Crustaceans; in shell or not, live… (heading 0306): importing markets
HS heading 0306 covers crustaceans that are live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, in brine, smoked or cooked. In 2024 China (USD 9.07 billion) and…
Published on 2 October 2026Updated on 2 October 2026
HS heading 0306 covers crustaceans that are live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, in brine, smoked or cooked. In 2024 China (USD 9.07 billion) and the United States (USD 8.24 billion) led declared imports. Spain and France rank fourth and fifth, which matters for a company exporting from Spain.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 2 October 2026
Fact sheet
- Code
- 0306
- Chapter
- 03 · Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates
- Subheadings
- 29
Main importing markets
USD · 2024| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| China | 9,071,888,326 |
| United States | 8,240,834,160 |
| Japan | 1,887,408,401 |
| Spain | 1,590,491,954 |
| France | 1,398,570,935 |
| South Korea | 1,171,603,107 |
| Italy | 1,031,444,245 |
| Canada | 817,096,521 |
| Hong Kong SAR China | 696,861,679 |
| Netherlands | 651,244,990 |
| Germany | 552,484,537 |
| United Kingdom | 517,759,545 |
| Belgium | 425,947,824 |
| Denmark | 355,379,187 |
| Portugal | 344,235,205 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 2 October 2026
What to know before exporting HS 0306 from Spain
Heading 0306 sits in chapter 03 and is split into 29 subheadings. The right one depends on the species and on the state of the product: live, fresh, frozen, cooked or smoked. Customs duties, quotas and documents are tied to the subheading, so classification comes before any pricing.
If the classification is doubtful, a company established in Spain can ask the Spanish customs authority (AEAT) for a binding tariff information decision. It is valid across the European Union and gives certainty for the products it covers.
Demand is concentrated. In 2024, China and the United States together declared more than USD 17 billion of imports under this heading, far above Japan in third place (USD 1.89 billion). These figures are imports declared by each country from the world, not purchases from Spain.
Spain (USD 1.59 billion) and France (USD 1.40 billion) are also among the main importers, as are Italy and Portugal further down the list. For a company exporting from Spain, sales to other EU member states are intra-EU trade, with no customs duty. Sanitary and labelling rules for fishery products still apply.
For destinations outside the EU, the duty depends on the subheading and on any agreement in force between the EU and that country. Access2Markets shows the duty, rules of origin and product requirements for each destination and each code.
Health certification and approval of the establishment are normally set by the importing country's authority. They vary by destination and by whether the product is live, chilled or frozen. Check them for the exact subheading and market before agreeing delivery terms.
Frequently asked questions
What products does HS 0306 include?
HS 0306 covers crustaceans, with or without shell, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine. It also covers smoked crustaceans and those cooked before or during smoking, and shell-on crustaceans steamed or boiled. Molluscs are classified under a different heading.
Which countries import the most under HS 0306?
In 2024, according to UN Comtrade, China was the largest importer with USD 9.07 billion, followed by the United States with USD 8.24 billion and Japan with USD 1.89 billion. Spain ranked fourth with USD 1.59 billion. The figures are declared imports and may include goods that are later re-exported.
Do I pay customs duty when selling these products from Spain to France or Italy?
No. Sales between EU member states are intra-EU trade and carry no customs duty. Sanitary, traceability and labelling rules for fishery products still apply, as do VAT rules.
Where do I find the duty for exporting HS 0306 outside the EU?
Access2Markets, the European Commission's tool, shows the duty, rules of origin and requirements by product code and destination. The duty depends on the 6-digit subheading and on the agreement between the EU and the destination country, so look it up for your exact code.
Why does the subheading matter if the heading is the same?
Heading 0306 has 29 subheadings, and duties, quotas and documents are set at that level. A frozen product and a live one under the same heading can face different treatment. If unsure, ask AEAT for a binding tariff information decision.
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