Product classification
HS code for Aquarium fish: 0301.11
Fish, live, ornamental, freshwater.
Classification of aquarium fish under HS 0301.11
Aquarium fish that are intended for ornamental purposes and live in freshwater environments are classified under HS code 0301.11. This code is part of Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans. Heading 0301 is dedicated to live fish, and the subheading structure distinguishes between ornamental fish and those intended for other purposes, such as human consumption or aquaculture stocking. Subheading 0301.11 is the international standard for freshwater ornamental fish. These are typically characterized by their vibrant colors, unique shapes, or suitability for life in glass tanks and ponds. The classification applies regardless of the fish's size or age, provided it is a freshwater species and is being traded for its aesthetic or hobbyist value rather than as food.
- Covers
- Live Goldfish
- Live Guppies
- Live Neon Tetras
- Live Angelfish (freshwater species)
- Live Betta fish (Siamese fighting fish)
- Live Koi carp for ornamental ponds
- Also under 0301.11
- Tetra (fish food/aquarium products)
- Fluval (aquarium products)
- Oase (pond products)
- various local pet stores
- specialized online fish retailers
Codes often confused with 0301.11
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 0301.19, which is used for other ornamental fish, primarily marine (saltwater) species. It is vital to distinguish between freshwater and saltwater environments for correct reporting. Additionally, live fish intended for food, such as trout or eels, are classified under subheadings 0301.91 through 0301.99. Even if a fish species could technically be kept in an aquarium, if it is being imported for food production or large-scale stocking of commercial fisheries, it should not be classified under the ornamental heading 0301.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030111 (the code used for aquarium fish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030111 (the code used for aquarium fish) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030111, not only aquarium fish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $66M 24% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $34M 12% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $32M 12% of world exports
World total: $278M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $63M 23% of world imports
- 2 China $26M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $24M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $276M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 codes for aquarium fish
Brazil splits HS 0301.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0301.11.10Live ornamental silver arowana
- 0301.11.90Other live ornamental freshwater fish
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about aquarium fish
What is the HS code for Aquarium fish?
The HS code for Aquarium fish is 030111 (Fish; live, ornamental, freshwater). The HS code for live ornamental freshwater aquarium fish is 0301.11.
How do I classify Aquarium fish for customs?
Aquarium fish is classified under HS code 030111 — Fish; live, ornamental, freshwater. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include saltwater tropical fish?
No, saltwater or marine ornamental fish are classified under HS code 0301.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of aquarium fish (HS 030111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030111 (the code used for aquarium fish) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($66M, 24% of world exports), Indonesia ($34M) and Singapore ($32M). World exports came to about $278M, 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 aquarium fish (HS 030111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030111 (the code used for aquarium fish) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($63M, 23% of world imports), China ($26M) and the United Kingdom ($24M). World imports came to about $276M, 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.
Is the HS code for Aquarium fish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030111 for Aquarium fish is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for aquarium fish in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030111 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for aquarium fish depends on the product's details: 0301.11.10 (Live ornamental silver arowana), 0301.11.90 (Other live ornamental freshwater fish).