Product classification
HS code for Fish meal: 2301.20
Flours, meals and pellets, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates.
Classification of fish meal under HS 2301.20
Fish meal is classified under HS code 2301.20. This classification is found within Chapter 23, which encompasses residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal fodder. Heading 2301 covers flours, meals, and pellets of meat, meat offal, fish, or of crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates, which are unfit for human consumption. Subheading 2301.20 specifically targets those products derived from fish or other aquatic invertebrates. The primary criteria for this classification are the processing method (grinding and drying) and the intended use. Because these products are typically produced from fish processing by-products or whole fish not intended for the food market, they are categorized as animal feed ingredients. The inclusion of pellets—where the meal is compressed into small cylinders—is also covered under this specific subheading.
- Covers
- Dried fish meal for aquaculture feed
- Ground fish scrap meal
- Pelletized fish meal
- Crustacean meal (e.g., shrimp or krill meal)
- Mollusc meal unfit for human consumption
- 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 0305.10, which covers flours, meals, and pellets of fish fit for human consumption. The distinction relies entirely on the hygiene grade and intended use. If the product is processed for human food, it belongs in Chapter 03; if it is for animal feed or industrial use, it belongs in 2301.20. It is also sometimes confused with 0511.91 (fish waste), but 2301.20 is more specific for processed meals.
Top exporters and importers of HS 230120 (the code used for fish meal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 230120 (the code used for fish meal) 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 meal.
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 meal
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 meal
What is the HS code for Fish meal?
The HS code for Fish meal is 230120 (Flours, meals and pellets; of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates). The HS code for fish meal, flours, and pellets unfit for human consumption is 2301.20.
How do I classify Fish meal for customs?
Fish meal 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 shrimp meal be classified under this code?
Yes, HS code 2301.20 includes meals and pellets derived from crustaceans and molluscs as well as fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of fish meal (HS 230120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 230120 (the code used for fish meal) 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 meal (HS 230120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 230120 (the code used for fish meal) 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 meal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 230120 for Fish meal 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 meal in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 230120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for fish meal 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).