Product classification
HS code for Chilled herring: 0302.41
Fish, fresh or chilled, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled herring under HS 0302.41
Chilled herring is classified under HS code 0302.41, which falls within the broader category of fresh or chilled fish. The classification process begins with Chapter 3 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Heading 0302 is designated for fish that are fresh or chilled, excluding those that have been processed into fillets or minced meat. Subheading 0302.41 specifically targets herrings of the genus Clupea, including Clupea harengus (Atlantic herring) and Clupea pallasii (Pacific herring). The classification requires that the fish remain in a fresh state, maintained at a temperature just above freezing. If the herring undergoes any preservation process beyond simple chilling—such as freezing, drying, salting, or smoking—it must be moved to a different heading. This code is essential for customs authorities to monitor trade volumes and apply relevant sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures specific to pelagic fish species. Proper documentation must accompany the shipment to prove the fish has not been frozen, as the transition from chilled to frozen changes the tariff classification and potentially the duty rate.
- Covers
- Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)
- Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii)
- Whole fresh herring
- Gutted chilled herring
- Herring stored in refrigerated seawater
- Fresh herring for human consumption
- Also under 0302.41
- Norwegian Herring
- Icelandic Herring
- Canadian Atlantic Herring
- Dutch Maatjes Herring
Codes often confused with 0302.41
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with frozen herring, which belongs under 0303.51. Another frequent error involves smoked or salted herring, which is classified under heading 0305. Furthermore, if the herring is prepared or preserved in airtight containers (like canned sardines or kippers), it falls under heading 1604. Fillets of herring, even if fresh or chilled, are classified under 0304.49 rather than 0302.41.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030241 (the code used for chilled herring), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030241 (the code used for chilled herring) in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 35% 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 030241, not only chilled herring.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Denmark $34M 32% of world exports
- 2 Norway $24M 23% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $18M 17% of world exports
World total: $105M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Denmark $45M 35% of world imports
- 2 Norway $37M 29% of world imports
- 3 Nigeria $10M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $130M 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 herring
Brazil classifies chilled herring under NCM 0302.41.00: HS 0302.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled herring
What is the HS code for Chilled herring?
The HS code for Chilled herring is 030241 (Fish; fresh or chilled, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled herring (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii) is 0302.41.
How do I classify Chilled herring for customs?
Chilled herring is classified under HS code 030241 — Fish; fresh or chilled, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), 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 frozen herring be classified under this code?
No, frozen herring must be classified under HS code 0303.51. Code 0302.41 is strictly for fresh or chilled products.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled herring (HS 030241)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030241 (the code used for chilled herring) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($34M, 32% of world exports), Norway ($24M) and Sweden ($18M). World exports came to about $105M, 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 herring (HS 030241)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030241 (the code used for chilled herring) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($45M, 35% of world imports), Norway ($37M) and Nigeria ($10M). World imports came to about $130M, 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 herring the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030241 for Chilled herring 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 herring in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled herring (HS 030241) is classified under NCM 0302.41.00.