HS Code Subheading

Fish; frozen, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99

0303.63 Subheading
Section I — live animals; animal products

About HS Code 030363

This code covers frozen whole or cut (but not filleted) cod, specifically Atlantic, Greenland, and Pacific species. Cod is a cornerstone of the global whitefish trade, highly valued for its mild flavor and flaky texture. It's a staple in many cuisines, particularly in Europe and North America. Importers include major seafood processors who will fillet and portion the fish, as well as distributors supplying restaurants and retail. Exporters are primarily countries with significant cod fisheries, such as Norway, Iceland, Russia, and Canada. Key aspects of this trade involve managing quotas to ensure sustainability, cold chain logistics for large volumes, and quality control to prevent freezer burn. The demand for cod remains consistently high, driving substantial international trade in various forms, including these non-filleted frozen forms.

Products Under This Code

Whole frozen Atlantic cod, frozen cod steaks (bone-in), frozen cod loins (skin-on, bone-out, non-fillet), frozen cod portions (non-fillet), frozen cod heads, frozen cod frames

Real World Examples

Norwegian Seafood Council Cod, Icelandic Seafish Frozen Cod, Faroese Frozen Cod, Russian Fishery Company Cod

Common Misclassification

This code is frequently confused with 0304.81 (frozen cod fillets) because cod is so often traded as fillets; the key distinction is the "excluding fillets" clause. It can also be mistaken for other frozen whitefish like haddock (030364).

Products Classified Under 0303.63

Industry

This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.

Trade Overview

Major importers are the EU (especially UK, France, Germany), USA, and China, with top exporters being Norway, Russia, and Iceland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 030363?

HS code 030363 covers: Fish; frozen, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. This code covers frozen whole or cut (but not filleted) cod, specifically Atlantic, Greenland, and Pacific species. Cod is a cornerstone of the global whitefish trade, highly valued for its mild flavor and flaky texture. It's a staple in many cuisines, particularly in Europe and North America. Importers include major seafood processors who will fillet and portion the fish, as well as distributors supplying restaurants and retail. Exporters are primarily countries with significant cod fisheries, such as Norway, Iceland, Russia, and Canada. Key aspects of this trade involve managing quotas to ensure sustainability, cold chain logistics for large volumes, and quality control to prevent freezer burn. The demand for cod remains consistently high, driving substantial international trade in various forms, including these non-filleted frozen forms.

What products fall under HS code 030363?

Whole frozen Atlantic cod, frozen cod steaks (bone-in), frozen cod loins (skin-on, bone-out, non-fillet), frozen cod portions (non-fillet), frozen cod heads, frozen cod frames

What are common misclassifications for HS code 030363?

This code is frequently confused with 0304.81 (frozen cod fillets) because cod is so often traded as fillets; the key distinction is the "excluding fillets" clause. It can also be mistaken for other frozen whitefish like haddock (030364).

How is HS code 030363 structured?

HS code 030363 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 (63) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.