Product classification
HS code for Salted sea cucumber: 0308.19
Aquatic invertebrates, sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process.
Classification of salted sea cucumber under HS 0308.19
Salted sea cucumber is classified under HS code 0308.19. This classification is part of Chapter 3, which encompasses aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs. Heading 0308 specifically covers sea cucumbers, sea urchins, jellyfish, and other similar aquatic invertebrates. The subheading 0308.19 is designated for sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea) that are dried, salted, in brine, or smoked. These products are distinct from the live, fresh, or chilled versions found in 0308.11. Sea cucumbers are highly valued in various cuisines, particularly in Asia, and are often traded in a dried or salted state to ensure shelf stability. The classification process involves identifying the species as a member of the class Holothuroidea and confirming that the preservation method involves salting or drying. This ensures the product is not classified as a prepared food under Chapter 16. The Harmonized System requires that these invertebrates remain in Chapter 3 as long as they have not been prepared or preserved by processes beyond those specified in the heading, such as being part of a prepared dish or canned in oil.
- Covers
- Dried sea cucumber (trepang/bêche-de-mer)
- Salt-cured sea cucumber
- Sea cucumber preserved in brine
- Smoked sea cucumber
- Desiccated Holothuroidea for culinary use
- Also under 0308.19
- Dried Japanese Sea Cucumber
- Australian Beche-de-Mer
- Salted Caribbean Sea Cucumber
- Smoked Pacific Sea Cucumber.
Codes often confused with 0308.19
Common mistake. A common misclassification is HS code 0308.11, which applies only to live, fresh, or chilled sea cucumbers. Importers also occasionally use 0308.12, which is specifically for frozen sea cucumbers. Furthermore, if the sea cucumber has been fully cooked and vacuum-sealed with seasonings, it may be classified under 1605.61, which covers prepared or preserved sea cucumbers. Accurate classification depends on the moisture content and the specific preservation technique used.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030819 (the code used for salted sea cucumber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030819 (the code used for salted sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 60% 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 030819, not only salted sea cucumber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hong Kong $46M 31% of world exports
- 2 Australia $15M 10% of world exports
- 3 Nicaragua* ~$15M 9.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $150M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $112M 60% of world imports
- 2 Macao $44M 24% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $10M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $187M 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 sea cucumber
Brazil classifies salted sea cucumber under NCM 0308.19.00: HS 0308.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about salted sea cucumber
What is the HS code for Salted sea cucumber?
The HS code for Salted sea cucumber is 030819 (Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process). The HS code for salted, dried, or smoked sea cucumber is 0308.19.
How do I classify Salted sea cucumber for customs?
Salted sea cucumber is classified under HS code 030819 — Aquatic invertebrates; sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus, Holothuroidea), dried, salted or in brine, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is dried sea cucumber the same as salted sea cucumber in the HS?
Yes, both dried and salted sea cucumbers are grouped together under the subheading 0308.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of salted sea cucumber (HS 030819)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030819 (the code used for salted sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($46M, 31% of world exports), Australia ($15M) and Nicaragua (about $15M). World exports came to about $150M, 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 sea cucumber (HS 030819)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030819 (the code used for salted sea cucumber) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($112M, 60% of world imports), Macao ($44M) and Malaysia ($10M). World imports came to about $187M, 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 sea cucumber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030819 for Salted sea cucumber 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 sea cucumber in Brazil?
In Brazil, salted sea cucumber (HS 030819) is classified under NCM 0308.19.00.