HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 0302.79 – Fish; fresh or chilled, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99

HS code 0302.79 is the 6-digit subheading for fish, fresh or chilled, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. It is used for fresh whole Nile Perch, chilled African Snakehead, fresh Giant Snakehead, chilled Striped Snakehead and fresh Cobra Snakehead.

What HS 0302.79 covers

This HS code encompasses the international trade of whole, fresh or chilled Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and various snakehead species (Channa spp.). Nile perch is a significant export commodity for East African nations, particularly those bordering Lake Victoria, supplying markets in Europe and the Middle East. Snakeheads, while sometimes viewed as invasive in certain regions, are highly valued in specific Asian cuisines. The trade demands meticulous handling and rapid transportation to preserve the fish's freshness, often from remote fishing regions to distant urban centers. Exporters focus on efficient logistics and quality control, while importers seek reliable supply chains. Sustainability concerns, particularly regarding the ecological impact of Nile perch and the management of snakehead populations, are increasingly important factors in this trade.

Covers
  • Fresh whole Nile Perch
  • Chilled African Snakehead
  • Fresh Giant Snakehead
  • Chilled Striped Snakehead
  • Fresh Cobra Snakehead
  • Live Nile Perch for market
Examples
  • Nile Perch (Lates niloticus)
  • Giant Snakehead (Channa micropeltes)
  • Striped Snakehead (Channa striata)
  • Northern Snakehead (Channa argus)

Codes often confused with 0302.79

Common mistake. Traders must differentiate this from 0303 (frozen forms) or 0304 (fillets), as the 'fresh or chilled' and 'whole' criteria are paramount for this specific classification.

03.03Fish; frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 030403.04Fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced); fresh, chilled or frozen

Top exporters and importers of HS code 030279, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030279 in UN Comtrade data was Ecuador, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 21% 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. 1 Ecuador $25M
  2. 2 Netherlands $20M
  3. 3 Bangladesh* ~$7.9M

World total: $74M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Netherlands $11M
  2. 2 Portugal $11M
  3. 3 India $7.9M

World total: $51M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 0302.79

Brazil does not split HS 0302.79: its NCM code is 0302.79.00.

  1. 0302.79.00 Fresh or chilled Nile perch and snakeheadsOutros

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 0302.79

What is HS code 030279?

HS code 030279 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish; fresh or chilled, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. This HS code encompasses the international trade of whole, fresh or chilled Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and various snakehead species (Channa spp.). Nile perch is a significant export commodity for East African nations, particularly those bordering Lake Victoria, supplying markets in Europe and the Middle East. Snakeheads, while sometimes viewed as invasive in certain regions, are highly valued in specific Asian cuisines. The trade demands meticulous handling and rapid transportation to preserve the fish's freshness, often from remote fishing regions to distant urban centers. Exporters focus on efficient logistics and quality control, while importers seek reliable supply chains. Sustainability concerns, particularly regarding the ecological impact of Nile perch and the management of snakehead populations, are increasingly important factors in this trade.

What products fall under HS code 030279?

Fresh whole Nile Perch, Chilled African Snakehead, Fresh Giant Snakehead, Chilled Striped Snakehead, Fresh Cobra Snakehead, Live Nile Perch for market

What are common misclassifications for HS code 030279?

Traders must differentiate this from 0303 (frozen forms) or 0304 (fillets), as the 'fresh or chilled' and 'whole' criteria are paramount for this specific classification.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030279?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030279 in UN Comtrade data were Ecuador ($25M, 33% of world exports), the Netherlands ($20M) and Bangladesh (about $7.9M). World exports came to about $74M, 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 030279?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030279 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($11M, 21% of world imports), Portugal ($11M) and India ($7.9M). World imports came to about $51M, 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 030279 structured?

HS code 030279 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 (79) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030279?

In Brazil, HS code 030279 is NCM 0302.79.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.