Product classification
HS code for Fresh Nile perch fillets: 0304.33
Fish fillets, fresh or chilled, Nile perch (Lates niloticus).
Classification of fresh Nile perch fillets under HS 0304.33
The classification of Fresh Nile perch fillets under HS code 0304.33 is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. 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, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Within this chapter, Heading 0304 is dedicated to fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. The selection of subheading 0304.33 is a result of applying GRI 6, which allows for the comparison of subheadings at the same level. This specific code is reserved for the species Lates niloticus, commonly known as Nile perch, provided the product is in the form of a fillet and has been maintained in a fresh or chilled state. Chilling implies the temperature of the product has been reduced, generally to around 0 degrees Celsius, without the product actually being frozen. If the product were to be frozen, it would transition to a different subheading within the same 0304 group. The precision of this code ensures that trade statistics and tariff applications are accurately applied to this specific freshwater predator, which is a significant commodity in international trade, particularly from the African Great Lakes region. The fillets must be identifiable as meat cut from the sides of the fish, parallel to the backbone, to qualify under this heading.
- Covers
- Fresh skin-on Nile perch fillets
- Chilled skinless Nile perch fillets
- Fresh fillets of Lates niloticus with pin bones removed
- Vacuum-packed chilled Nile perch fillets
- Individually wrapped fresh Nile perch fillets
- Also under 0304.33
- Lake Victoria Fish Processors
- various European seafood distributors
- specific African export brands
- restaurant suppliers
Codes often confused with 0304.33
Common mistake. A frequent error in classifying this product involves confusing it with frozen fillets. Frozen Nile perch fillets are classified under HS code 0304.62. The distinction depends entirely on whether the fish has been subjected to temperatures below its freezing point for preservation. Additionally, whole or gutted fresh Nile perch (not filleted) must be classified under 0302.89. Another common mistake is using 0304.31, which is specifically for Tilapia fillets, or 0304.32, which is for Catfish fillets. Importers must ensure the species Lates niloticus is clearly documented to justify the use of 0304.33.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030433 (the code used for fresh Nile perch fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030433 (the code used for fresh Nile perch fillets) in UN Comtrade data was Uganda, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 38% 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 030433, not only fresh Nile perch fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Uganda $65M 48% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $35M 26% of world exports
- 3 Tanzania $22M 16% of world exports
World total: $136M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $44M 38% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $18M 16% of world imports
- 3 Spain $12M 10% of world imports
World total: $117M 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 Nile perch fillets
Brazil classifies fresh Nile perch fillets under NCM 0304.33.00: HS 0304.33 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh Nile perch fillets
What is the HS code for Fresh Nile perch fillets?
The HS code for Fresh Nile perch fillets is 030433 (Fish fillets; fresh or chilled, Nile perch (Lates niloticus)). The specific HS code for fresh or chilled fillets of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) is 0304.33.
How do I classify Fresh Nile perch fillets for customs?
Fresh Nile perch fillets is classified under HS code 030433 — Fish fillets; fresh or chilled, Nile perch (Lates niloticus). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen Nile perch?
No, frozen Nile perch fillets are classified under HS code 0304.62. The 0304.33 code is strictly for fresh or chilled products.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh Nile perch fillets (HS 030433)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030433 (the code used for fresh Nile perch fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Uganda ($65M, 48% of world exports), the Netherlands ($35M) and Tanzania ($22M). World exports came to about $136M, 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 Nile perch fillets (HS 030433)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030433 (the code used for fresh Nile perch fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($44M, 38% of world imports), the Netherlands ($18M) and Spain ($12M). World imports came to about $117M, 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 Nile perch fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030433 for Fresh Nile perch fillets 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 Nile perch fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh Nile perch fillets (HS 030433) is classified under NCM 0304.33.00.