Product classification
HS code for Mollusc meal: 0309.90
Flours, meals and pellets of crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, fit for human consumption.
Classification of mollusc meal under HS 0309.90
Mollusc meal is classified under HS code 030990 because it consists of flours, meals, and pellets derived from molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates that are specifically processed to be fit for human consumption. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. While heading 0308 covers aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, heading 0309 was introduced to specifically capture flours, meals, and pellets of all aquatic invertebrates, provided they meet the criteria for human food. The classification depends heavily on the processing method, which typically involves drying and grinding the edible portions of the mollusc into a fine or coarse powder. If the product is intended for human nutritional use, such as in soups, flavorings, or health supplements, it remains within this heading rather than being relegated to animal feed chapters.
- Covers
- Dried clam meal for human consumption
- Powdered mussel meat
- Oyster flour used as a food ingredient
- Scallop meal pellets for culinary use
- Dehydrated squid meal for food processing
- Also under 0309.90
- Dried shrimp powder (for seasoning)
- Krill protein supplements
- Green-lipped mussel powder (nutraceutical)
- Scallop powder
Codes often confused with 0309.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2301.20. While both codes cover meals and pellets of aquatic invertebrates, heading 2301 is strictly reserved for products that are unfit for human consumption, typically used as animal feed or fertilizer. Importers must provide certification of food-grade quality to avoid 2301.20. Additionally, if the meal is highly seasoned or prepared as a finished soup base, it might be confused with heading 2104.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030990 (the code used for mollusc meal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030990 (the code used for mollusc meal) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 17% 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 030990, not only mollusc meal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $12M 29% of world exports
- 2 Norway $9.9M 24% of world exports
- 3 Chile $5.6M 14% of world exports
World total: $41M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $7.1M 17% of world imports
- 2 China $5.3M 13% of world imports
- 3 Nigeria $5.2M 13% of world imports
World total: $41M 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 mollusc meal
Brazil classifies mollusc meal under NCM 0309.90.00: HS 0309.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mollusc meal
What is the HS code for Mollusc meal?
The HS code for Mollusc meal is 030990 (Flours, meals and pellets of crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, fit for human consumption). The HS code for mollusc meal fit for human consumption is 0309.90.
How do I classify Mollusc meal for customs?
Mollusc meal is classified under HS code 030990 — Flours, meals and pellets of crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, fit for human consumption. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is food-grade mollusc meal distinguished from feed-grade?
Food-grade meal (0309.90) must meet sanitary standards for human ingestion, whereas feed-grade (2301.20) is processed from waste or non-edible species for livestock or aquaculture use.
Which countries are the top exporters of mollusc meal (HS 030990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030990 (the code used for mollusc meal) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($12M, 29% of world exports), Norway ($9.9M) and Chile ($5.6M). World exports came to about $41M, 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 mollusc meal (HS 030990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030990 (the code used for mollusc meal) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($7.1M, 17% of world imports), China ($5.3M) and Nigeria ($5.2M). World imports came to about $41M, 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 Mollusc meal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030990 for Mollusc meal 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 mollusc meal in Brazil?
In Brazil, mollusc meal (HS 030990) is classified under NCM 0309.90.00.