Product classification
HS code for Chilled horse mackerel: 0302.45
Fish, fresh or chilled, jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled horse mackerel under HS 0302.45
The classification of chilled horse mackerel under HS code 0302.45 is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. This specific code is situated within Chapter 3, which encompasses all live, fresh, chilled, or frozen fish. Heading 0302 is reserved for fresh or chilled fish, excluding fillets. Subheading 0302.45 specifically identifies jack and horse mackerel belonging to the Trachurus genus. This distinction is critical because other types of mackerel, such as those in the Scomber genus, are classified elsewhere. The product must be maintained in a chilled state, typically between 0°C and 4°C, to ensure it does not cross the threshold into the "frozen" category (Heading 0303). Proper classification ensures compliance with international trade regulations and facilitates the application of specific tariffs or quotas that may apply to Trachurus species. It is important for exporters to specify the scientific name on commercial invoices to ensure the customs officer can distinguish between horse mackerel and true mackerel.
- Covers
- Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus)
- Jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi)
- Chilled whole horse mackerel
- Gutted or headed horse mackerel
- Fresh Trachurus species
- Chilled jack mackerel for wholesale
- Also under 0302.45
- Peruvian Horse Mackerel
- Chilean Jack Mackerel
- Mauritanian Horse Mackerel
- Japanese Aji
Codes often confused with 0302.45
Common mistake. Horse mackerel (0302.45) is frequently confused with true mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), which is classified under 0302.44. While they share a common name, their biological genus differs, leading to different HS codes. Additionally, frozen horse mackerel is classified under 0303.55. If the fish is processed into fillets, it moves to heading 0304.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030245 (the code used for chilled horse mackerel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030245 (the code used for chilled horse mackerel) in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 16% 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 030245, not only chilled horse mackerel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Denmark $23M 34% of world exports
- 2 Spain $14M 21% of world exports
- 3 Yemen* ~$9.7M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $67M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $14M 16% of world imports
- 2 Portugal $10M 12% of world imports
- 3 Italy $9.9M 12% of world imports
World total: $86M 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 code for chilled horse mackerel
Brazil classifies chilled horse mackerel under NCM 0302.45.00: HS 0302.45 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled horse mackerel
What is the HS code for Chilled horse mackerel?
The HS code for Chilled horse mackerel is 030245 (Fish; fresh or chilled, jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.) is 0302.45.
How do I classify Chilled horse mackerel for customs?
Chilled horse mackerel is classified under HS code 030245 — Fish; fresh or chilled, jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus 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.
Is jack mackerel the same as horse mackerel for HS purposes?
Yes, both jack and horse mackerel of the Trachurus genus are grouped together under the same HS code 0302.45.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled horse mackerel (HS 030245)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030245 (the code used for chilled horse mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($23M, 34% of world exports), Spain ($14M) and Yemen (about $9.7M). World exports came to about $67M, 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 horse mackerel (HS 030245)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030245 (the code used for chilled horse mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($14M, 16% of world imports), Portugal ($10M) and Italy ($9.9M). World imports came to about $86M, 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 horse mackerel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030245 for Chilled horse mackerel 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 horse mackerel in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled horse mackerel (HS 030245) is classified under NCM 0302.45.00.