Product classification
HS code for Chilled catfish: 0302.72
Fish, fresh or chilled, catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled catfish under HS 0302.72
Chilled catfish is classified under HS code 030272. This classification follows the hierarchical structure of the Harmonized System, starting with Chapter 3 for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0302 is designated for fresh or chilled fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat. The subheading 030272 specifically identifies catfish belonging to the families Pangasiidae, Siluridae, Clariidae, and Ictaluridae. This includes popular commercial species like Pangasius, Silurus, and channel catfish. The product must be maintained in a fresh or chilled state, which involves lowering the temperature to near freezing to preserve quality during transport without the formation of ice crystals in the muscle tissue. If the fish is subjected to freezing temperatures that result in a frozen state, it must be classified under heading 0303, specifically 030324. If the catfish has been processed into fillets, it moves to heading 0304. The distinction between fresh or chilled and frozen is a critical regulatory boundary in international trade, often affecting tariff rates and sanitary requirements. This code specifically excludes fish that has been minced or otherwise separated from the bone in a way that constitutes fish meat under 0304. Proper identification of the species is critical, as different fish species are categorized under different subheadings within 0302. Documentation must verify that the fish belongs to the specified families to qualify for this code.
- Covers
- Fresh Pangasius spp. (whole or gutted)
- Chilled Silurus spp.
- Fresh Clarias spp. (walking catfish)
- Chilled Ictalurus spp. (channel catfish)
- Freshwater catfish, chilled, whole
- Also under 0302.72
- Vietnamese Basa (Pangasius hypophthalmus)
- Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
- Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis)
- African Sharptooth Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Codes often confused with 0302.72
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with frozen catfish, which falls under 030324. Additionally, catfish fillets are often incorrectly placed here, but they belong in 030432. Minced catfish meat is also excluded and should be classified under 030451. Confusion may also arise with other freshwater fish like tilapia (030271) if the species is not clearly identified on the commercial invoice.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030272 (the code used for chilled catfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030272 (the code used for chilled catfish) in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 90% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 69% 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 030272, not only chilled catfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$50M 90% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 India $2.5M 4.4% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $1.2M 2.1% of world exports
World total: $55M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $49M 69% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $15M 21% of world imports
- 3 Nepal* ~$1.4M 1.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $72M 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 codes for chilled catfish
Brazil splits HS 0302.72 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0302.72.10Fresh or chilled channel catfish
- 0302.72.90Other fresh or chilled catfish
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled catfish
What is the HS code for Chilled catfish?
The HS code for Chilled catfish is 030272 (Fish; fresh or chilled, catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for chilled catfish is 030272, covering specific families including Pangasiidae and Siluridae.
How do I classify Chilled catfish for customs?
Chilled catfish is classified under HS code 030272 — Fish; fresh or chilled, catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can fillets be classified under 030272?
No, fillets are classified under heading 0304. HS code 030272 is reserved for whole fish or fish that has only been gutted or headed.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled catfish (HS 030272)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030272 (the code used for chilled catfish) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $50M, 90% of world exports), India ($2.5M) and Thailand ($1.2M). World exports came to about $55M, 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 chilled catfish (HS 030272)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030272 (the code used for chilled catfish) in UN Comtrade data were India ($49M, 69% of world imports), Malaysia ($15M) and Nepal (about $1.4M). World imports came to about $72M, 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 Chilled catfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030272 for Chilled catfish 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 chilled catfish in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030272 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for chilled catfish depends on the product's details: 0302.72.10 (Fresh or chilled channel catfish), 0302.72.90 (Other fresh or chilled catfish).