Product classification
HS code for Fresh fish: 0302.59
Fish, fresh or chilled, n.e.c. in item no. 0302.5, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh fish under HS 0302.59
HS code 0302.59 serves as a residual category for fresh or chilled fish belonging to the Gadidae family that are not specifically enumerated in the preceding subheadings of 0302.5. The Gadidae family includes cod-like fishes such as cod, haddock, coalfish, hake, and pollock. While major species like Atlantic Cod (0302.51) and Haddock (0302.52) have their own dedicated codes, 0302.59 captures all other species within this biological family. To be classified here, the fish must be fresh or chilled and presented whole, headed, or gutted. The exclusion of fillets is a critical factor; once the fish is filleted, it moves to heading 0304. This classification is essential for maintaining accurate trade statistics for less common Gadidae species and ensures that all members of this economically significant family are accounted for within the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure.
- Covers
- Fresh Blue Whiting (Micromesistius poutassou)
- Fresh Southern Blue Whiting (Micromesistius australis)
- Fresh Bib or Pouting (Trisopterus luscus)
- Fresh Poor Cod (Trisopterus minutus)
- Other fresh Gadidae species not listed in 0302.51-0302.56
- Also under 0302.59
- Fresh Ling (Molva molva)
- Chilled European Whiting
- Fresh Tusk (Brosme brosme).
Codes often confused with 0302.59
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 0302.51 (Cod) or 0302.52 (Haddock) when the specific species is not clearly identified on shipping documents. It is also frequently misclassified with 0303.69, which is the equivalent category for frozen Gadidae fish. Furthermore, if the fish is processed into fillets, it must be classified under 0304.44, which specifically covers fresh or chilled fillets of the Gadidae family.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030259 (the code used for fresh fish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030259 (the code used for fresh fish) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 26% 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 030259, not only fresh fish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $24M 13% of world exports
- 2 Ecuador $21M 12% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $20M 11% of world exports
World total: $182M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $31M 26% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $12M 10% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $12M 9.9% of world imports
World total: $119M 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 fish
Brazil classifies fresh fish under NCM 0302.59.00: HS 0302.59 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh fish
What is the HS code for Fresh fish?
The HS code for Fresh fish is 030259 (Fish; fresh or chilled, n.e.c. in item no. 0302.5, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99).
How do I classify Fresh fish for customs?
Fresh fish is classified under HS code 030259 — Fish; fresh or chilled, n.e.c. in item no. 0302.5, 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.
What is the HS code for fresh fish 0302.59?
The HS code 0302.59 is for fresh or chilled fish of the Gadidae family that are not elsewhere specified, such as Blue Whiting.
Does this code include frozen fish?
No, frozen fish of the Gadidae family are classified under heading 0303, specifically 0303.69 for species not listed elsewhere.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh fish (HS 030259)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030259 (the code used for fresh fish) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($24M, 13% of world exports), Ecuador ($21M) and Mexico ($20M). World exports came to about $182M, 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 fish (HS 030259)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030259 (the code used for fresh fish) in UN Comtrade data were France ($31M, 26% of world imports), Denmark ($12M) and Portugal ($12M). World imports came to about $119M, 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 fish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030259 for Fresh fish 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 fish in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh fish (HS 030259) is classified under NCM 0302.59.00.