Product classification
HS code for Chilled sole: 0302.23
Fish, fresh or chilled, sole (Solea spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled sole under HS 0302.23
Chilled sole is classified under HS code 0302.23 according to the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure. Heading 0302 encompasses fresh or chilled fish, and the 0302.2x series specifically addresses flat fish (Pleuronectidae, Bothidae, Cynoglossidae, Soleidae, Scophthalmidae, and Citharidae). Subheading 0302.23 is dedicated to the genus Solea spp. This classification requires the fish to be fresh or chilled, meaning it has been cooled to a temperature near 0°C but not frozen. The fish must be presented whole, or with the head or internal organs removed, but without being sliced into fillets. This distinction is crucial because the processing level changes the classification to heading 0304. Importers must ensure that the species is indeed within the Solea genus, as other flatfish have distinct codes. Accurate classification ensures the correct application of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures often required for seafood imports. Furthermore, the chilled state must be maintained throughout transport to satisfy the requirements of this specific heading, as any evidence of freezing would necessitate a shift to heading 0303.
- Covers
- Fresh common sole (Solea solea)
- Chilled Dover sole
- Whole chilled sole, gutted
- Headed and gutted fresh sole
- Also under 0302.23
- Pescanova
- Young's Seafood (for sourcing)
- various local European fishmongers
- S.A.R.L. Poissonnerie Ducrocq
Codes often confused with 0302.23
Common mistake. Importers often confuse Solea spp. (0302.23) with other flat fish. For instance, chilled Halibut (Hippoglossus spp.) is classified under 0302.21, and Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) is under 0302.22. Another common mistake is classifying sole fillets under this code; however, fresh or chilled fillets of sole belong to HS code 0304.43. If the sole is frozen, it moves to heading 0303, specifically 0303.33. It is also important to distinguish between true sole (Soleidae) and other fish sometimes marketed as sole, such as certain types of flounder, which may fall under 0302.24 or 0302.29 depending on the specific species and regional trade agreements.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030223 (the code used for chilled sole), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030223 (the code used for chilled sole) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 23% 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 030223, not only chilled sole.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $44M 20% of world exports
- 2 Spain $36M 17% of world exports
- 3 France $30M 14% of world exports
World total: $216M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $51M 23% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $44M 19% of world imports
- 3 France $36M 16% 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 sole
Brazil classifies chilled sole under NCM 0302.23.00: HS 0302.23 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled sole
What is the HS code for Chilled sole?
The HS code for Chilled sole is 030223 (Fish; fresh or chilled, sole (Solea 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 sole (Solea spp.) is 0302.23. This applies to the fish in its whole or dressed form, provided it has not been frozen.
How do I classify Chilled sole for customs?
Chilled sole is classified under HS code 030223 — Fish; fresh or chilled, sole (Solea 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.
Can frozen sole be classified under 0302.23?
No, frozen sole is classified under HS code 0303.33. Heading 0302 is exclusively for fresh or chilled products. The physical state of the fish at the time of customs clearance determines which heading is applicable.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled sole (HS 030223)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030223 (the code used for chilled sole) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($44M, 20% of world exports), Spain ($36M) and France ($30M). World exports came to about $216M, 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 sole (HS 030223)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030223 (the code used for chilled sole) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($51M, 23% of world imports), the Netherlands ($44M) and France ($36M). 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 sole the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030223 for Chilled sole 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 sole in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled sole (HS 030223) is classified under NCM 0302.23.00.