Product classification
HS code for Chilled tilapia: 0302.71
Fish, fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of chilled tilapia under HS 0302.71
HS code 030271 is utilized for the classification of fresh or chilled tilapia (Oreochromis spp.). This code falls under Heading 0302, which encompasses fish that are fresh or chilled, but specifically excludes fish fillets and other fish meat, which are moved to Heading 0304. For a product to be classified under 030271, it must be a whole fish, or a fish that has undergone basic primary processing such as being gutted, headed, or gilled, provided it retains its basic fish form. The term "chilled" implies that the product has been cooled to a temperature generally between 0°C and 4°C to maintain freshness without reaching the freezing point. Tilapia is a major aquaculture species, and this specific subheading allows customs authorities to track the trade of this freshwater fish separately from marine species. The classification is strictly for the Oreochromis genus; other cichlids may fall under different subheadings within the same group.
- Covers
- Whole fresh tilapia
- Chilled gutted and headed tilapia
- Fresh tilapia with scales removed
- Chilled tilapia on ice
- Also under 0302.71
- Fresh Farm-Raised Tilapia (whole)
- Chilled Black Tilapia
- Fresh Red Hybrid Tilapia.
Codes often confused with 0302.71
Common mistake. A common error is classifying tilapia fillets under this code; however, chilled tilapia fillets must be classified under 030431. Another frequent misclassification occurs with frozen tilapia, which belongs under HS code 030323. Furthermore, if the fish is dried, salted, or in brine, it should be classified under Heading 0305 rather than 0302.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030271 (the code used for chilled tilapia), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030271 (the code used for chilled tilapia) in UN Comtrade data was Colombia, with 62% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 64% 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 030271, not only chilled tilapia.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Colombia $37M 62% of world exports
- 2 Egypt $10M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $5.7M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $61M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $45M 64% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$6.5M 9.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $5.5M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $71M 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
Brazil classifies chilled tilapia under NCM 0302.71.00: HS 0302.71 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
What is the HS code for Chilled tilapia?
The HS code for Chilled tilapia is 030271 (Fish; fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis 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 whole or gutted tilapia is 030271.
How do I classify Chilled tilapia for customs?
Chilled tilapia is classified under HS code 030271 — Fish; fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis 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 I use this code for frozen tilapia?
No, frozen tilapia is classified under HS code 030323. HS code 030271 is reserved exclusively for fresh or chilled specimens.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled tilapia (HS 030271)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030271 (the code used for chilled tilapia) in UN Comtrade data were Colombia ($37M, 62% of world exports), Egypt ($10M) and the United States ($5.7M). World exports came to about $61M, 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 (HS 030271)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030271 (the code used for chilled tilapia) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($45M, 64% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $6.5M) and Canada ($5.5M). World imports came to about $71M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030271 for Chilled tilapia 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled tilapia (HS 030271) is classified under NCM 0302.71.00.