Product classification
HS code for Salted conch: 0307.88
Molluscs, stromboid conchs (Strombus spp.), whether in shell or not, dried, salted, in brine, or smoked, cooked or not before or during the smoking process.
Classification of salted conch under HS 0307.88
Salted conch is classified under HS code 0307.88 because it falls within the category of molluscs that have been preserved through specific traditional methods. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0307 specifically addresses molluscs, whether in shell or not, including those that are live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Within this heading, the 80-series subheadings are dedicated to stromboid conchs (Strombus spp.). The code 0307.88 is designated for these conchs when they are dried, salted, in brine, or smoked. This classification applies regardless of whether the conch was cooked before or during the smoking process, provided it has not been further prepared or preserved by methods such as canning or being placed in airtight containers with sauces, which would shift the classification to Chapter 16. The determination of this code relies on the preservation method being the primary factor, ensuring the product remains a basic commodity rather than a prepared meal.
- Covers
- Dried queen conch meat (Strombus gigas)
- Salted stromboid conch, skinless or skin-on
- Conch meat preserved in a heavy brine solution
- Smoked stromboid conch, whether or not cooked during smoking
- Dried conch pieces intended for soups or stews
- Also under 0307.88
- Queen Conch (Strombus gigas)
- Caribbean Dried Conch
- Bahamian Salted Conch
- Smoked Conch from Belize.
Codes often confused with 0307.88
Common mistake. Salted conch is frequently misclassified under HS code 0307.81, which is reserved for live, fresh, or chilled stromboid conchs. The distinction lies in the preservation state; once salt is added as a preservative or the moisture content is reduced through drying, it must move to 0307.88. Another common error is using HS code 1605.59. This code is for molluscs that are "prepared or preserved" in ways not covered by Chapter 3, such as being boiled in water, canned in brine, or prepared with vinegar and spices. If the conch is simply salted or dried, it stays in 0307.88.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030788 (the code used for salted conch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030788 (the code used for salted conch) in UN Comtrade data was Ecuador, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 69% 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 030788, not only salted conch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Ecuador $1.2M 66% of world exports
- 2 Nicaragua* ~$425K 23% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Spain $125K 6.8% of world exports
World total: $1.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $1.9M 69% of world imports
- 2 United States $425K 16% of world imports
- 3 Canada $253K 9.3% of world imports
World total: $2.7M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 conch
Brazil classifies salted conch under NCM 0307.88.00: HS 0307.88 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about salted conch
What is the HS code for Salted conch?
The HS code for Salted conch is 030788 (Molluscs; stromboid conchs (Strombus spp.), whether in shell or not, dried, salted, in brine, or smoked, cooked or not before or during the smoking process). The correct HS code for salted conch is 0307.88, which specifically covers stromboid conchs that are dried, salted, in brine, or smoked.
How do I classify Salted conch for customs?
Salted conch is classified under HS code 030788 — Molluscs; stromboid conchs (Strombus spp.), whether in shell or not, dried, salted, in brine, or smoked, cooked or not before or during the smoking process. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does HS code 0307.88 include frozen conch?
No, frozen stromboid conch is classified under HS code 0307.83. Code 0307.88 is strictly for those preserved by drying, salting, or smoking.
Which countries are the top exporters of salted conch (HS 030788)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030788 (the code used for salted conch) in UN Comtrade data were Ecuador ($1.2M, 66% of world exports), Nicaragua (about $425K) and Spain ($125K). World exports came to about $1.8M, 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 salted conch (HS 030788)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030788 (the code used for salted conch) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($1.9M, 69% of world imports), the United States ($425K) and Canada ($253K). World imports came to about $2.7M, 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 conch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030788 for Salted conch 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 conch in Brazil?
In Brazil, salted conch (HS 030788) is classified under NCM 0307.88.00.