Product classification
HS code for Fish waste: 0511.91
Animal products, of fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, dead animals of chapter 03, unfit for human consumption.
Classification of fish waste under HS 0511.91
HS code 0511.91 is utilized for the classification of animal products of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates that are unfit for human consumption. Chapter 5 of the Harmonized System covers products of animal origin not elsewhere specified or included. Heading 0511 is a broad category for animal products not fit for human consumption, and subheading 0511.91 is the specific carve-out for aquatic species. This classification is essential for distinguishing between edible fish parts and industrial or agricultural raw materials. The determination of whether a product is unfit for human consumption can be based on the nature of the product, such as scales or shells, or its condition, such as being decayed or contaminated. This code is often used for materials destined for the production of fertilizers, glues, or technical oils. According to the General Interpretative Rules, specifically GRI 1, the classification is governed by the legal notes of Section I, which excludes products fit for human consumption from this chapter. Therefore, any fish waste that is still edible or intended for food use must be classified in Chapter 3. This code serves as a vital category for the rendering and animal byproduct industries.
- Covers
- Fish scales and fish bladders unfit for food
- Fish waste resulting from industrial processing
- Dead fish or crustaceans unfit for human consumption
- Inedible fish eggs and roe
- Waste of aquatic invertebrates
- Also under 0511.91
- TripleNine Fish Protein
- FF Skagen fish meal
- Bio-Oregon aquaculture feed ingredients
- DSM feed additives.
Codes often confused with 0511.91
Common mistake. A common error is classifying fish waste under HS code 2301.20. While 2301.20 covers flours, meals, and pellets of fish used for animal feed, 0511.91 is for the raw, unprocessed waste. Another misclassification occurs with 0305, which is only for fish products that remain fit for human consumption.
Top exporters and importers of HS 051191 (the code used for fish waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 051191 (the code used for fish waste) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 051191, not only fish waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $108M 12% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $80M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Norway $67M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $919M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $106M 10% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $98M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Canada $89M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 codes for fish waste
Brazil splits HS 0511.91 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0511.91.10Fertilised fish roe for breeding
- 0511.91.90Other inedible aquatic animals and their products
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fish waste
What is the HS code for Fish waste?
The HS code for Fish waste is 051191 (Animal products; of fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates; dead animals of chapter 03, unfit for human consumption). The HS code for fish waste that is unfit for human consumption is 0511.91. This includes scales, bladders, and other inedible parts.
How do I classify Fish waste for customs?
Fish waste is classified under HS code 051191 — Animal products; of fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates; dead animals of chapter 03, unfit for human consumption. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is fish meal classified under 0511.91?
No, fish meal that has been processed into a flour or pellet for animal feed is classified under HS code 2301.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of fish waste (HS 051191)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 051191 (the code used for fish waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($108M, 12% of world exports), Denmark ($80M) and Norway ($67M). World exports came to about $919M, 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 waste (HS 051191)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 051191 (the code used for fish waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($106M, 10% of world imports), Denmark ($98M) and Canada ($89M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 051191 for Fish waste 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 waste in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 051191 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for fish waste depends on the product's details: 0511.91.10 (Fertilised fish roe for breeding), 0511.91.90 (Other inedible aquatic animals and their products).