Product classification
HS code for Fresh tilapia fillets: 0304.31
Fish fillets, fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.).
Classification of fresh tilapia fillets under HS 0304.31
HS code 0304.31 is the specific designation for fresh or chilled fillets of tilapia (Oreochromis spp.). According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, fish fillets are strips of meat cut parallel to the fish's backbone, consisting of the right or left side of the fish, provided the head, guts, fins, and bones have been removed. The fillets may be with or without skin. This code is part of heading 0304, which covers fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. However, the 0304.31 subheading is restricted to fresh or chilled tilapia fillets. If the fillets are frozen, they must be classified under 0304.61. The classification process involves identifying the species and the state of processing. This code is used by customs authorities to monitor trade volumes and apply relevant tariffs or quotas specific to processed fish products. The product must be maintained at a temperature near 0 degrees Celsius to be considered chilled.
- Covers
- Fresh skinless tilapia fillets
- Fresh skin-on tilapia fillets
- Chilled tilapia fillets
- Fresh tilapia fillets in vacuum packaging (not frozen)
- Also under 0304.31
- Regal Springs Tilapia
- AquaChile Tilapia
- various supermarket brands (e.g., Whole Foods, Walmart)
- foodservice distributors
Codes often confused with 0304.31
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 0304.61, which is reserved for frozen tilapia fillets. Another common error is using 0302.71, which is for whole or gutted fresh tilapia. If the fish has been filleted, it must be classified under 0304.31. Additionally, if the meat is minced rather than cut into fillets, it should be classified under 0304.51, which covers other fresh fish meat of tilapia.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030431 (the code used for fresh tilapia fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030431 (the code used for fresh tilapia fillets) in UN Comtrade data was Colombia, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 80% 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 030431, not only fresh tilapia fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Colombia $62M 37% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $41M 24% of world exports
- 3 Honduras* ~$38M 23% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $169M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $153M 80% of world imports
- 2 Canada $19M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $3.3M 1.7% of world imports
World total: $192M 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 tilapia fillets
Brazil classifies fresh tilapia fillets under NCM 0304.31.00: HS 0304.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh tilapia fillets
What is the HS code for Fresh tilapia fillets?
The HS code for Fresh tilapia fillets is 030431 (Fish fillets; fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.)). The HS code for fresh or chilled tilapia fillets is 0304.31.
How do I classify Fresh tilapia fillets for customs?
Fresh tilapia fillets is classified under HS code 030431 — Fish fillets; fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 0304.31 and 0304.51?
HS code 0304.31 is specifically for fillets, while 0304.51 is for other fish meat, such as minced tilapia, in a fresh or chilled state.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh tilapia fillets (HS 030431)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030431 (the code used for fresh tilapia fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Colombia ($62M, 37% of world exports), Brazil ($41M) and Honduras (about $38M). World exports came to about $169M, 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 tilapia fillets (HS 030431)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030431 (the code used for fresh tilapia fillets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($153M, 80% of world imports), Canada ($19M) and Hong Kong ($3.3M). World imports came to about $192M, 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 tilapia fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030431 for Fresh tilapia 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 tilapia fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh tilapia fillets (HS 030431) is classified under NCM 0304.31.00.