Shrimp HS Codes in Asia: Why the Same Product Gets Different Classifications

23^rd July 2026 | Shanghai, China

China's main imported shrimp types — Argentine red, Pacific white, black tiger, and northern shrimp — fall under different HS codes and duty rates depending on species and processing form (whole, peeled, cooked, or chilled).

Imported Shrimp: Key Differences and HS Code Classification

As living standards in China rise, imported shrimp have become a common fixture on daily tables. The four main types are Argentine red shrimp, Pacific white shrimp, black tiger shrimp, and northern shrimp. Below is a practical guide to their differences and how they are classified for import.

1. Argentine Red Shrimp

• Scientific name: Pleoticus muelleri
• Characteristics: Red body, 100–200 mm long, 25–100 g. Grows in cold waters around 200 metres deep.
• Distribution: Southwest Atlantic, from Brazil to Argentina, concentrated off Patagonia.
• Processing: Frozen immediately after capture and stored at –18°C.
• HS code (frozen): 03061790 — Duty 5%, VAT 9%

2. Pacific White Shrimp

• Scientific name: Penaeus vannamei
• Characteristics: Thin bluish-grey shell, no spots, up to 24 cm long. Thrives in 18–32°C waters.
• Distribution: Pacific coast of the Americas, from Mexico to Peru, concentrated near Ecuador.
• Processing: Frozen immediately after capture and stored at –18°C.
• HS code (frozen): 03061790 — Duty 5%, VAT 9%

3. Black Tiger Shrimp (Giant Tiger Prawn)

• Scientific name: Penaeus monodon
• Characteristics: Black or brown and yellow stripes. Grows up to 33 cm — the largest shrimp species. Thrives in 14–34°C waters.
• Distribution: Japan, Korea, China, Southeast Asia, Australia, India, and East Africa.
• Processing: Imported as frozen whole shrimp or frozen peeled shrimp meat.
• HS codes:
  • Frozen whole: 03061790 — Duty 5%, VAT 9%
  • Frozen peeled: 03061730 — Duty 7%, VAT 9%

4. Northern Shrimp (Cold-Water Shrimp)

• Scientific name: Pandalus borealis
• Characteristics: Pink when cooked, small size (about 120–150 per kg). Grows in cold waters at 150–250 metres deep.
• Distribution: North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, wild-caught.
• Main fishing countries: Canada, Greenland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway.
• Processing: Cooked on board within 1–2 hours of catch and frozen to –18°C. Small quantities of chilled shrimp are imported for sushi and sashimi.
• HS codes:
  • Frozen cooked: 03061640 — Duty 7%, VAT 9%
  • Chilled: 03063590 — Duty 10%, VAT 9%

Summary Table

Importing seafood into China? Read our guide on HS Code in different markets of Asia

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Disclaimer: This article is for general guidance only. HS codes, duty, and VAT rates change over time and depend on the exact product specification. Always confirm current classification with China Customs or a licensed customs broker before importing.