Product classification
HS code for Fish flour: 2301.20
Flours, meals and pellets, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates.
Classification of fish flour under HS 2301.20
HS Code 230120 covers flours, meals, and pellets of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates. These products are typically obtained by processing whole fish or fish waste (such as heads, tails, and offal) through cooking, pressing, drying, and grinding. The classification in Chapter 23 indicates that these materials are generally considered unfit for human consumption and are primarily destined for use in animal feed, aquaculture, or as organic fertilizers. The Harmonized System distinguishes these from edible flours based on the processing standards and the nature of the raw material used. Pellets classified here are products that have been agglomerated either by direct compression or by the addition of a small amount of binder (such as molasses or starch). This code is essential for the global trade of high-protein feed ingredients used in the livestock and fish farming industries.
- Covers
- Non-edible fish meal
- Fish pellets for aquaculture
- Ground dried fish waste
- Crustacean meal for animal feed
- Invertebrate flours for industrial use
- Also under 2301.20
- TripleNine Fishmeal
- BioMar Fishmeal
- Skretting Krill Meal
- Copeinca Fishmeal
Codes often confused with 2301.20
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0305, which covers edible fish flours and meals. If the product is processed under hygienic conditions suitable for human consumption, it must be classified under 0305. Additionally, prepared animal fodder containing fish meal mixed with other vegetable or mineral substances may be classified under HS code 2309 rather than 230120. Importers must verify the intended use and sanitary certification to distinguish between 0305 and 230120.
Top exporters and importers of HS 230120 (the code used for fish flour), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 230120 (the code used for fish flour) in UN Comtrade data was Peru, with about 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% 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 230120, not only fish flour.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Peru* ~$1.9B 30% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Chile $541M 8.8% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $449M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $6.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.9B 46% of world imports
- 2 Norway $518M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $258M 4.1% of world imports
World total: $6.3B 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 codes for fish flour
Brazil splits HS 2301.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2301.20.10Fish meal and pellets, unfit for human food
- 2301.20.90Crustacean, mollusc, aquatic invertebrate meal
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fish flour
What is the HS code for Fish flour?
The HS code for Fish flour is 230120 (Flours, meals and pellets; of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates). The HS code for fish flour and meal unfit for human consumption is 230120.
How do I classify Fish flour for customs?
Fish flour is classified under HS code 230120 — Flours, meals and pellets; of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can fish flour under 230120 be used in human food?
No, products under HS code 230120 are specifically categorized as unfit for human consumption. Edible fish flour is classified under heading 0305.
Which countries are the top exporters of fish flour (HS 230120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 230120 (the code used for fish flour) in UN Comtrade data were Peru (about $1.9B, 30% of world exports), Chile ($541M) and Denmark ($449M). World exports came to about $6.1B, 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 fish flour (HS 230120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 230120 (the code used for fish flour) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.9B, 46% of world imports), Norway ($518M) and the United Kingdom ($258M). World imports came to about $6.3B, 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 Fish flour the same in all countries?
The base HS code 230120 for Fish flour 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 fish flour in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 230120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for fish flour depends on the product's details: 2301.20.10 (Fish meal and pellets, unfit for human food), 2301.20.90 (Crustacean, mollusc, aquatic invertebrate meal).