Product classification
HS code for Chilled hake: 0302.54
Fish, fresh or chilled, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled hake under HS 0302.54
Chilled hake, encompassing species of the genera Merluccius and Urophycis, is classified under HS code 0302.54. This classification is part of Chapter 3, which deals with fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0302 is reserved for fresh or chilled fish, excluding fillets. Hake is specifically grouped within the Gadidae family subheadings (0302.51 to 0302.59). The classification 0302.54 is used for whole fish or fish that has been gutted or had the head removed, provided it has not been filleted or minced. The preservation method must be chilling (typically using ice or mechanical refrigeration) to maintain the product's fresh state. If the hake is subjected to deep-freezing, it is classified under 0303.66. Accurate identification of the genus is essential for this classification, as other similar species like cod or haddock have their own specific subheadings. This code is vital for monitoring fishing quotas and ensuring compliance with regional maritime regulations.
- Covers
- Whole chilled hake (Merluccius spp.)
- Chilled hake, headed and gutted
- Fresh hake (Urophycis spp.) on ice
- Chilled hake trunks
- Also under 0302.54
- Fresh Merluza (European Hake)
- Chilled Cape Hake
- Fresh Pacific Whiting.
Codes often confused with 0302.54
Common mistake. Hake is frequently misclassified under HS code 0303.66 if it is frozen. Furthermore, hake fillets, even if fresh or chilled, must be classified under HS code 0304.44. It is also sometimes confused with Whiting (0302.59) or Haddock (0302.52) if the specific genus is not clearly identified on the commercial invoice.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030254 (the code used for chilled hake), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030254 (the code used for chilled hake) in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, 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 030254, not only chilled hake.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Denmark $30M 20% of world exports
- 2 Spain $28M 19% of world exports
- 3 France $22M 15% of world exports
World total: $150M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $155M 69% of world imports
- 2 Portugal $20M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 France $14M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $226M 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 hake
Brazil classifies chilled hake under NCM 0302.54.00: HS 0302.54 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled hake
What is the HS code for Chilled hake?
The HS code for Chilled hake is 030254 (Fish; fresh or chilled, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for chilled hake (whole or gutted) is 0302.54.
How do I classify Chilled hake for customs?
Chilled hake is classified under HS code 030254 — Fish; fresh or chilled, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis 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.
Does this code include hake fish sticks?
No, hake fish sticks are typically breaded and pre-cooked or frozen, which would place them under heading 1604 for prepared fish or 0304 if they are simply frozen fillets.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled hake (HS 030254)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030254 (the code used for chilled hake) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($30M, 20% of world exports), Spain ($28M) and France ($22M). World exports came to about $150M, 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 hake (HS 030254)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030254 (the code used for chilled hake) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($155M, 69% of world imports), Portugal ($20M) and France ($14M). World imports came to about $226M, 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 hake the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030254 for Chilled hake 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 hake in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled hake (HS 030254) is classified under NCM 0302.54.00.