HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 03.01 – Fish; live
What HS 03.01 covers
HS Heading 0301 specifically covers live fish, a classification critical for international trade in aquaculture, the ornamental fish industry, and certain traditional food markets. This heading encompasses all species of fish that are transported alive, whether for breeding, stocking ponds, human consumption, or as pets. Its scope is strictly limited to fish and does not include other live aquatic invertebrates like crustaceans (Chapter 306) or molluscs (Chapter 307), which have their own distinct classifications. Key sub-categories often differentiate between ornamental fish (e.g., koi, tropical aquarium species) and fish intended for aquaculture or food (e.g., salmon smolts, tilapia fingerlings, live carp). Accurate classification under 0301 is paramount for trade compliance due to the stringent biosecurity protocols, health certifications, and veterinary inspections required to prevent the spread of diseases. Furthermore, trade in certain endangered live fish species is regulated by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Historically, the trade in live fish has evolved from local markets to a sophisticated global logistics operation, emphasizing rapid, specialized transport conditions to maintain viability. This heading's relation to Chapter 3 as a whole underscores its role as the initial, unprocessed form of fish entering the supply chain, before being chilled, frozen, or further processed.
- Covers
- Live carp
- Live salmon smolts
- Live ornamental goldfish
- Live tropical aquarium fish (e.g., guppies, neon tetras)
- Live eels
- Live tilapia fingerlings
- Live trout
- Live koi
- Live catfish
- Live sturgeon for aquaculture
- Live cod
- Live sea bass
- Live snapper
- Live yellowtail for fattening
- Live pangasius
- Live grouper
- Live mollies
- Live angelfish
- Live feeder fish
- Live sea bream
- Live sole
- Live turbot
- Live barramundi
- Live clownfish.
- Examples
A Japanese breeder exports high-value ornamental koi carp to specialty pet stores and private collectors across Europe and North America, requiring specialized air freight and health certificates. Norwegian aquaculture companies transport live salmon smolts by sea to fish farms in Scotland, ensuring strict biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission. A Thai farm ships live tilapia fingerlings to Vietnam for further growth and processing, relying on efficient land and water transport. Dutch traders export live eels to East Asian markets, where they are considered a delicacy, necessitating careful temperature control and oxygenation during transit.
Subheadings under 03.01 8
Codes often confused with 03.01
Common mistake. A common misclassification mistake is confusing live fish with other live aquatic animals. For example, live shrimp or lobsters, though aquatic, are crustaceans and fall under HS 0306, not 0301. Similarly, live oysters or mussels are molluscs and would be classified under 0307. Another error is classifying live fish under Chapter 1 (Live Animals) in general, when 0301 provides the specific and correct classification for fish. The key differentiator is the biological classification: 0301 is exclusively for finned fish, excluding any other invertebrate or vertebrate aquatic animals, and not for fish that are already dead, even if fresh.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 0301, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 0301 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $563M 28% of world exports
- 2 Japan $231M 12% of world exports
- 3 France $127M 6.3% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $361M 15% of world imports
- 2 China $329M 14% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $308M 13% of world imports
World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 03.01
What is HS code 0301?
HS code 0301 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish; live. HS Heading 0301 specifically covers live fish, a classification critical for international trade in aquaculture, the ornamental fish industry, and certain traditional food markets. This heading encompasses all species of fish that are transported alive, whether for breeding, stocking ponds, human consumption, or as pets. Its scope is strictly limited to fish and does not include other live aquatic invertebrates like crustaceans (Chapter 306) or molluscs (Chapter 307), which have their own distinct classifications. Key sub-categories often differentiate between ornamental fish (e.g., koi, tropical aquarium species) and fish intended for aquaculture or food (e.g., salmon smolts, tilapia fingerlings, live carp). Accurate classification under 0301 is paramount for trade compliance due to the stringent biosecurity protocols, health certifications, and veterinary inspections required to prevent the spread of diseases. Furthermore, trade in certain endangered live fish species is regulated by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Historically, the trade in live fish has evolved from local markets to a sophisticated global logistics operation, emphasizing rapid, specialized transport conditions to maintain viability. This heading's relation to Chapter 3 as a whole underscores its role as the initial, unprocessed form of fish entering the supply chain, before being chilled, frozen, or further processed.
What products fall under HS code 0301?
Live carp, live salmon smolts, live ornamental goldfish, live tropical aquarium fish (e.g., guppies, neon tetras), live eels, live tilapia fingerlings, live trout, live koi, live catfish, live sturgeon for aquaculture, live cod, live sea bass, live snapper, live yellowtail for fattening, live pangasius, live grouper, live mollies, live angelfish, live feeder fish, live sea bream, live sole, live turbot, live barramundi, live clownfish.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 0301?
A common misclassification mistake is confusing live fish with other live aquatic animals. For example, live shrimp or lobsters, though aquatic, are crustaceans and fall under HS 0306, not 0301. Similarly, live oysters or mussels are molluscs and would be classified under 0307. Another error is classifying live fish under Chapter 1 (Live Animals) in general, when 0301 provides the specific and correct classification for fish. The key differentiator is the biological classification: 0301 is exclusively for finned fish, excluding any other invertebrate or vertebrate aquatic animals, and not for fish that are already dead, even if fresh.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 0301?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0301 in UN Comtrade data were China ($563M, 28% of world exports), Japan ($231M) and France ($127M). World exports came to about $2.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 0301?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 0301 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($361M, 15% of world imports), China ($329M) and Hong Kong ($308M). World imports came to about $2.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 0301 structured?
HS code 0301 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 03 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.