What is HS code 030612?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
030612
Crustaceans; frozen, lobsters (Homarus spp.), in shell or not, smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking; in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water
Heading 0306 — Crustaceans; in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking; in shell, steamed or boiled, whether or not chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine
Chapter 03: Fish and crustaceans
Plain-language overview
Use HS-6 030612 when shipping frozen lobsters, whether in shell or not, which can be smoked or cooked. For instance, if you're importing a shipment of frozen, cooked lobsters from Canada, this is the correct code.
This code specifically covers lobsters from the genus Homarus, which are often found in gourmet seafood dishes. If you're dealing with other crustaceans like shrimp or crabs, you would need to look at different HS codes under the same heading.
Frozen lobsters can be imported in various forms, including whole, tails, or even pre-cooked portions. It's essential to ensure that the product's preparation method aligns with this classification to avoid customs issues.
If your lobsters are fresh or live, you would classify them under a different HS code, such as 030611. This distinction is crucial for compliance with import regulations and tariff classifications.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
frozen lobsters · HS code 030612 · lobsters in shell · smoked lobsters · cooked lobsters · import frozen seafood · lobster classification · crustaceans HS codes · lobster shipments · seafood import regulations · lobster tails · gourmet seafood · lobster meat · tariff classification · seafood processing · bulk lobster shipments
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Frozen whole lobsters shipped from Maine to a restaurant supplier
- Cooked lobster tails packaged for retail sale
- Smoked lobsters exported to gourmet food markets
- Frozen lobster meat used in seafood dishes
- Lobster products prepared for canning or freezing
- Lobsters shipped in bulk for processing
- Pre-cooked lobster portions for ready-to-eat meals
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify frozen lobsters?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Are smoked lobsters covered under HS 030612?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What products fall under HS 030612?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I import frozen lobster tails?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are the requirements for shipping lobsters?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to avoid customs issues with lobsters?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What is the difference between HS 030611 and 030612?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
How to classify frozen lobsters for import
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
What are the regulations for importing cooked lobsters
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Differences between HS codes for crustaceans
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
Best practices for shipping frozen seafood
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What to include in lobster product descriptions for customs
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
How to ensure compliance when importing lobsters
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Understanding lobster classifications in international trade
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What to know about frozen lobster tariffs and duties
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of lobsters are included in HS code 030612?
- HS code 030612 includes frozen lobsters from the genus Homarus, whether they are in shell or not, and can be smoked or cooked.
- Can I use HS code 030612 for live lobsters?
- No, live lobsters should be classified under HS code 030611. HS code 030612 is specifically for frozen lobsters.
- What should I do if my lobsters are cooked before freezing?
- You can still use HS code 030612 for lobsters that are cooked before freezing, as this code covers both smoked and cooked lobsters.
- Are there specific packaging requirements for importing lobsters?
- Yes, ensure that your lobsters are properly packaged to maintain their quality during transport, and include all necessary documentation for customs.
- What if my lobsters are in different forms, like tails or meat?
- As long as they are frozen and from the Homarus species, you can still classify them under HS code 030612.
- How do I avoid customs issues when importing lobsters?
- Make sure to accurately classify your products, provide detailed invoices, and comply with all import regulations for seafood.
- Can I import frozen lobsters from any country?
- You can import frozen lobsters from many countries, but check for any specific import restrictions or tariffs that may apply.
- What is the difference between HS code 030612 and 030611?
- HS code 030612 is for frozen lobsters, while 030611 is for live lobsters. Ensure you classify your product correctly based on its state.
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