Product classification
HS code for Fresh halibut: 0302.21
Fish, fresh or chilled, halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, Hippoglossus stenolepis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh halibut under HS 0302.21
Fresh halibut is classified under HS code 0302.21. This code is located in Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which covers fish and crustaceans. Heading 0302 is specifically for fish, fresh or chilled, excluding fillets and other fish meat. Subheading 0302.21 is dedicated to halibut, which includes the species Reinhardtius hippoglossoides (Greenland halibut), Hippoglossus hippoglossus (Atlantic halibut), and Hippoglossus stenolepis (Pacific halibut). The classification is strictly for fish that are fresh or chilled. Chilling is defined as the process of lowering the temperature of the fish to a point near 0°C without freezing it. This code applies to whole fish or fish that have been gutted or had their heads removed. It is critical to distinguish these from fillets, which are classified under heading 0304. The Harmonized System uses these specific subheadings to monitor the trade of high-value species like halibut. Because halibut is a flatfish, it is grouped within the 0302.2 series, but it is distinguished from plaice (0302.22), sole (0302.23), and turbot (0302.24). Proper identification of the species is necessary to ensure the correct tariff rate is applied and to comply with international trade agreements regarding specific fish stocks.
- Covers
- Fresh Atlantic halibut (whole or gutted)
- Fresh Pacific halibut (whole or gutted)
- Fresh Greenland halibut (whole or gutted)
- Chilled halibut on ice
- Also under 0302.21
- Alaskan Leader Seafoods
- Peter Pan Seafoods
- Norwegian Seafood Council
- F/V Saga
Codes often confused with 0302.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is between fresh halibut (0302.21) and frozen halibut (0303.21). Another common error involves halibut fillets; fresh or chilled halibut fillets are classified under HS code 0304.43, while frozen fillets are under 0304.83. Importers must also be careful not to classify other flatfish, such as large flounders, under the halibut code, as they belong to 0302.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030221 (the code used for fresh halibut), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030221 (the code used for fresh halibut) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 64% 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 030221, not only fresh halibut.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $156M 56% of world exports
- 2 Norway $46M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $27M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $281M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $177M 64% of world imports
- 2 Canada $30M 11% of world imports
- 3 Denmark $19M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $277M 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 halibut
Brazil classifies fresh halibut under NCM 0302.21.00: HS 0302.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh halibut
What is the HS code for Fresh halibut?
The HS code for Fresh halibut is 030221 (Fish; fresh or chilled, halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, Hippoglossus stenolepis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled halibut (whole or gutted) is 0302.21.
How do I classify Fresh halibut for customs?
Fresh halibut is classified under HS code 030221 — Fish; fresh or chilled, halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, Hippoglossus stenolepis), 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.
Are Greenland halibut and Atlantic halibut under the same code?
Yes, both species are classified under 0302.21 when they are fresh or chilled and not filleted.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh halibut (HS 030221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030221 (the code used for fresh halibut) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($156M, 56% of world exports), Norway ($46M) and the United States ($27M). World exports came to about $281M, 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 halibut (HS 030221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030221 (the code used for fresh halibut) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($177M, 64% of world imports), Canada ($30M) and Denmark ($19M). World imports came to about $277M, 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 halibut the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030221 for Fresh halibut 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 halibut in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh halibut (HS 030221) is classified under NCM 0302.21.00.