Product classification
HS code for Live sea cucumber: 0308.11
Aquatic invertebrates, sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), live, fresh or chilled.
Classification of live sea cucumber under HS 0308.11
HS code 030811 is the international standard for classifying live, fresh, or chilled sea cucumbers. Sea cucumbers belong to the class Holothuroidea and are classified under Chapter 3, which includes aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. Heading 0308 is specifically for aquatic invertebrates such as sea urchins, jellyfish, and sea cucumbers. The subheading 030811 is used for these organisms when they are traded in a live or fresh state. This is particularly relevant for high-end culinary markets where fresh sea cucumber is a delicacy. The classification helps customs officials distinguish between different types of aquatic life and ensures that the appropriate trade regulations and health certifications are applied to these unique marine products. Given the vulnerability of many sea cucumber species to overfishing, this code is also essential for monitoring trade volumes and ensuring compliance with environmental protections and sustainable harvesting practices.
- Covers
- Live sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea)
- Fresh sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus)
- Chilled sea cucumbers for immediate consumption
- Live Japanese sea cucumbers
- Freshly harvested sea slugs (edible varieties)
- Also under 0308.11
- Japanese Sea Cucumber (Namako)
- California Sea Cucumber
- Australian Sandfish
- Chinese Stichopus japonicus.
Codes often confused with 0308.11
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for sea cucumbers involves the dried form. Because sea cucumbers are most frequently traded in a dried, salted, or smoked state (often called bêche-de-mer or trepang), they are often mistakenly put under 030811 when they should be under 030819. If the sea cucumbers are frozen, they belong under 030812. Another error is confusing them with other aquatic invertebrates like sea urchins (030821) or jellyfish (030830). Importers must also be aware that if the sea cucumber is prepared or preserved beyond simple chilling or drying (e.g., in a sauce or as part of a prepared dish), it must be classified under 160561.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030811 (the code used for live sea cucumber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030811 (the code used for live sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 31% 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 030811, not only live sea cucumber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.8M 56% of world exports
- 2 Canada $1.5M 21% of world exports
- 3 United States $361K 5.3% of world exports
World total: $6.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $2.6M 31% of world imports
- 2 Greece $1.9M 23% of world imports
- 3 United States $1.5M 18% of world imports
World total: $8.4M 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 sea cucumber
Brazil classifies live sea cucumber under NCM 0308.11.00: HS 0308.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live sea cucumber
What is the HS code for Live sea cucumber?
The HS code for Live sea cucumber is 030811 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), live, fresh or chilled). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled sea cucumber is 030811. This code is used for the raw, unprocessed animal.
How do I classify Live sea cucumber for customs?
Live sea cucumber is classified under HS code 030811 — Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), live, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What code is used for dried sea cucumber?
Dried, salted, or smoked sea cucumbers are classified under HS code 030819. This is the most common code for the international trade of this product in the Asian market.
Which countries are the top exporters of live sea cucumber (HS 030811)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030811 (the code used for live sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.8M, 56% of world exports), Canada ($1.5M) and the United States ($361K). World exports came to about $6.8M, 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 sea cucumber (HS 030811)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030811 (the code used for live sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($2.6M, 31% of world imports), Greece ($1.9M) and the United States ($1.5M). World imports came to about $8.4M, 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 sea cucumber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030811 for Live sea cucumber 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 sea cucumber in Brazil?
In Brazil, live sea cucumber (HS 030811) is classified under NCM 0308.11.00.