Product classification
HS code for Fresh jack mackerel: 0302.45
Fish, fresh or chilled, jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh jack mackerel under HS 0302.45
Fresh jack mackerel is classified under HS code 0302.45 according to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI). Specifically, GRI 1 states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 3 covers fish and crustaceans, and Heading 0302 specifically addresses fish that are fresh or chilled, excluding fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Within this heading, the subheading 0302.45 is reserved for the genus Trachurus, commonly known as jack and horse mackerel. To be classified here, the product must be in a fresh or chilled state. Chilled generally means the product has been cooled to a temperature, typically around 0 degrees Celsius, without being frozen. This state must be maintained during transport to ensure the product does not fall under the frozen category of Heading 0303. Furthermore, the fish must be whole, or at least not processed into fillets, as fillets are specifically directed to Heading 0304 regardless of whether they are fresh, chilled, or frozen. The distinction between Trachurus (0302.45) and Scomber (0302.44) is purely biological, based on the genus of the fish. Importers must ensure that the scientific name of the species is clearly documented to avoid misclassification between these two very similar subheadings. The classification also excludes edible fish offal, which is categorized under subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. Proper documentation of the fish's state and species is essential for customs compliance.
- Covers
- Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi)
- Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus)
- Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus)
- Whole fresh jack mackerel
- Gutted or headed fresh horse mackerel
- Also under 0302.45
- Peruvian Horse Mackerel
- Chilean Jack Mackerel
- Mauritanian Horse Mackerel
- Japanese Aji
Codes often confused with 0302.45
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0302.44, which is reserved for true mackerel of the Scomber genus. While they appear similar, the genus Trachurus must be under 0302.45. Additionally, if the fish is frozen rather than chilled, it must be classified under 0303.55. Fillets of jack mackerel are often incorrectly placed here but belong in 0304.49.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030245 (the code used for fresh jack mackerel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030245 (the code used for fresh jack mackerel) in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 16% 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 030245, not only fresh jack mackerel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Denmark $23M 34% of world exports
- 2 Spain $14M 21% of world exports
- 3 Yemen* ~$9.7M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $67M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $14M 16% of world imports
- 2 Portugal $10M 12% of world imports
- 3 Italy $9.9M 12% of world imports
World total: $86M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 jack mackerel
Brazil classifies fresh jack mackerel under NCM 0302.45.00: HS 0302.45 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh jack mackerel
What is the HS code for Fresh jack mackerel?
The HS code for Fresh jack mackerel is 030245 (Fish; fresh or chilled, jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.) is 0302.45.
How do I classify Fresh jack mackerel for customs?
Fresh jack mackerel is classified under HS code 030245 — Fish; fresh or chilled, jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), 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.
Does this code include frozen jack mackerel?
No, frozen jack mackerel is classified under HS code 0303.55. HS code 0302.45 is strictly for fresh or chilled specimens.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh jack mackerel (HS 030245)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030245 (the code used for fresh jack mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($23M, 34% of world exports), Spain ($14M) and Yemen (about $9.7M). World exports came to about $67M, 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 jack mackerel (HS 030245)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030245 (the code used for fresh jack mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($14M, 16% of world imports), Portugal ($10M) and Italy ($9.9M). World imports came to about $86M, 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 jack mackerel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030245 for Fresh jack mackerel 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 jack mackerel in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh jack mackerel (HS 030245) is classified under NCM 0302.45.00.