Product classification
HS code for Salted cockles: 0307.79
Molluscs, clams, cockle, ark shells (families Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae, Veneridae), whether in shell or not, dried, salted, in brine, smoked.
Classification of salted cockles under HS 0307.79
Salted cockles are classified under HS code 0307.79. This classification falls under Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0307 is specifically for molluscs, whether in shell or not, and includes various states such as live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Subheading 0307.79 is a residual category for clams, cockles, and ark shells (from families such as Cardiidae and Arcidae) that are dried, salted, in brine, or smoked. Unlike fish headings where smoking is often separated, heading 0307 groups dried, salted, and smoked molluscs together in the non-live/fresh subheadings. The classification is determined by the species identification and the fact that the product is no longer in a live, fresh, chilled, or frozen state.
- Covers
- Salted cockles in shell
- Dried cockle meat (boneless)
- Brined ark shells
- Smoked cockles (not canned)
- Salt-cured clams of the family Veneridae
- Also under 0307.79
- Dried Clams for Soup (various Asian brands)
- Canned Clams in Brine (e.g., Bumble Bee, Crown Prince)
- Smoked Cockles (specialty European brands)
Codes often confused with 0307.79
Common mistake. Salted cockles are often misclassified under HS code 0307.71, which is for live, fresh, or chilled cockles. The distinction is the preservation state; once the cockle is salted or brined for preservation, it moves to 0307.79. Another common error is using HS code 1605.56, which covers prepared or preserved clams, cockles, and arks. If the cockles are boiled, canned, or preserved in vinegar or marinades, they are considered "prepared" and must be classified in Chapter 16. Importers must also ensure they do not confuse cockles with other molluscs like mussels (0307.39) or scallops (0307.29).
Top exporters and importers of HS 030779 (the code used for salted cockles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030779 (the code used for salted cockles) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 23% 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 030779, not only salted cockles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Pakistan $11M 46% of world exports
- 2 France $2.0M 8.6% of world exports
- 3 Canada $1.9M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $23M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $4.2M 23% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $3.1M 17% of world imports
- 3 United States $2.7M 15% of world imports
World total: $18M 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 salted cockles
Brazil classifies salted cockles under NCM 0307.79.00: HS 0307.79 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about salted cockles
What is the HS code for Salted cockles?
The HS code for Salted cockles is 030779 (Molluscs; clams, cockle, ark shells (families Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae, Veneridae), whether in shell or not, dried, salted, in brine, smoked). The HS code for cockles that are dried, salted, in brine, or smoked is 0307.79.
How do I classify Salted cockles for customs?
Salted cockles is classified under HS code 030779 — Molluscs; clams, cockle, ark shells (families Arcidae, Arcticidae, Cardiidae, Donacidae, Hiatellidae, Mactridae, Mesodesmatidae, Myidae, Semelidae, Solecurtidae, Solenidae, Tridacnidae, Veneridae), whether in shell or not, dried, salted, in brine, smoked. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are smoked cockles included in this HS code?
Yes, unlike many other seafood categories, the subheading 0307.79 specifically includes cockles that are smoked, in addition to those that are dried, salted, or in brine.
Which countries are the top exporters of salted cockles (HS 030779)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030779 (the code used for salted cockles) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($11M, 46% of world exports), France ($2.0M) and Canada ($1.9M). World exports came to about $23M, 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 salted cockles (HS 030779)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030779 (the code used for salted cockles) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($4.2M, 23% of world imports), South Korea ($3.1M) and the United States ($2.7M). World imports came to about $18M, 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 Salted cockles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030779 for Salted cockles 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 salted cockles in Brazil?
In Brazil, salted cockles (HS 030779) is classified under NCM 0307.79.00.