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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 0306Crustaceans; 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

Short phrases that describe this HS-6 subheading when you're searching or filtering schedules.

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

How people often phrase their search when they're trying to classify goods like yours.

  • What is HS code 030612?
  • How to classify frozen lobsters?
  • Are smoked lobsters covered under HS 030612?
  • What products fall under HS 030612?
  • Can I import frozen lobster tails?
  • What are the requirements for shipping lobsters?
  • How to avoid customs issues with lobsters?
  • What is the difference between HS 030611 and 030612?

Related topics

Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.

  • How to classify frozen lobsters for import
  • What are the regulations for importing cooked lobsters
  • Differences between HS codes for crustaceans
  • Best practices for shipping frozen seafood
  • What to include in lobster product descriptions for customs
  • How to ensure compliance when importing lobsters
  • Understanding lobster classifications in international trade
  • What to know about frozen lobster tariffs and duties

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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