HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0302.23 – Fish; fresh or chilled, sole (Solea spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99
HS code 0302.23 is the 6-digit subheading for fish, fresh or chilled, sole (Solea spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. It is used for whole fresh Dover sole, chilled common sole, whole fresh lemon sole, whole fresh petrale sole and wild-caught sole (chilled).
What HS 0302.23 covers
This category includes fresh or chilled whole sole, specifically from the Solea genus, such as Dover sole or common sole. Highly prized for its delicate flavor and firm texture, sole is a premium whitefish, particularly in European cuisine. The international trade involves careful handling and swift distribution to high-end markets and restaurants across Europe and beyond. Key fishing nations are often in Europe, supplying both local and international demand. Importers are typically gourmet seafood distributors and fine dining establishments seeking top-quality, fresh seafood.
- Covers
- Whole fresh Dover sole
- Chilled common sole
- Whole fresh lemon sole
- Whole fresh petrale sole
- Wild-caught sole (chilled)
- Fresh European sole
- Examples
- Pescanova
- Young's Seafood (for sourcing)
- various local European fishmongers
- S.A.R.L. Poissonnerie Ducrocq
Codes often confused with 0302.23
Common mistake. Can be confused with other flatfish like plaice (030222) or turbot (030224), or sole fillets (0304). The key is the specific 'Solea spp.' and the 'whole, fresh or chilled' form.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 030223, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030223 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 23% 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 Netherlands $44M 20% of world exports
- 2 Spain $36M 17% of world exports
- 3 France $30M 14% of world exports
World total: $216M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $51M 23% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $44M 19% of world imports
- 3 France $36M 16% of world imports
World total: $226M 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.
Brazil NCM code for 0302.23
Brazil does not split HS 0302.23: its NCM code is 0302.23.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0302.23
What is HS code 030223?
HS code 030223 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish; fresh or chilled, sole (Solea spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. This category includes fresh or chilled whole sole, specifically from the Solea genus, such as Dover sole or common sole. Highly prized for its delicate flavor and firm texture, sole is a premium whitefish, particularly in European cuisine. The international trade involves careful handling and swift distribution to high-end markets and restaurants across Europe and beyond. Key fishing nations are often in Europe, supplying both local and international demand. Importers are typically gourmet seafood distributors and fine dining establishments seeking top-quality, fresh seafood.
What products fall under HS code 030223?
Whole fresh Dover sole, Chilled common sole, Whole fresh lemon sole, Whole fresh petrale sole, Wild-caught sole (chilled), Fresh European sole
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030223?
Can be confused with other flatfish like plaice (030222) or turbot (030224), or sole fillets (0304). The key is the specific 'Solea spp.' and the 'whole, fresh or chilled' form.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030223?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030223 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($44M, 20% of world exports), Spain ($36M) and France ($30M). World exports came to about $216M, 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 030223?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030223 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($51M, 23% of world imports), the Netherlands ($44M) and France ($36M). World imports came to about $226M, 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 030223 structured?
HS code 030223 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (23) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030223?
In Brazil, HS code 030223 is NCM 0302.23.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.