Product classification
HS code for Prepared lobster: 1605.30
Crustacean preparations, lobster, prepared or preserved.
Classification of prepared lobster under HS 1605.30
Prepared lobster is classified under HS code 160530, which specifically covers crustaceans of the lobster family that have undergone preparation or preservation processes. The Harmonized System distinguishes between raw crustaceans (Chapter 03) and those that have been further processed (Chapter 16). Under Heading 1605, lobster products are included if they have been cooked by steaming or boiling in water, whether or not they remain in their shells. Additionally, this code encompasses lobster meat that has been preserved in airtight containers, such as cans or jars, or prepared in ways such as being potted, made into pastes, or preserved in butter or sauces. The classification logic relies on the fact that these processes change the nature of the product from a primary commodity to a prepared food item. For importers and exporters, identifying the correct state of the lobster is essential; for example, a lobster that is simply frozen while raw remains in 0306, but a lobster that is boiled and then frozen must be classified under 160530. This distinction is vital for determining applicable tariffs, quotas, and sanitary regulations. The subheading 160530 is globally recognized for lobster preparations, ensuring uniformity in trade statistics and customs enforcement across different jurisdictions. Furthermore, the inclusion of lobster in airtight containers under this code highlights the importance of the packaging and preservation method in the classification process, as these factors often dictate the shelf life and intended use of the product in the retail or food service sectors.
- Covers
- Cooked lobster meat (frozen or chilled)
- Canned lobster in brine or butter
- Lobster paste and spreads
- Whole lobsters boiled in water
- Lobster thermidor preparations (if primarily lobster)
- Also under 1605.30
- Clearwater Seafoods Lobster
- Maine Lobster Now
- Luke's Lobster
- Boston Lobster Feast
Codes often confused with 1605.30
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 0306, which covers live, fresh, chilled, or frozen lobster that has not been cooked. Many traders mistakenly use 0306 for cooked-frozen lobster tails, which should actually be classified under 160530 because the act of cooking moves the product into Chapter 16.
Top exporters and importers of HS 160530 (the code used for prepared lobster), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 160530 (the code used for prepared lobster) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 93% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 89% 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 160530, not only prepared lobster.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $464M 93% of world exports
- 2 United States $11M 2.2% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $10M 2.0% of world exports
World total: $499M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $439M 89% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $11M 2.3% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $8.1M 1.6% of world imports
World total: $494M 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 prepared lobster
Brazil classifies prepared lobster under NCM 1605.30.00: HS 1605.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared lobster
What is the HS code for Prepared lobster?
The HS code for Prepared lobster is 160530 (Crustacean preparations; lobster, prepared or preserved). The HS code for prepared or preserved lobster is 160530.
How do I classify Prepared lobster for customs?
Prepared lobster is classified under HS code 160530 — Crustacean preparations; lobster, prepared or preserved. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are frozen lobster tails classified here?
Only if they have been cooked (boiled or steamed) before freezing. If they are raw and frozen, they belong under HS code 0306.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared lobster (HS 160530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 160530 (the code used for prepared lobster) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($464M, 93% of world exports), the United States ($11M) and Ireland ($10M). World exports came to about $499M, 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 prepared lobster (HS 160530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 160530 (the code used for prepared lobster) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($439M, 89% of world imports), Hong Kong ($11M) and the United Kingdom ($8.1M). World imports came to about $494M, 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 Prepared lobster the same in all countries?
The base HS code 160530 for Prepared 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 prepared lobster in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared lobster (HS 160530) is classified under NCM 1605.30.00.