Product classification
HS code for Fresh cod: 0302.51
Fish, fresh or chilled, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh cod under HS 0302.51
Fresh cod is classified under Chapter 03 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0302 specifically addresses fish that are fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat which fall under heading 0304. The subheading 0302.51 is reserved for cod belonging to the genus Gadus, specifically the species Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, and Gadus macrocephalus. The classification is determined by two primary factors: the species of the fish and its state of preservation. 'Fresh' refers to fish in its natural state, while 'chilled' refers to fish that has been cooled to a temperature approaching 0°C (32°F) without being frozen. This distinction is vital because frozen cod is classified under a completely different heading (0303). Furthermore, the fish must be presented whole, or headed and gutted; once the fish is sliced into fillets or minced, it moves to heading 0304. Proper classification ensures compliance with fishing quotas, environmental regulations, and food safety standards enforced by customs authorities globally.
- Covers
- Whole fresh Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)
- Chilled Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), headed and gutted
- Greenland cod (Gadus ogac), fresh
- Fresh cod presented with bone-in (not filleted)
- Also under 0302.51
- Fresh Norwegian Cod
- Icelandic Cod (whole)
- Alaskan Pacific Cod.
Codes often confused with 0302.51
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0303.51, which is used for frozen cod. Importers often fail to distinguish between 'chilled' and 'frozen' states. Additionally, fresh cod fillets are often incorrectly placed here, but they must be classified under 0304.44. Another error involves confusing cod with similar whitefish like Haddock (0302.52) or Coalfish (0302.53).
Top exporters and importers of HS 030251 (the code used for fresh cod), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030251 (the code used for fresh cod) in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 22% 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 030251, not only fresh cod.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Norway $252M 36% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $146M 21% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $128M 18% of world exports
World total: $704M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sweden $131M 22% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $112M 19% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $80M 14% of world imports
World total: $588M 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 cod
Brazil classifies fresh cod under NCM 0302.51.00: HS 0302.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh cod
What is the HS code for Fresh cod?
The HS code for Fresh cod is 030251 (Fish; fresh or chilled, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled cod (Gadus species), excluding fillets, is 0302.51.
How do I classify Fresh cod for customs?
Fresh cod is classified under HS code 030251 — Fish; fresh or chilled, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), 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 I use this code for frozen cod?
No, frozen cod must be classified under HS code 0303.51. The 0302 heading is strictly for fresh or chilled products.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh cod (HS 030251)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030251 (the code used for fresh cod) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($252M, 36% of world exports), Denmark ($146M) and Sweden ($128M). World exports came to about $704M, 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 cod (HS 030251)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030251 (the code used for fresh cod) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($131M, 22% of world imports), Denmark ($112M) and the Netherlands ($80M). World imports came to about $588M, 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 cod the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030251 for Fresh cod 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 cod in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh cod (HS 030251) is classified under NCM 0302.51.00.