Product classification
HS code for Fresh Nile perch: 0302.79
Fish, fresh or chilled, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh Nile perch under HS 0302.79
Fresh Nile perch is classified under HS code 0302.79. This classification is situated within Chapter 3 (Fish) and heading 0302 (Fresh or chilled fish). Subheading 0302.79 is a collective category that includes Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.). The classification is based on the biological species and the fact that the fish is presented in a fresh or chilled state. Like other entries in heading 0302, this code excludes fish fillets and other fish meat, which are classified under heading 0304. Nile perch is a significant freshwater fish in international trade, and its classification under 0302.79 ensures it is grouped with similar freshwater species as defined by the Harmonized System's taxonomic structure for chilled fish products.
- Covers
- Whole fresh Nile perch (Lates niloticus)
- Chilled Nile perch, gutted and headed
- Fresh snakeheads (Channa spp.)
- Chilled Nile perch, round
- Also under 0302.79
- Nile Perch (Lates niloticus)
- Giant Snakehead (Channa micropeltes)
- Striped Snakehead (Channa striata)
- Northern Snakehead (Channa argus)
Codes often confused with 0302.79
Common mistake. Nile perch is often misclassified under 0304.33, which is the code for fresh or chilled Nile perch fillets. Because much of the Nile perch trade involves fillets, this is a frequent error; 0302.79 only applies to whole or minimally processed (gutted/headed) fish. It is also confused with 0303.29, which covers frozen Nile perch. Additionally, it may be mistaken for Tilapia (0302.71) or Catfish (0302.72) if the species is not properly identified on the commercial invoice. Finally, while it is a "perch," it should not be confused with the sea bass or other saltwater perches classified in different subheadings of 0302.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030279 (the code used for fresh Nile perch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030279 (the code used for fresh Nile perch) in UN Comtrade data was Ecuador, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 21% 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 030279, not only fresh Nile perch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Ecuador $25M 33% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $20M 26% of world exports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$7.9M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $74M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $11M 21% of world imports
- 2 Portugal $11M 20% of world imports
- 3 India $7.9M 15% of world imports
World total: $51M 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 Nile perch
Brazil classifies fresh Nile perch under NCM 0302.79.00: HS 0302.79 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
What is the HS code for Fresh Nile perch?
The HS code for Fresh Nile perch is 030279 (Fish; fresh or chilled, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa 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 whole Nile perch is 0302.79.
How do I classify Fresh Nile perch for customs?
Fresh Nile perch is classified under HS code 030279 — Fish; fresh or chilled, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa 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 Nile perch?
No, frozen Nile perch is classified under HS code 0303.29. The 0302.79 code is strictly for fresh or chilled specimens.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh Nile perch (HS 030279)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030279 (the code used for fresh Nile perch) in UN Comtrade data were Ecuador ($25M, 33% of world exports), the Netherlands ($20M) and Bangladesh (about $7.9M). World exports came to about $74M, 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 (HS 030279)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030279 (the code used for fresh Nile perch) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($11M, 21% of world imports), Portugal ($11M) and India ($7.9M). World imports came to about $51M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030279 for Fresh Nile perch 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh Nile perch (HS 030279) is classified under NCM 0302.79.00.