HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 0304.63 – Fish fillets; frozen, Nile Perch (Lates niloticus)

HS code 0304.63 is the 6-digit subheading for fish fillets, frozen, Nile Perch (Lates niloticus). It is used for nile perch fillets, skin-on Nile perch fillets, skinless Nile perch fillets, individually quick frozen (IQF) Nile perch fillets and block frozen Nile perch fillets.

What HS 0304.63 covers

This HS code covers frozen fillets specifically derived from Nile Perch (Lates niloticus), a large freshwater fish predominantly sourced from Lake Victoria in East Africa. The international trade in Nile Perch fillets is significant, with East African nations like Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania being primary exporters. These fillets are highly valued in European and North American markets for their mild flavor and firm, white flesh, making them a versatile option for various culinary applications. Key aspects of this trade include ensuring sustainable fishing practices and maintaining cold chain integrity during transport to preserve quality. Importers often look for certifications related to origin and processing standards. The demand for Nile Perch fillets reflects a global preference for accessible and adaptable whitefish options, driving a consistent supply chain from African lakes to international consumers.

Covers
  • Nile perch fillets
  • Skin-on Nile perch fillets
  • Skinless Nile perch fillets
  • Individually quick frozen (IQF) Nile perch fillets
  • Block frozen Nile perch fillets
  • Breaded Nile perch fillets
Examples
  • Lake Victoria Fish Processors
  • Marine Harvest (for some processing)
  • specific supermarket own-brand frozen fish

Codes often confused with 0304.63

Common mistake. This code can be confused with other frozen fish fillets under 030469 (other specific frozen fillets) or 03049x (other frozen fish meat) if the species is not precisely identified as Nile Perch.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 030463, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030463 in UN Comtrade data was Tanzania, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 15% 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 Tanzania $65M
  2. 2 Uganda $35M
  3. 3 Netherlands $7.9M

World total: $118M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$15M
  2. 2 Romania $13M
  3. 3 Spain $12M

World total: $98M 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 0304.63

Brazil does not split HS 0304.63: its NCM code is 0304.63.00.

  1. 0304.63.00 Frozen Nile perch filletsPerca-do-nilo (Lates niloticus)

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.04 →

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

Questions about HS 0304.63

What is HS code 030463?

HS code 030463 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish fillets; frozen, Nile Perch (Lates niloticus). This HS code covers frozen fillets specifically derived from Nile Perch (Lates niloticus), a large freshwater fish predominantly sourced from Lake Victoria in East Africa. The international trade in Nile Perch fillets is significant, with East African nations like Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania being primary exporters. These fillets are highly valued in European and North American markets for their mild flavor and firm, white flesh, making them a versatile option for various culinary applications. Key aspects of this trade include ensuring sustainable fishing practices and maintaining cold chain integrity during transport to preserve quality. Importers often look for certifications related to origin and processing standards. The demand for Nile Perch fillets reflects a global preference for accessible and adaptable whitefish options, driving a consistent supply chain from African lakes to international consumers.

What products fall under HS code 030463?

Nile perch fillets, skin-on Nile perch fillets, skinless Nile perch fillets, individually quick frozen (IQF) Nile perch fillets, block frozen Nile perch fillets, breaded Nile perch fillets

What are common misclassifications for HS code 030463?

This code can be confused with other frozen fish fillets under 030469 (other specific frozen fillets) or 03049x (other frozen fish meat) if the species is not precisely identified as Nile Perch.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030463?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030463 in UN Comtrade data were Tanzania ($65M, 55% of world exports), Uganda ($35M) and the Netherlands ($7.9M). World exports came to about $118M, 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 030463?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030463 in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $15M, 15% of world imports), Romania ($13M) and Spain ($12M). World imports came to about $98M, 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 030463 structured?

HS code 030463 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (63) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030463?

In Brazil, HS code 030463 is NCM 0304.63.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.