Product classification
HS code for Fresh coalfish: 0302.53
Fish, fresh or chilled, coalfish (Pollachius virens), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh coalfish under HS 0302.53
Fresh coalfish, scientifically known as Pollachius virens and often referred to as saithe, is classified under HS code 030253. This classification falls under Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0302 is designated for fish, fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Subheading 030253 is a species-specific category for coalfish. To be classified under this code, the fish must be presented whole, or with the head or guts removed, but it must not be filleted. The term "fresh or chilled" means the fish is maintained at a temperature near 0°C, often using ice, but has not been frozen. This is a vital distinction, as frozen coalfish is classified under heading 0303. The Harmonized System uses these specific codes to monitor the trade of different fish species, which is essential for managing global fish stocks and enforcing environmental regulations. Classification under 030253 also excludes fish that has been dried, salted, or smoked, which would fall under heading 0305. Importers must ensure that the species is correctly identified as Pollachius virens to avoid misclassification with other similar species in the Gadidae family, such as Atlantic cod (030251) or haddock (030252). Proper documentation of the fish's state and species is required for customs clearance and to ensure compliance with international trade laws.
- Covers
- Whole fresh coalfish (saithe)
- Chilled gutted coalfish
- Fresh coalfish with head removed
- Chilled coalfish (Pollachius virens)
- Also under 0302.53
- Fresh Norwegian Saithe
- Icelandic Coalfish (whole)
- Faroese Saithe.
Codes often confused with 0302.53
Common mistake. Coalfish is often misclassified under 030367 if it is frozen rather than fresh. It is also frequently confused with fresh fillets of coalfish, which must be classified under 030444. Furthermore, it may be mistaken for Atlantic cod, which is classified under 030251.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030253 (the code used for fresh coalfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030253 (the code used for fresh coalfish) in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 47% 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 030253, not only fresh coalfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Denmark $50M 33% of world exports
- 2 Norway $39M 26% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $18M 12% of world exports
World total: $149M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Denmark $64M 47% of world imports
- 2 France $31M 22% of world imports
- 3 Sweden $11M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $138M 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 code for fresh coalfish
Brazil classifies fresh coalfish under NCM 0302.53.00: HS 0302.53 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh coalfish
What is the HS code for Fresh coalfish?
The HS code for Fresh coalfish is 030253 (Fish; fresh or chilled, coalfish (Pollachius virens), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled coalfish (Pollachius virens) is 030253.
How do I classify Fresh coalfish for customs?
Fresh coalfish is classified under HS code 030253 — Fish; fresh or chilled, coalfish (Pollachius virens), 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 fillets be classified under 030253?
No, fish fillets and other fish meat, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen, are classified under heading 0304.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh coalfish (HS 030253)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030253 (the code used for fresh coalfish) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($50M, 33% of world exports), Norway ($39M) and the United Kingdom ($18M). World exports came to about $149M, 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 fresh coalfish (HS 030253)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030253 (the code used for fresh coalfish) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($64M, 47% of world imports), France ($31M) and Sweden ($11M). World imports came to about $138M, 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 Fresh coalfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030253 for Fresh coalfish 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 fresh coalfish in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh coalfish (HS 030253) is classified under NCM 0302.53.00.