HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0304.94 – Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, Alaska Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma)
HS code 0304.94 is the 6-digit subheading for fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, frozen, Alaska Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma). It is used for frozen minced pollock blocks, surimi base (Alaska Pollock), fish stick raw material, frozen pollock portions (non-fillet) and pollock fish cakes (raw material).
What HS 0304.94 covers
This HS code specifically covers frozen fish meat, excluding fillets, that is derived solely from Alaska Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), whether or not it has been minced. This product is a cornerstone of the global processed seafood industry, primarily used as a raw material for a vast array of consumer goods. Major importers are typically large food manufacturers in developed countries, seeking cost-effective and versatile whitefish protein. Exporters are nations with significant Alaska Pollock fisheries, such as the United States and Russia, which process the catch into blocks or surimi base. Key things to know include the importance of quality control for texture and color, as it directly impacts the final product's appeal, and the role of sustainability certifications in this high-volume fishery.
- Covers
- Frozen minced pollock blocks
- Surimi base (Alaska Pollock)
- Fish stick raw material
- Frozen pollock portions (non-fillet)
- Pollock fish cakes (raw material)
- Pollock surimi paste.
- Examples
- Trident Seafoods Alaska Pollock Blocks
- Gorton's Fish Sticks (raw material)
- High Liner Foods (raw material)
- Louis Kemp Surimi Seafood (raw material).
Codes often confused with 0304.94
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 030475 (frozen fillets of Alaska Pollock) because it specifically excludes fillets, and with 030495 (other frozen minced fish meat from the Gadidae family) as it is exclusively for Alaska Pollock.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 030494, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030494 in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 44% 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 Russia* ~$210M 67% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $41M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $27M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $314M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $282M 44% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $89M 14% of world imports
- 3 China $76M 12% of world imports
World total: $642M 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 0304.94
Brazil does not split HS 0304.94: its NCM code is 0304.94.00.
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 0304.94
What is HS code 030494?
HS code 030494 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, Alaska Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma). This HS code specifically covers frozen fish meat, excluding fillets, that is derived solely from Alaska Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), whether or not it has been minced. This product is a cornerstone of the global processed seafood industry, primarily used as a raw material for a vast array of consumer goods. Major importers are typically large food manufacturers in developed countries, seeking cost-effective and versatile whitefish protein. Exporters are nations with significant Alaska Pollock fisheries, such as the United States and Russia, which process the catch into blocks or surimi base. Key things to know include the importance of quality control for texture and color, as it directly impacts the final product's appeal, and the role of sustainability certifications in this high-volume fishery.
What products fall under HS code 030494?
Frozen minced pollock blocks, surimi base (Alaska Pollock), fish stick raw material, frozen pollock portions (non-fillet), pollock fish cakes (raw material), pollock surimi paste.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030494?
This code can be confused with 030475 (frozen fillets of Alaska Pollock) because it specifically excludes fillets, and with 030495 (other frozen minced fish meat from the Gadidae family) as it is exclusively for Alaska Pollock.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030494?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030494 in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $210M, 67% of world exports), the United States ($41M) and China ($27M). World exports came to about $314M, 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 030494?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030494 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($282M, 44% of world imports), South Korea ($89M) and China ($76M). World imports came to about $642M, 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 030494 structured?
HS code 030494 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 (94) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030494?
In Brazil, HS code 030494 is NCM 0304.94.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.