Product classification
HS code for Live scallops: 0307.21
Molluscs, scallops and other molluscs of the family Pectinidae, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of live scallops under HS 0307.21
Live scallops are classified under HS code 030721. This classification falls under Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which is dedicated to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Specifically, heading 0307 covers molluscs, and subheading 030721 is reserved for scallops and other molluscs of the family Pectinidae. This code applies to the animals whether they are presented in their shells or have been shucked, provided they are in a live, fresh, or chilled state. The classification is based on the taxonomic family Pectinidae, which includes various species of scallops found in both wild fisheries and aquaculture operations. Accurate classification under this code is necessary for managing food safety standards and monitoring the international trade of high-value shellfish. The distinction between "live/fresh" and "frozen" is the primary driver for the six-digit code selection, as the logistics and regulatory requirements for live shellfish are significantly more stringent than for processed seafood.
- Covers
- Live sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus)
- Live bay scallops (Argopecten irradians)
- Fresh or chilled scallop meat (shucked)
- Live scallops in the shell
- Chilled Pectinidae family molluscs
- Also under 0307.21
- Georges Bank Scallops
- Hokkaido Scallops
- Coquilles Saint-Jacques
- Cape Cod Bay Scallops
Codes often confused with 0307.21
Common mistake. Scallops are frequently misclassified based on their state of preservation. If the scallops are frozen, they must be classified under 030722. If they have been dried, salted, or smoked, they fall under 030729. Another common error involves confusing scallops with other bivalve molluscs. For example, clams, cockles, and ark shells are classified under 030771 (live/fresh). While they may look similar to the untrained eye, the HS system requires classification by biological family; only the Pectinidae family belongs in 030721. Additionally, if the scallops are prepared or preserved (such as in a prepared meal or canned), they are moved to Chapter 16, specifically 160552.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030721 (the code used for live scallops), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030721 (the code used for live scallops) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 33% 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 030721, not only live scallops.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $82M 31% of world exports
- 2 Canada $56M 21% of world exports
- 3 Japan $44M 17% of world exports
World total: $265M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $91M 33% of world imports
- 2 United States $58M 21% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $36M 13% of world imports
World total: $275M 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 scallops
Brazil classifies live scallops under NCM 0307.21.00: HS 0307.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live scallops
What is the HS code for Live scallops?
The HS code for Live scallops is 030721 (Molluscs; scallops and other molluscs of the family Pectinidae, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled scallops is 030721. This code is specific to the family Pectinidae.
How do I classify Live scallops for customs?
Live scallops is classified under HS code 030721 — Molluscs; scallops and other molluscs of the family Pectinidae, whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 030721 include shucked scallop meat?
Yes, as long as the scallop meat is fresh or chilled and has not been frozen, it is classified under 030721, regardless of whether the shell has been removed.
Which countries are the top exporters of live scallops (HS 030721)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030721 (the code used for live scallops) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($82M, 31% of world exports), Canada ($56M) and Japan ($44M). World exports came to about $265M, 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 scallops (HS 030721)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030721 (the code used for live scallops) in UN Comtrade data were France ($91M, 33% of world imports), the United States ($58M) and South Korea ($36M). World imports came to about $275M, 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 scallops the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030721 for Live scallops 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 scallops in Brazil?
In Brazil, live scallops (HS 030721) is classified under NCM 0307.21.00.