Product classification
HS code for Chilled halibut: 0302.21
Fish, fresh or chilled, halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, Hippoglossus stenolepis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled halibut under HS 0302.21
Classification of chilled halibut under HS code 0302.21 is determined by the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure for fish and crustaceans. 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 0302.21 subheading is reserved for halibut, specifically identifying species such as Reinhardtius hippoglossoides (Greenland halibut), Hippoglossus hippoglossus (Atlantic halibut), and Hippoglossus stenolepis (Pacific halibut). To qualify for this code, the fish must be presented whole, headed, or gutted, but must not be frozen or processed into fillets. The "chilled" designation implies the product has been reduced in temperature to approximately 0°C (32°F) without being frozen, typically using ice or refrigerated seawater to maintain freshness during transport. This classification is vital for ensuring that the correct import duties are applied and that food safety regulations regarding fresh seafood are followed. Importers must provide documentation verifying the species and the temperature-controlled state of the shipment to avoid delays at customs.
- Covers
- Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)
- Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis)
- Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides)
- Whole chilled halibut
- Gutted and headed chilled halibut
- Halibut packed in ice for fresh transport
- Also under 0302.21
- Alaskan Leader Seafoods
- Peter Pan Seafoods
- Norwegian Seafood Council
- F/V Saga
Codes often confused with 0302.21
Common mistake. A frequent error is confusing 0302.21 with 0303.21, which is the code for frozen halibut. The distinction depends entirely on the temperature and state of the fish at the time of customs entry. Additionally, if the halibut has been sliced into fillets, it must be classified under 0304.44 or 0304.83, depending on whether it is fresh or frozen. Another common mistake involves turbot (0302.24), which is a different species of flatfish often confused with smaller halibut.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030221 (the code used for chilled halibut), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030221 (the code used for chilled halibut) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 64% 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 030221, not only chilled halibut.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $156M 56% of world exports
- 2 Norway $46M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $27M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $281M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $177M 64% of world imports
- 2 Canada $30M 11% of world imports
- 3 Denmark $19M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $277M 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 halibut
Brazil classifies chilled halibut under NCM 0302.21.00: HS 0302.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled halibut
What is the HS code for Chilled halibut?
The HS code for Chilled halibut is 030221 (Fish; fresh or chilled, halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, Hippoglossus stenolepis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled halibut, excluding fillets and offal, is 0302.21.
How do I classify Chilled halibut for customs?
Chilled halibut is classified under HS code 030221 — Fish; fresh or chilled, halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, Hippoglossus stenolepis), 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 halibut steaks?
No, halibut steaks or fillets are generally classified under heading 0304, as they are considered fish meat rather than whole or minimally processed fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled halibut (HS 030221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030221 (the code used for chilled halibut) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($156M, 56% of world exports), Norway ($46M) and the United States ($27M). World exports came to about $281M, 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 halibut (HS 030221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030221 (the code used for chilled halibut) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($177M, 64% of world imports), Canada ($30M) and Denmark ($19M). World imports came to about $277M, 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 halibut the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030221 for Chilled halibut 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 halibut in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled halibut (HS 030221) is classified under NCM 0302.21.00.