HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 0303.56 – Fish; frozen, cobia (Rachycentron canadum), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99

HS code 0303.56 is the 6-digit subheading for fish, frozen, cobia (Rachycentron canadum), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. It is used for whole frozen cobia, gutted frozen cobia, head-on frozen cobia, head-off frozen cobia and frozen cobia steaks (not fillets).

What HS 0303.56 covers

This HS code covers frozen cobia (Rachycentron canadum) in its whole or processed (but not filleted) form, playing a significant role in the global seafood trade. Cobia is highly valued for its firm, white flesh and mild flavor, making it popular in various cuisines, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia. The trade involves both wild-caught and increasingly, aquaculture-farmed cobia, with farming operations expanding in regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America. Importers typically include wholesale distributors, restaurant suppliers, and large retail chains seeking a consistent supply of high-quality frozen fish. Exporters are often countries with advanced aquaculture industries or significant wild fisheries. Key considerations in this trade include sustainable sourcing, cold chain logistics to maintain quality, and compliance with food safety regulations, as consumers demand both convenience and ethical production.

Covers
  • Whole frozen cobia
  • Gutted frozen cobia
  • Head-on frozen cobia
  • Head-off frozen cobia
  • Frozen cobia steaks (not fillets)
  • Frozen cobia portions (not fillets)
Examples
  • Open Blue Cobia (frozen products)
  • various Asian seafood distributors
  • specific restaurant suppliers
  • wholesale seafood markets

Codes often confused with 0303.56

Common mistake. This code is often confused with fresh or chilled cobia (0302.56) or cobia fillets, fresh, chilled or frozen (0304.89). The key distinction is that the product must be frozen and not in fillet form.

0302.56Fish; fresh or chilled, blue whitings (Micromesistius poutassou, Micromesistius australis),excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.990304.89Fish fillets; frozen, of fish n.e.c. in heading 0304.8

Top exporters and importers of HS code 030356, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030356 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% 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 Indonesia $672K
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$146K
  3. 3 Netherlands $125K

World total: $1.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $165K
  2. 2 Thailand $128K
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$116K

World total: $697K 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 0303.56

Brazil does not split HS 0303.56: its NCM code is 0303.56.00.

  1. 0303.56.00 Frozen cobiaBijupirá (Cobia*) (Rachycentron canadum)

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.03 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 0303.56

What is HS code 030356?

HS code 030356 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish; frozen, cobia (Rachycentron canadum), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. This HS code covers frozen cobia (Rachycentron canadum) in its whole or processed (but not filleted) form, playing a significant role in the global seafood trade. Cobia is highly valued for its firm, white flesh and mild flavor, making it popular in various cuisines, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia. The trade involves both wild-caught and increasingly, aquaculture-farmed cobia, with farming operations expanding in regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America. Importers typically include wholesale distributors, restaurant suppliers, and large retail chains seeking a consistent supply of high-quality frozen fish. Exporters are often countries with advanced aquaculture industries or significant wild fisheries. Key considerations in this trade include sustainable sourcing, cold chain logistics to maintain quality, and compliance with food safety regulations, as consumers demand both convenience and ethical production.

What products fall under HS code 030356?

Whole frozen cobia, gutted frozen cobia, head-on frozen cobia, head-off frozen cobia, frozen cobia steaks (not fillets), frozen cobia portions (not fillets)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 030356?

This code is often confused with fresh or chilled cobia (0302.56) or cobia fillets, fresh, chilled or frozen (0304.89). The key distinction is that the product must be frozen and not in fillet form.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030356?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030356 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($672K, 66% of world exports), Vietnam (about $146K) and the Netherlands ($125K). World exports came to about $1.0M, 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 030356?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030356 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($165K, 24% of world imports), Thailand ($128K) and Vietnam (about $116K). World imports came to about $697K, 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 030356 structured?

HS code 030356 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (56) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030356?

In Brazil, HS code 030356 is NCM 0303.56.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.