Product classification
HS code for Seashells: 0508.00
Animal products, coral and similar materials, shells of molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, cuttle-bone, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape, powder and waste thereof.
Classification of seashells under HS 0508.00
Seashells are classified under HS code 0508.00, which resides within Chapter 5 for products of animal origin not elsewhere specified or included. This heading covers coral and similar materials, as well as the shells of molluscs, crustaceans, or echinoderms. The primary criteria for classification here is that the shells must be unworked or simply prepared. "Simply prepared" implies that the shells may have been cleaned, disinfected, or cut in a basic manner, but they must not have been cut to a specific shape for a final product or further manufactured into jewelry or ornaments. This classification includes whole shells, crushed shells used for industrial purposes, and waste products like powder. Cuttle-bone also falls under this heading. The logic behind this classification is to group raw biological materials that have not yet entered a manufacturing stream that would transform them into "worked" articles of Chapter 96. Importers must ensure that the shells are not from endangered species protected by CITES, as this can affect the legality of the shipment regardless of the HS code.
- Covers
- Whole unworked conch shells
- Crushed oyster shells for animal feed
- Unworked coral branches
- Cuttle-bone (raw or cleaned)
- Empty scallop shells for decorative use (unworked)
- Also under 0508.00
- Coral jewelry (raw material)
- pet bird cuttle-bone
- mother-of-pearl inlays in furniture
- shell craft supplies
- calcium supplements from shells
Codes often confused with 0508.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 9601.90, which covers "worked" shell and articles of shell. If a seashell has been carved, polished for jewelry, or mounted onto a base, it is no longer considered "simply prepared" and must move to Chapter 96. Another potential error is 0307, which covers live, fresh, or chilled molluscs. If the shell still contains the meat (the animal), it is classified as a food product in Chapter 3. Finally, shells used as buttons are classified under 9606.29, even if they are made of natural shell material.
Top exporters and importers of HS 050800 (the code used for seashells), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 050800 (the code used for seashells) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% 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 050800, not only seashells.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $30M 21% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $18M 13% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $9.2M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $143M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $30M 22% of world imports
- 2 France $15M 11% of world imports
- 3 United States $11M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $138M 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 seashells
Brazil classifies seashells under NCM 0508.00.00: HS 0508.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about seashells
What is the HS code for Seashells?
The HS code for Seashells is 050800 (Animal products; coral and similar materials, shells of molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, cuttle-bone, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape, powder and waste thereof).
How do I classify Seashells for customs?
Seashells is classified under HS code 050800 — Animal products; coral and similar materials, shells of molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, cuttle-bone, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape, powder and waste thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for decorative seashells?
Unworked or simply cleaned decorative seashells are classified under HS code 0508.00.
Are polished shells classified under 0508.00?
Generally, no. If the shells are extensively polished or shaped for ornamental use, they are considered "worked" and fall under HS code 9601.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of seashells (HS 050800)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 050800 (the code used for seashells) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($30M, 21% of world exports), Indonesia ($18M) and the Netherlands ($9.2M). World exports came to about $143M, 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 seashells (HS 050800)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 050800 (the code used for seashells) in UN Comtrade data were China ($30M, 22% of world imports), France ($15M) and the United States ($11M). World imports came to about $138M, 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 Seashells the same in all countries?
The base HS code 050800 for Seashells 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 seashells in Brazil?
In Brazil, seashells (HS 050800) is classified under NCM 0508.00.00.