Product classification
HS code for Live shrimp: 0306.36
Crustaceans, live, fresh or chilled, shrimps and prawns excluding cold-water varieties, in shell or not.
Classification of live shrimp under HS 0306.36
Live shrimp and prawns are classified under HS code 0306.36. This classification is found within Chapter 3 (Fish and Crustaceans). Heading 0306 covers crustaceans, whether in shell or not, and includes various states such as live, fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried. The subheading 0306.36 is specifically designated for shrimps and prawns that are live, fresh, or chilled, but it excludes cold-water varieties. Cold-water shrimps (such as Pandalus borealis) are classified under 0306.35. The distinction between 0306.35 and 0306.36 is based on the biological species and their typical habitat temperatures. Classification follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, requiring precise identification of the species. For most tropical and sub-tropical farmed shrimp, such as Vannamei or Monodon, 0306.36 is the correct code. This code is vital for enforcing biosecurity measures and managing quotas for aquaculture products.
- Covers
- Live Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
- Live Giant tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon)
- Fresh or chilled warm-water prawns
- Live shrimp for aquarium use (non-ornamental)
- Warm-water shrimps in shell, chilled on ice
- Also under 0306.36
- CP Foods (for sourcing)
- Seajoy (for sourcing)
- local markets in Vietnam
- Thailand
- Ecuador
- various Asian seafood distributors
Codes often confused with 0306.36
Common mistake. A common error is the confusion between 0306.36 (warm-water) and 0306.35 (cold-water). Importers must know the scientific name of the species to choose correctly. Another frequent misclassification involves the state of the product; frozen shrimp must be classified under subheadings 0306.16 or 0306.17. If the shrimp have been cooked (e.g., steamed or boiled in water), they are classified under 0306.36 only if they are fresh/chilled, but if they are prepared or preserved in other ways, they move to heading 1605.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030636 (the code used for live shrimp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030636 (the code used for live shrimp) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 36% 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 030636, not only live shrimp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $85M 15% of world exports
- 2 Spain $81M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $74M 13% of world exports
World total: $563M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $160M 36% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $33M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $30M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $443M 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 shrimp
Brazil classifies live shrimp under NCM 0306.36.00: HS 0306.36 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live shrimp
What is the HS code for Live shrimp?
The HS code for Live shrimp is 030636 (Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, shrimps and prawns excluding cold-water varieties, in shell or not). The HS code for live, fresh, or chilled warm-water shrimp is 0306.36.
How do I classify Live shrimp for customs?
Live shrimp is classified under HS code 030636 — Crustaceans; live, fresh or chilled, shrimps and prawns excluding cold-water varieties, in shell or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I classify live ornamental shrimp?
While 0306.36 covers most shrimp, some jurisdictions may classify strictly ornamental aquarium shrimp under 0306.39 or specific national lines if they are not intended for consumption.
Which countries are the top exporters of live shrimp (HS 030636)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030636 (the code used for live shrimp) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($85M, 15% of world exports), Spain ($81M) and China ($74M). World exports came to about $563M, 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 shrimp (HS 030636)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030636 (the code used for live shrimp) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($160M, 36% of world imports), Malaysia ($33M) and Singapore ($30M). World imports came to about $443M, 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 shrimp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030636 for Live shrimp 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 shrimp in Brazil?
In Brazil, live shrimp (HS 030636) is classified under NCM 0306.36.00.