Product classification
HS code for Fresh eel fillets: 0304.39
Fish fillets, fresh or chilled, carp (as specified by the WCO), eels (Anguilla spp.), and snakeheads (Channa spp.).
Classification of fresh eel fillets under HS 0304.39
Fresh or chilled eel fillets are classified under HS code 0304.39. This code is situated within Chapter 3 (Fish and crustaceans) and heading 0304, which covers fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced. The Harmonized System distinguishes between whole fish (heading 0302/0303) and fillets (heading 0304). A fillet is defined as a strip of meat cut parallel to the backbone, representing the side of the fish with bones and viscera removed. Subheading 0304.39 specifically includes fillets of carp, eels (Anguilla spp.), and snakeheads. To qualify for this code, the fillets must be fresh or chilled, meaning they are maintained at a temperature near freezing but have not been frozen. This classification is critical for ensuring food safety standards and applying correct tariffs, as fillets are considered a higher-value processed product compared to whole fish. The species must be specifically identified as Anguilla spp. to fit within this subheading.
- Covers
- Fresh European eel fillets (Anguilla anguilla)
- Chilled Japanese eel fillets (Anguilla japonica)
- Fresh American eel fillets (Anguilla rostrata)
- Chilled skin-on or skin-off eel fillets
- Also under 0304.39
- European Eel Fillets
- Grass Carp Fillets
- Silver Carp Fillets
- Giant Snakehead Fillets
Codes often confused with 0304.39
Common mistake. Eel fillets are often misclassified under 0304.51, which is for eel meat that is not in fillet form (such as minced meat). Another common error is using 0303.89 for frozen eels; if the fillets are frozen, they must move to the frozen subheadings of 0304, specifically 0304.89. Furthermore, smoked eel is classified under 0305.44, even if it is presented as a fillet, because the smoking process takes precedence over the fillet form in the HS hierarchy.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030439 (the code used for fresh eel fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030439 (the code used for fresh eel fillets) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 30% 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 030439, not only fresh eel fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $31M 45% of world exports
- 2 Greece $11M 17% of world exports
- 3 Spain $6.7M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $68M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $23M 30% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $16M 20% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $7.7M 10% of world imports
World total: $77M 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 eel fillets
Brazil classifies fresh eel fillets under NCM 0304.39.00: HS 0304.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh eel fillets
What is the HS code for Fresh eel fillets?
The HS code for Fresh eel fillets is 030439 (Fish fillets; fresh or chilled, carp (as specified by the WCO), eels (Anguilla spp.), and snakeheads (Channa spp.)). The HS code for fresh or chilled eel fillets is 0304.39.
How do I classify Fresh eel fillets for customs?
Fresh eel fillets is classified under HS code 030439 — Fish fillets; fresh or chilled, carp (as specified by the WCO), eels (Anguilla spp.), and snakeheads (Channa spp.). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is smoked eel included in 0304.39?
No, smoked eel is classified under HS code 0305.44, as smoking is a preservation method that changes the classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh eel fillets (HS 030439)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030439 (the code used for fresh eel fillets) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($31M, 45% of world exports), Greece ($11M) and Spain ($6.7M). World exports came to about $68M, 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 eel fillets (HS 030439)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030439 (the code used for fresh eel fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($23M, 30% of world imports), the Netherlands ($16M) and Singapore ($7.7M). World imports came to about $77M, 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 eel fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030439 for Fresh eel fillets 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 eel fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh eel fillets (HS 030439) is classified under NCM 0304.39.00.