What exactly is frozen rock lobster?

Frozen rock lobster is the tail or whole crustacean that has been cooked or raw, then frozen for preservation and transport. It is the primary form traded internationally before further processing or direct sale to food service.

Should I buy whole frozen rock lobster or just the tails?

The main purchasing choice is between whole lobsters and tails, which affects yield, presentation, and cost. Whole lobsters are often preferred for display and high-end dining, while tails are more convenient for portion control and processing.

How do I evaluate the quality of frozen rock lobster?

Assess the lot by checking for intact shells, uniform size, and absence of freezer burn or discoloration. The meat should be firm and free from off-odors, indicating proper handling and freezing.

What are the key handling requirements for frozen rock lobster?

Frozen rock lobster must be kept at consistently low temperatures to prevent thawing and refreezing, which degrades texture and flavor. It should be stored in a freezer and transported in insulated containers with adequate refrigerant.

Is frozen rock lobster pre-cooked or raw?

Frozen rock lobster is typically cooked by boiling or steaming before freezing, but it can also be frozen raw. The cooking process affects the final texture and flavor, so buyers should specify whether they need pre-cooked or raw product.

Frozen Rock Lobster

Frozen rock lobster is a crustacean product that may be smoked or unsmoked and is sold frozen with or without the shell. It can be cooked by steaming or boiling in water.

Prices, specifications and international trade for frozen rock lobster under HS 030611.

Frozen Rock Lobster Price

$28,582USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Frozen rock lobster is quoted in USD/t at BRA. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Frozen Rock Lobster Historical Unit Values

Frozen Rock Lobster Suppliers

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Frozen Rock Lobster Exports and Imports

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Brazil led reported frozen rock lobster exports in 2025, at $80.7M.

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Frozen Rock Lobster Specifications and Quality

Frozen rock lobster grading factors include Size and weight, Shell condition, and Meat texture.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for frozen rock lobster considers Size and weight, Shell condition, and Meat texture.

Size and weight
The size of the lobster or tail is a primary grading factor, as it affects portion control and market value. Larger sizes are often preferred for premium dishes.
Shell condition
The condition of the shell, including color and integrity, indicates the quality of handling and freezing. A bright, intact shell suggests a well-processed product.
Meat texture
The texture of the meat should be firm and not mushy, indicating proper freezing and storage. Soft or watery meat suggests thawing or poor quality.
Ice glaze
The presence of ice glaze or frost on the product can indicate proper freezing or potential temperature abuse. Excessive ice may suggest thawing and refreezing.

Common Defects

Recorded defects for frozen rock lobster include Freezer burn, Shell damage, and Off-odor or discoloration.

Freezer burn
Freezer burn appears as dry, whitish patches on the shell or meat, caused by dehydration during frozen storage. It affects texture and flavor, making the product less appealing.
Shell damage
Broken or cracked shells can expose the meat to freezer burn and physical damage. This reduces the visual appeal and may indicate rough handling.
Off-odor or discoloration
Off-odors or discoloration in the meat can result from improper handling or temperature abuse. This makes the product unsuitable for consumption.

Frozen Rock Lobster Facts and HS Code

Frozen rock lobster belongs to seafood within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 030611.

Frozen Rock Lobster HS Code

Also known as	frozen spiny lobster, frozen sea crayfish
Product type	Raw
Form	Frozen
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Seafood — Protein and dairy
HS codes	030611
HS6 description	Crustaceans; frozen, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), in shell or not, smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking; in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	BRA

Production & Handling

Frozen rock lobster storage guidance: Store frozen rock lobster at consistently low temperatures to prevent thawing and refreezing, which can degrade texture and flavor. Maintain a stable cold chain during transport to avoid temperature fluctuations.

Production and Storage

Perishability	High
Temperature regime	Frozen
Storage conditions	Store frozen rock lobster at consistently low temperatures to prevent thawing and refreezing, which can degrade texture and flavor. Maintain a stable cold chain during transport to avoid temperature fluctuations.
Production methods	Wild capture
Processing steps	Harvest rock lobsters from the wild Sort and grade by size and quality Cook by steaming or boiling if pre-cooked product is required Freeze the lobsters or tails rapidly to preserve quality Glaze with water to prevent freezer burn Pack into cartons or bags Store and transport under frozen conditions

Packaging

Typical frozen rock lobster packaging includes Cartons, Poly bags, and Master cartons.

Cartons
Individually quick-frozen lobsters or tails are packed in cartons for retail and food service. This packaging protects the product and allows for easy portioning.
Poly bags
Bulk frozen lobsters are packed in poly bags for larger volume buyers. This is cost-effective for food service and processing operations.
Master cartons
For large shipments, frozen lobsters are packed in master cartons that contain multiple smaller packs. This facilitates handling and transport.

Uses & Risks

Frozen rock lobster is used in Grilled lobster tails, Lobster meat in salads and pastas, and Steamed whole lobster.

End Uses

Grilled lobster tails
Frozen rock lobster tails are grilled or broiled and served as a premium main course in restaurants.
Lobster meat in salads and pastas
The meat is used in salads, pastas, and other dishes where a delicate seafood flavor is desired.
Steamed whole lobster
Whole frozen lobsters are steamed and served with drawn butter in seafood restaurants.
Lobster bisque and soups
Frozen rock lobster is used in soups, bisques, and chowders to add rich flavor.

Uses and Related Commodities

Downstream industries	Food service, Retail seafood, Seafood processing, Restaurant and hospitality

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Temperature abuse Food safetyHigh Temperature abuse during storage or transport can allow bacterial growth, leading to spoilage and potential foodborne illness.	Food safety	High	Maintain a strict cold chain and monitor temperatures continuously to ensure the product remains frozen.
Cold chain disruption LogisticsMedium Delays in transit or equipment failure can cause thawing, which degrades quality and safety.	Logistics	Medium	Use reliable logistics partners and have contingency plans for equipment failures.
Overfishing SustainabilityMedium Overfishing of rock lobster populations can lead to supply shortages and regulatory restrictions.	Sustainability	Medium	Source from fisheries with sustainable management practices and certifications.

Frozen Rock Lobster Questions

What exactly is frozen rock lobster?: Frozen rock lobster is the tail or whole crustacean that has been cooked or raw, then frozen for preservation and transport. It is the primary form traded internationally before further processing or direct sale to food service.
Should I buy whole frozen rock lobster or just the tails?: The main purchasing choice is between whole lobsters and tails, which affects yield, presentation, and cost. Whole lobsters are often preferred for display and high-end dining, while tails are more convenient for portion control and processing.
How do I evaluate the quality of frozen rock lobster?: Assess the lot by checking for intact shells, uniform size, and absence of freezer burn or discoloration. The meat should be firm and free from off-odors, indicating proper handling and freezing.
What are the key handling requirements for frozen rock lobster?: Frozen rock lobster must be kept at consistently low temperatures to prevent thawing and refreezing, which degrades texture and flavor. It should be stored in a freezer and transported in insulated containers with adequate refrigerant.
Is frozen rock lobster pre-cooked or raw?: Frozen rock lobster is typically cooked by boiling or steaming before freezing, but it can also be frozen raw. The cooking process affects the final texture and flavor, so buyers should specify whether they need pre-cooked or raw product.