Product classification
HS code for Chilled cod: 0302.51
Fish, fresh or chilled, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled cod under HS 0302.51
Classification of chilled cod under HS code 0302.51 is determined by the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure. Chapter 3 covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0302 specifically addresses fish, fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Within this heading, the 0302.5x series is reserved for Gadidae family members. Subheading 0302.51 is explicitly designated for the species Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, and Gadus macrocephalus. To qualify for this code, the fish must be presented whole, headed, or gutted, but not filleted. The state must be "fresh or chilled," meaning it has been cooled to a temperature around 0°C (32°F) without being frozen. If the fish has been frozen, even if subsequently thawed, it cannot be classified here. The classification follows General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, which prioritize the terms of the headings and subheadings. This code is essential for customs authorities to monitor trade volumes of these specific Atlantic, Pacific, and Greenland cod species, which are subject to various international fishing quotas and environmental regulations. Proper documentation must reflect the scientific name to ensure the correct application of 0302.51 rather than the generic "other fish" categories. The product must not be smoked, salted, or dried, as those processes move the classification to heading 0305.
- Covers
- Whole fresh Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)
- Gutted and headed Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) on ice
- Chilled Greenland cod (Gadus ogac)
- Fresh cod presented with skin on but not filleted
- Also under 0302.51
- Fresh Norwegian Cod
- Icelandic Cod (whole)
- Alaskan Pacific Cod.
Codes often confused with 0302.51
Common mistake. Common misclassifications often occur with HS code 0303.63, which is reserved for frozen cod. The distinction between "chilled" and "frozen" is a frequent point of contention in customs audits. Additionally, importers often confuse 0302.51 with 0304.44, which covers fresh or chilled fillets of cod. If the fish has been processed into fillets, it must be moved to heading 0304 regardless of its fresh state. Another error involves 0305.32, which covers fish fillets, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked. Using the wrong code can lead to incorrect duty payments or regulatory delays.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030251 (the code used for chilled cod), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030251 (the code used for chilled cod) in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 22% 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 030251, not only chilled cod.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Norway $252M 36% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $146M 21% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $128M 18% of world exports
World total: $704M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sweden $131M 22% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $112M 19% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $80M 14% of world imports
World total: $588M 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 code for chilled cod
Brazil classifies chilled cod under NCM 0302.51.00: HS 0302.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled cod
What is the HS code for Chilled cod?
The HS code for Chilled cod is 030251 (Fish; fresh or chilled, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled cod (specifically Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, and Gadus macrocephalus) is 0302.51.
How do I classify Chilled cod for customs?
Chilled cod is classified under HS code 030251 — Fish; fresh or chilled, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), 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.
Does this code include frozen cod fillets?
No, frozen cod fillets are classified under HS code 0304.71. HS code 0302.51 is strictly for fresh or chilled fish, excluding fillets.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled cod (HS 030251)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030251 (the code used for chilled cod) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($252M, 36% of world exports), Denmark ($146M) and Sweden ($128M). World exports came to about $704M, 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 cod (HS 030251)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030251 (the code used for chilled cod) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($131M, 22% of world imports), Denmark ($112M) and the Netherlands ($80M). World imports came to about $588M, 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 cod the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030251 for Chilled cod 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 cod in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled cod (HS 030251) is classified under NCM 0302.51.00.