Live Green Crab
Live green crabs (Carcinus maenas), an invasive species harvested in North Atlantic waters and shipped alive in moist, ventilated containers. They are classified under tariff item 0306.33.00 as live, fresh or chilled crabs, and are commonly used in Asian cuisine or soft-shell preparations.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | 5% | — | 5% |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | 5% | — | 5% |
| 🇺🇸United States | 5% | +25.0% | 30% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | 5% | — | 5% |
| 🇯🇵Japan | 5% | — | 5% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the crabs are frozen rather than live
Frozen crabs fall under a different subheading for crustaceans, which is not covered by the live, fresh or chilled item.
If the crabs are smoked or cooked before or during smoking
Smoked crustaceans are classified separately from live, fresh or chilled ones.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the crabs arrive alive and healthy; CBSA may inspect for invasive species compliance
• Provide a commercial invoice with scientific name and country of origin
• Check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for any import permits related to live aquatic organisms
Related Products under Tariff item 0306.33.00
Chilled Blue Swimming Crabmeat
Chilled blue swimming crabmeat, extracted from Portunus pelagicus crabs and kept chilled for export. This product falls under tariff item 0306.33.00 as it is a crustacean, specifically crab, presented live, fresh, or chilled, and the meat is not cooked, frozen, or otherwise processed beyond chilling.
Chilled Golden King Crab Legs
Chilled golden king crab legs, premium sections from Lithodes aequispinus, packed on ice slurry. This product falls under tariff item 0306.33.00 as it is crab presented fresh or chilled, not cooked, frozen, or otherwise processed.
Chilled Hairy Crab
Chilled Chinese hairy crabs, Eriocheir sinensis, famous for roe and autumn harvest, imported packed in ice. This product falls under tariff item 0306.33.00 as it is crab presented fresh or chilled, not cooked, frozen, or otherwise processed.
Chilled King Crabmeat Leg Meat
Chilled king crabmeat leg meat, extracted from Paralithodes camtschaticus red king crabs and kept chilled for restaurant use. This product is classified under tariff item 0306.33.00 as it is crab meat presented fresh or chilled, not cooked, frozen, or otherwise processed.
Chilled Snow Crabmeat Lump
Chilled snow crabmeat lump, premium lump meat from Chionoecetes opilio snow crabs, kept chilled. This product falls under tariff item 0306.33.00 as it is crab meat presented fresh or chilled, not frozen, cooked, or otherwise processed beyond chilling.
Chilled Snowy Egret Crab
Chilled snowy egret crab, Neolithodes cancelosus, a deep-sea species prized for delicate flavor, shipped on ice slurry. This product falls under tariff item 0306.33.00 as it is crab presented fresh or chilled, not cooked, frozen, or otherwise processed.