Product classification
HS code for Fresh snakehead: 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 snakehead under HS 0302.79
The classification of fresh snakehead under HS code 0302.79 is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and GRI 6. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Within this chapter, Heading 0302 is specifically reserved for fish that are fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat which fall under heading 0304. The term "fresh" implies the fish is in its natural state, while "chilled" means the temperature of the product has been reduced to approximately 0°C (32°F) to ensure preservation without freezing. Subheading 0302.79 is a specific category that includes Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.). For a product to be correctly classified here, it must be presented whole, or it may be headed or gutted. However, it must not be cut into fillets or otherwise processed into meat portions. The snakehead is a predatory fish found in parts of Africa and Asia, and its classification is strictly tied to its biological genus. If the fish were to be frozen, the classification would shift to Heading 0303. If it were dried, salted, or in brine, it would move to Heading 0305. Accurate identification of the species as Channa spp. is critical for customs documentation to avoid being placed in a general "other" category, which might carry different duty rates or regulatory requirements.
- Covers
- Whole fresh snakehead (Channa spp.)
- Chilled gutted snakehead
- Fresh headed and gutted snakehead
- Snakehead packed in ice for transport
- 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. Fresh snakehead is frequently confused with frozen snakehead, which is classified under 0303.79. Additionally, if the fish has been filleted, it must be classified under 0304.39. Misclassification also occurs with other freshwater species like tilapia (0302.71) if the genus is not clearly specified.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030279 (the code used for fresh snakehead), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030279 (the code used for fresh snakehead) 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 snakehead.
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 snakehead
Brazil classifies fresh snakehead 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 snakehead
What is the HS code for Fresh snakehead?
The HS code for Fresh snakehead 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 snakehead (Channa spp.) is 0302.79.
How do I classify Fresh snakehead for customs?
Fresh snakehead 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 snakehead?
No, frozen snakehead is classified under heading 0303, specifically 0303.89 or 0303.79 depending on the specific regional tariff nomenclature.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh snakehead (HS 030279)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030279 (the code used for fresh snakehead) 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 snakehead (HS 030279)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030279 (the code used for fresh snakehead) 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 snakehead the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030279 for Fresh snakehead 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 snakehead in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh snakehead (HS 030279) is classified under NCM 0302.79.00.