Product classification
HS code for Fresh flatfish: 0302.29
Fish, fresh or chilled, flat fish, n.e.c. in item no. 0302.2, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh flatfish under HS 0302.29
The classification 0302.29 is designated for fresh or chilled flatfish (Pleuronectiformes) that are not specifically identified in subheadings 0302.21 through 0302.24. Flatfish are biologically distinct due to their asymmetrical body structure, with both eyes located on one side of the head. This residual category includes various species of flounder, dab, and megrim that do not fall under the specific codes for Halibut, Plaice, Sole, or Turbot. The product must be in a fresh or chilled state, meaning it is kept at a temperature near 0°C to prevent spoilage but is not frozen. The fish must be presented whole or in a minimally processed state (such as gutted or headed). This classification follows GRI 1 and 6, ensuring that all flatfish species are captured within the trade tariff even if they are not major commercial species with individual subheadings.
- Covers
- Fresh Flounder (Platichthys flesus)
- Fresh Common Dab (Limanda limanda)
- Fresh Megrim (Lepidorhombus spp.)
- Fresh Witch Flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus)
- Other fresh flatfish not elsewhere classified
- Also under 0302.29
- Icelandic Group (for some flatfish)
- various regional fisheries in North America and Europe
- Seafish UK
Codes often confused with 0302.29
Common mistake. Common misclassifications occur with 0302.21 (Halibut), 0302.22 (Plaice), and 0302.23 (Sole). Importers often use 0302.29 as a catch-all when they should be using the more specific species code. Additionally, frozen flatfish are often incorrectly placed here instead of 0303.39. If the flatfish has been filleted, it must be moved to 0304.43, which is the specific code for fresh flatfish fillets.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030229 (the code used for fresh flatfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030229 (the code used for fresh flatfish) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, 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 030229, not only fresh flatfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $42M 19% of world exports
- 2 Egypt $34M 15% of world exports
- 3 France $30M 13% of world exports
World total: $227M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $59M 22% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $41M 15% of world imports
- 3 Kuwait $40M 15% of world imports
World total: $272M 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 flatfish
Brazil classifies fresh flatfish under NCM 0302.29.00: HS 0302.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh flatfish
What is the HS code for Fresh flatfish?
The HS code for Fresh flatfish is 030229 (Fish; fresh or chilled, flat fish, n.e.c. in item no. 0302.2, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled flatfish not specifically named (like Halibut or Sole) is 0302.29.
How do I classify Fresh flatfish for customs?
Fresh flatfish is classified under HS code 030229 — Fish; fresh or chilled, flat fish, n.e.c. in item no. 0302.2, 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 flounder?
No, frozen flounder should be classified under HS code 0303.39, as heading 0302 is strictly for fresh or chilled products.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh flatfish (HS 030229)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030229 (the code used for fresh flatfish) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($42M, 19% of world exports), Egypt ($34M) and France ($30M). World exports came to about $227M, 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 flatfish (HS 030229)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030229 (the code used for fresh flatfish) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($59M, 22% of world imports), the Netherlands ($41M) and Kuwait ($40M). World imports came to about $272M, 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 flatfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030229 for Fresh flatfish 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 flatfish in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh flatfish (HS 030229) is classified under NCM 0302.29.00.