfish (which lack large claws), while 030632 is for lobsters of the genus Homarus, which are characterized by their large crushing claws.

Which countries are the top exporters of live rock lobster (HS 030631)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030631 (the code used for live rock lobster) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $768M, 46% of world exports), Australia ($482M) and New Zealand ($169M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 rock lobster (HS 030631)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 030631 (the code used for live rock lobster) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 88% of world imports), Vietnam (about $57M) and Hong Kong ($47M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 rock lobster the same in all countries?

The base HS code 030631 for Live rock 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 rock lobster in Brazil?

In Brazil, live rock lobster (HS 030631) is classified under NCM 0306.31.00.