Product classification
HS code for Chilled Nile perch: 0302.79
Fish, fresh or chilled, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled Nile perch under HS 0302.79
The classification of Chilled Nile perch (Lates niloticus) under HS code 0302.79 is determined by its physical state and biological identity. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System covers fish and crustaceans, with heading 0302 specifically designated for fish, fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Nile perch is a freshwater species, and within the 0302 hierarchy, it falls under the subheading for other fish, specifically grouped with snakeheads (Channa spp.). To qualify for this code, the fish must be presented whole, headed, gutted, or in a similar form that does not constitute a fillet. The \"chilled\" status implies the product has been reduced in temperature to approximately 0°C (32°F) without being frozen. This classification is essential for customs authorities to apply correct tariffs and monitor trade volumes of this specific species, which is a major export from the Lake Victoria region. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI 1), classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since the product is fresh or chilled and not processed into fillets, heading 0302 is the most appropriate. GRI 6 further directs the classification to the specific subheading 0302.79 based on the species identification.
- Covers
- Whole chilled Nile perch
- Gutted and headed chilled Nile perch
- Chilled Nile perch with scales removed but bones intact
- Fresh Nile perch transported on ice
- Also under 0302.79
- Nile Perch (Lates niloticus)
- Giant Snakehead (Channa micropeltes)
- Striped Snakehead (Channa striata)
- Northern Snakehead (Channa argus)
Codes often confused with 0302.79
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these products under HS code 0304.33, which is reserved for Nile perch fillets. If the fish has been processed into fillets (strips of meat cut parallel to the backbone), it must move to heading 0304. Another common mistake is using HS code 0303.29, which applies to frozen Nile perch. The distinction between chilled (0302) and frozen (0303) is critical, as freezing involves a physical change in the state of the fish meat that goes beyond mere cooling.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030279 (the code used for chilled Nile perch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030279 (the code used for chilled Nile perch) in UN Comtrade data was Ecuador, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 21% 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 030279, not only chilled Nile perch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Ecuador $25M 33% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $20M 26% of world exports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$7.9M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $74M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $11M 21% of world imports
- 2 Portugal $11M 20% of world imports
- 3 India $7.9M 15% of world imports
World total: $51M 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 Nile perch
Brazil classifies chilled Nile perch under NCM 0302.79.00: HS 0302.79 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled Nile perch
What is the HS code for Chilled Nile perch?
The HS code for Chilled Nile perch is 030279 (Fish; fresh or chilled, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for chilled Nile perch (whole or gutted) is 0302.79.
How do I classify Chilled Nile perch for customs?
Chilled Nile perch is classified under HS code 030279 — Fish; fresh or chilled, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa 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 frozen Nile perch?
No, frozen Nile perch is classified under heading 0303, specifically 0303.29, depending on the specific presentation.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled Nile perch (HS 030279)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030279 (the code used for chilled Nile perch) in UN Comtrade data were Ecuador ($25M, 33% of world exports), the Netherlands ($20M) and Bangladesh (about $7.9M). World exports came to about $74M, 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 Nile perch (HS 030279)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030279 (the code used for chilled Nile perch) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($11M, 21% of world imports), Portugal ($11M) and India ($7.9M). World imports came to about $51M, 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 Nile perch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030279 for Chilled Nile perch 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 Nile perch in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled Nile perch (HS 030279) is classified under NCM 0302.79.00.