Product classification
HS code for Fresh mackerel: 0302.44
Fish, fresh or chilled, mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh mackerel under HS 0302.44
Fresh mackerel belonging to the Scomber genus is classified under HS code 0302.44. This classification is part of Chapter 3, which covers fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0302 is designated for fish that are fresh or chilled, excluding fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Subheading 0302.44 specifically identifies mackerel species such as Scomber scombrus (Atlantic mackerel), Scomber australasicus (Blue mackerel), and Scomber japonicus (Chub mackerel). The classification is determined by GRI 1 and GRI 6. To be classified under this code, the fish must be fresh or chilled. Chilling involves lowering the temperature of the fish to approximately 0 degrees Celsius using ice or refrigerated seawater, without freezing it. If the fish is frozen, it must be classified under 0303.54. Furthermore, the fish must be whole, headed, or gutted, but not filleted. Fillets are classified under 0304.44 or 0304.49 depending on the species and state. It is vital to distinguish between the Scomber genus and other fish commonly called mackerel, such as jack mackerel or Spanish mackerel, as they fall under different subheadings. Proper identification of the genus is the primary requirement for using 0302.44. Customs authorities often require the scientific name on commercial invoices to verify this classification.
- Covers
- Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)
- Chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus)
- Blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus)
- Whole fresh mackerel
- Fresh gutted or headed mackerel (Scomber spp.)
- Also under 0302.44
- Norwegian Mackerel
- Scottish Mackerel
- Japanese Mackerel (Saba)
- Cornish Mackerel
Codes often confused with 0302.44
Common mistake. The most frequent error is confusing 0302.44 with 0302.45, which is for jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.). Another common misclassification is using 0303.54 for frozen mackerel. Additionally, Spanish mackerels (Scomberomorus spp.) are classified under 0302.49 as other mackerel.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030244 (the code used for fresh mackerel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030244 (the code used for fresh mackerel) in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 55% 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 030244, not only fresh mackerel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Denmark $55M 30% of world exports
- 2 France $17M 9.6% of world exports
- 3 Iceland $15M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $181M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Norway $225M 55% of world imports
- 2 Faroe Islands* ~$43M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Denmark $25M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $413M 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 mackerel
Brazil classifies fresh mackerel under NCM 0302.44.00: HS 0302.44 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh mackerel
What is the HS code for Fresh mackerel?
The HS code for Fresh mackerel is 030244 (Fish; fresh or chilled, mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled mackerel of the genus Scomber is 0302.44.
How do I classify Fresh mackerel for customs?
Fresh mackerel is classified under HS code 030244 — Fish; fresh or chilled, mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), 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 mackerel fillets?
No, mackerel fillets are classified under Heading 0304. HS code 0302.44 is for whole fish or fish that has been headed or gutted only.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh mackerel (HS 030244)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030244 (the code used for fresh mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($55M, 30% of world exports), France ($17M) and Iceland ($15M). World exports came to about $181M, 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 mackerel (HS 030244)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030244 (the code used for fresh mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($225M, 55% of world imports), the Faroe Islands (about $43M) and Denmark ($25M). World imports came to about $413M, 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 mackerel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030244 for Fresh 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 mackerel in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh mackerel (HS 030244) is classified under NCM 0302.44.00.