HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 0304.73 – Fish fillets; frozen, coalfish (Pollachius virens)

HS code 0304.73 is the 6-digit subheading for fish fillets, frozen, coalfish (Pollachius virens). It is used for saithe fillets, frozen coalfish fillets, skin-on saithe fillets, skinless saithe fillets and IQF coalfish fillets.

What HS 0304.73 covers

This HS code covers frozen fillets of coalfish, also known as saithe (Pollachius virens). Coalfish is a significant whitefish species from the North Atlantic, often traded as a more affordable and sustainable alternative to cod or haddock. Its firm, slightly darker flesh lightens upon cooking, offering a versatile option for various culinary applications, including processed fish products. Major exporters are countries with strong North Atlantic fishing fleets, while importers are typically European nations where coalfish is a common and economical seafood choice. The trade focuses on efficient processing and freezing techniques to ensure product quality and extend shelf life, catering to both retail and foodservice sectors seeking value-driven whitefish options.

Covers
  • Saithe fillets
  • Frozen coalfish fillets
  • Skin-on saithe fillets
  • Skinless saithe fillets
  • IQF coalfish fillets
  • Saithe loins
  • Breaded coalfish fillets
Examples
  • Iglo
  • Birds Eye (in some markets)
  • specific European supermarket brands
  • Findus

Codes often confused with 0304.73

Common mistake. Can be confused with other Gadiformes like cod (030471) or haddock (030472), especially when processed, due to similar white flesh characteristics and shared habitats.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 030473, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030473 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 17% 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 China $84M
  2. 2 Iceland $77M
  3. 3 Faroe Islands* ~$46M

World total: $365M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Poland $52M
  2. 2 Germany $50M
  3. 3 France $41M

World total: $304M 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 0304.73

Brazil does not split HS 0304.73: its NCM code is 0304.73.00.

  1. 0304.73.00 Frozen saithe (coalfish) filletsSaithe (Escamudo*) (Pollachius virens)

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 0304.73

What is HS code 030473?

HS code 030473 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish fillets; frozen, coalfish (Pollachius virens). This HS code covers frozen fillets of coalfish, also known as saithe (Pollachius virens). Coalfish is a significant whitefish species from the North Atlantic, often traded as a more affordable and sustainable alternative to cod or haddock. Its firm, slightly darker flesh lightens upon cooking, offering a versatile option for various culinary applications, including processed fish products. Major exporters are countries with strong North Atlantic fishing fleets, while importers are typically European nations where coalfish is a common and economical seafood choice. The trade focuses on efficient processing and freezing techniques to ensure product quality and extend shelf life, catering to both retail and foodservice sectors seeking value-driven whitefish options.

What products fall under HS code 030473?

Saithe fillets, frozen coalfish fillets, skin-on saithe fillets, skinless saithe fillets, IQF coalfish fillets, saithe loins, breaded coalfish fillets

What are common misclassifications for HS code 030473?

Can be confused with other Gadiformes like cod (030471) or haddock (030472), especially when processed, due to similar white flesh characteristics and shared habitats.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030473?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030473 in UN Comtrade data were China ($84M, 23% of world exports), Iceland ($77M) and the Faroe Islands (about $46M). World exports came to about $365M, 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 030473?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030473 in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($52M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($50M) and France ($41M). World imports came to about $304M, 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 030473 structured?

HS code 030473 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 (73) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030473?

In Brazil, HS code 030473 is NCM 0304.73.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.