HS Code 03.04 – Fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced); fresh, chilled or frozen

HS code 0304 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced); fresh, chilled or frozen. HS Heading 0304 covers fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced, in fresh, chilled, or frozen states. This classification is pivotal for the value-added segment of the international fish trade, focusing on prepared fish portions that offer convenience to consumers and processors. The heading encompasses boneless, skinless sections of fish (fillets) and other fish meat, including minced forms (e.g., blocks of minced fish for surimi production), regardless of their temperature state (fresh, chilled, or frozen). Its scope is distinct from whole fish (0302, 0303) and fish preserved by methods like salting, drying, or smoking (0305). Key sub-categories include specific species of fresh salmon fillets, frozen cod fillets, chilled tilapia fillets, and blocks of minced pollock. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance due to varying import duties, quotas, and, most importantly, stringent food safety standards, labeling requirements (species, origin), and traceability protocols. The rise of this heading reflects a global shift towards convenient, ready-to-cook seafood products. Its relation to Chapter 3 emphasizes its origin as fish, but its distinct classification acknowledges the processing step that transforms whole fish into a more refined, consumer-ready or industrial raw material.

Fresh salmon fillets, frozen cod fillets, chilled tilapia fillets, fresh tuna steaks, frozen pollock blocks (minced), fresh haddock loins, chilled halibut steaks, frozen pangasius fillets, fresh sea bass fillets, frozen mahi-mahi portions, fresh trout fillets, chilled swordfish steaks (boneless, skinless), frozen surimi base, fresh snapper fillets, frozen hake fillets, chilled mackerel fillets, fresh sardine fillets, frozen tuna loin (skinless, boneless), fresh turbot fillets, chilled sole fillets, frozen minced fish for fish cakes, fresh cod portions, frozen orange roughy fillets, chilled monkfish fillets, fresh redfish fillets.

Common misclassification mistakes for 0304 involve confusing fish fillets/meat with whole fish (0302/0303) or more highly prepared fish products (1604). The key distinction from 0302/0303 is the form: 0304 covers boneless, skinless fillets or other processed fish meat, not whole or simply gutted fish. A frequent error is classifying fish that has undergone further preparation, such as breading, smoking, canning, marinating, or seasoning beyond basic salt/pepper, under 0304. These more advanced preparations generally move the product to heading 1604 (prepared or preserved fish). The defining line is that 0304 covers raw fish meat, even if minced or portioned, while 1604 covers cooked or otherwise 'prepared' fish.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0304 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($3.8B, 12% of world exports), China ($3.8B) and Norway ($3.7B). World exports came to about $31.4B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 0304 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.0B, 24% of world imports), Japan ($3.3B) and Germany ($2.3B). World imports came to about $32.9B, 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.

HS code 0304 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 03 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.