Product classification
HS code for Fresh cobia: 0302.46
Fish, fresh or chilled, cobia (Rachycentron canadum), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh cobia under HS 0302.46
Fresh cobia is classified under HS code 030246 based on its biological identity as Rachycentron canadum and its presentation as a fresh or chilled product. This classification falls within Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which covers fish and crustaceans. The specific subheading 030246 is reserved for cobia that has not been frozen. Chilling involves reducing the temperature of the fish to approximately 0°C (32°F) without actually freezing the cellular structure. This code is used for whole fish or fish that have undergone basic preparation such as scaling, gutting, or heading. It excludes any fish that has been processed into fillets or other meat portions, which are moved to heading 0304. Accurate classification ensures that trade statistics for this specific species are maintained and that appropriate sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures are applied during importation. As cobia aquaculture grows globally, the use of the specific species code rather than a general category is increasingly important for market monitoring and regulatory compliance.
- Covers
- Fresh whole cobia (Rachycentron canadum)
- Chilled whole cobia
- Fresh cobia, headed and gutted
- Chilled cobia, gilled and gutted
- Fresh cobia with scales removed
- Also under 0302.46
- Open Blue Cobia
- US Farmed Cobia
- Vietnamese Cobia
- Taiwan Cobia
Codes often confused with 0302.46
Common mistake. Cobia is often misclassified under 030289, which is the residual category for "other" fresh fish. This usually happens when the specific species name is not recognized by the declarant. Another common error involves the state of preservation; if the cobia is frozen, it must be classified under 030356. Furthermore, fresh cobia fillets are frequently incorrectly placed in 030246, but they should actually be classified under 030449, as heading 0304 specifically covers fillets and other fish meat regardless of whether the fish is whole or not.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030246 (the code used for fresh cobia), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030246 (the code used for fresh cobia) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 32% 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 030246, not only fresh cobia.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $7.0M 52% of world exports
- 2 Panama $6.0M 45% of world exports
- 3 France $116K 0.9% of world exports
World total: $14M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.5M 32% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$3.4M 31% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$3.3M 30% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $11M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 cobia
Brazil classifies fresh cobia under NCM 0302.46.00: HS 0302.46 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh cobia
What is the HS code for Fresh cobia?
The HS code for Fresh cobia is 030246 (Fish; fresh or chilled, cobia (Rachycentron canadum), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). Fresh or chilled whole or gutted cobia is classified under HS code 030246.
How do I classify Fresh cobia for customs?
Fresh cobia is classified under HS code 030246 — Fish; fresh or chilled, cobia (Rachycentron canadum), 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 this code?
No, fresh cobia fillets are classified under heading 0304, specifically 030449, because 0302 is restricted to whole or minimally processed fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh cobia (HS 030246)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030246 (the code used for fresh cobia) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.0M, 52% of world exports), Panama ($6.0M) and France ($116K). World exports came to about $14M, 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 cobia (HS 030246)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030246 (the code used for fresh cobia) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.5M, 32% of world imports), Taiwan (about $3.4M) and Vietnam (about $3.3M). World imports came to about $11M, 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 cobia the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030246 for Fresh cobia 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 cobia in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh cobia (HS 030246) is classified under NCM 0302.46.00.