Product classification
HS code for Salted octopus: 0307.59
Molluscs, octopus (Octopus spp.), dried, salted, in brine, or smoked, cooked or not before or during the smoking process.
Classification of salted octopus under HS 0307.59
Salted octopus is classified under HS code 0307.59, which specifically covers octopus (Octopus spp.) that has been dried, salted, or preserved in brine. Heading 0307 encompasses a wide range of molluscs, and the 0307.5 subheadings are reserved exclusively for octopus. The classification 0307.59 is applied to octopus that has undergone preservation techniques beyond simple chilling or freezing. This includes traditional salting methods used to extend shelf life or prepare the product for specific culinary applications. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, products in this category may be presented in their shell or without it, though octopus is typically presented without a shell. The key factor for 0307.59 is that the octopus remains in a state that is essentially preserved by salt or brine, without the addition of other ingredients or further processing that would characterize it as a "prepared" foodstuff under Chapter 16. This classification is vital for ensuring that trade statistics accurately reflect the volume of processed cephalopods. It also helps in applying the correct sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, as salted products have different risk profiles compared to fresh or frozen seafood.
- Covers
- Salted common octopus
- Brine-preserved octopus tentacles
- Dried and salted octopus pieces
- Smoked octopus (salted)
- Salted giant octopus
- Also under 0307.59
- Dried Octopus Snacks (various Asian brands)
- Conservas Ortiz Octopus in Brine
- Smoked Octopus (specialty delis)
- Dried Octopus from Korea
Codes often confused with 0307.59
Common mistake. Salted octopus is frequently misclassified under 0307.51 (live, fresh, or chilled) or 0307.52 (frozen). If the octopus has been cooked (other than cooking during the smoking process) or is preserved in a marinade or vinegar, it must be classified under 1605.55. It is also sometimes confused with salted squid, which falls under 0307.49.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030759 (the code used for salted octopus), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030759 (the code used for salted octopus) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 29% 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 030759, not only salted octopus.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $21M 37% of world exports
- 2 Senegal $7.1M 12% of world exports
- 3 Kenya $5.7M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $57M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $25M 29% of world imports
- 2 United States $16M 19% of world imports
- 3 Cyprus $6.6M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $85M 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 octopus
Brazil classifies salted octopus under NCM 0307.59.00: HS 0307.59 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about salted octopus
What is the HS code for Salted octopus?
The HS code for Salted octopus is 030759 (Molluscs; octopus (Octopus spp.), dried, salted, in brine, or smoked, cooked or not before or during the smoking process). The HS code for salted octopus is 0307.59, covering octopus species that are dried, salted, in brine, or smoked.
How do I classify Salted octopus for customs?
Salted octopus is classified under HS code 030759 — Molluscs; octopus (Octopus spp.), dried, salted, in brine, or smoked, cooked or not before or during the smoking process. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can salted octopus be cooked?
If the octopus is cooked and then salted or preserved, it generally moves to 1605.55. However, 0307.59 allows for cooking only if it occurs during the smoking process.
Which countries are the top exporters of salted octopus (HS 030759)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030759 (the code used for salted octopus) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($21M, 37% of world exports), Senegal ($7.1M) and Kenya ($5.7M). World exports came to about $57M, 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 octopus (HS 030759)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030759 (the code used for salted octopus) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($25M, 29% of world imports), the United States ($16M) and Cyprus ($6.6M). World imports came to about $85M, 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 octopus the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030759 for Salted octopus 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 octopus in Brazil?
In Brazil, salted octopus (HS 030759) is classified under NCM 0307.59.00.