Product classification
HS code for Chilled tilapia fillets: 0304.31
Fish fillets, fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.).
Classification of chilled tilapia fillets under HS 0304.31
The classification of chilled tilapia fillets is governed by HS code 030431. This code is situated within Chapter 03 (Fish and Crustaceans) and Heading 0304, which is dedicated to fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced, fresh, chilled, or frozen. Fillets are defined in the Explanatory Notes as the strips of meat cut parallel to the backbone of the fish, which constitute the right or left sides of the fish, provided the head, guts, fins, and bones have been removed. Subheading 030431 specifically identifies fillets derived from the Tilapia species (Oreochromis spp.). The "fresh or chilled" status is a critical factor; the product must be kept at a low temperature to prevent spoilage but must not be frozen. This classification ensures that the product is distinguished from whole fish (Heading 0302) and from other processed forms like dried, salted, or smoked fish (Heading 0305). Accurate classification is vital for applying the correct sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures required for imported seafood.
- Covers
- Fresh tilapia fillets, skin-on
- Chilled tilapia fillets, skinless
- Fresh tilapia fillets, boneless
- Chilled tilapia fillets packed for retail
- Also under 0304.31
- Regal Springs Tilapia
- AquaChile Tilapia
- various supermarket brands (e.g., Whole Foods, Walmart)
- foodservice distributors
Codes often confused with 0304.31
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using HS code 030271, which is for whole or gutted fresh tilapia. Another error involves frozen tilapia fillets, which must be classified under HS code 030461. If the fillets are breaded or battered, they may move to Chapter 16 (Prepared or preserved fish) under code 160419, depending on the extent of the preparation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030431 (the code used for chilled tilapia fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030431 (the code used for chilled tilapia fillets) in UN Comtrade data was Colombia, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 80% 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 030431, not only chilled tilapia fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Colombia $62M 37% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $41M 24% of world exports
- 3 Honduras* ~$38M 23% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $169M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $153M 80% of world imports
- 2 Canada $19M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $3.3M 1.7% of world imports
World total: $192M 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 tilapia fillets
Brazil classifies chilled tilapia fillets under NCM 0304.31.00: HS 0304.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled tilapia fillets
What is the HS code for Chilled tilapia fillets?
The HS code for Chilled tilapia fillets is 030431 (Fish fillets; fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.)). The HS code for fresh or chilled tilapia fillets is 030431.
How do I classify Chilled tilapia fillets for customs?
Chilled tilapia fillets is classified under HS code 030431 — Fish fillets; fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code cover frozen tilapia fillets?
No, frozen tilapia fillets are classified under HS code 030461. Code 030431 is only for fresh or chilled fillets.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled tilapia fillets (HS 030431)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030431 (the code used for chilled tilapia fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Colombia ($62M, 37% of world exports), Brazil ($41M) and Honduras (about $38M). World exports came to about $169M, 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 tilapia fillets (HS 030431)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030431 (the code used for chilled tilapia fillets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($153M, 80% of world imports), Canada ($19M) and Hong Kong ($3.3M). World imports came to about $192M, 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 tilapia fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030431 for Chilled tilapia fillets 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 tilapia fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled tilapia fillets (HS 030431) is classified under NCM 0304.31.00.