Product classification
HS code for Fresh tilapia: 0302.71
Fish, fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh tilapia under HS 0302.71
Fresh tilapia is classified under HS code 0302.71 based on the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure for fish and crustaceans. Heading 0302 specifically addresses fish, fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. The subheading 0302.71 is reserved for tilapias (Oreochromis spp.). To qualify for this code, the fish must be in its natural state, which may include being gutted, headed, or scaled, but it must not be cut into fillets. The term "fresh" implies the fish has not undergone any preservation process other than chilling. Chilling refers to the process of reducing the temperature of the product to around 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) without freezing it. This distinction is vital because frozen tilapia is categorized under a different heading (0303). The classification also excludes edible fish offal such as livers and roes, which are classified under subheadings 0302.91 through 0302.99. Proper classification ensures compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures often applied to fresh seafood imports.
- Covers
- Whole fresh tilapia
- Gutted fresh tilapia
- Headed and gutted (H&G) fresh tilapia
- Chilled tilapia on ice
- Scaled fresh tilapia (whole)
- Also under 0302.71
- Fresh Farm-Raised Tilapia (whole)
- Chilled Black Tilapia
- Fresh Red Hybrid Tilapia.
Codes often confused with 0302.71
Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 0303.23, which covers frozen tilapia. The distinction is based entirely on the temperature state; 0302.71 is for chilled fish, while 0303.23 is for fish frozen below its cryoscopic point. It is also often misclassified under 0304.31 if the fish has been filleted. Fillets, even if fresh, must be moved to heading 0304. Furthermore, importers sometimes mistakenly use 0302.89 (other fish) if they are unaware of the specific subheading for tilapia.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030271 (the code used for fresh tilapia), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030271 (the code used for fresh tilapia) in UN Comtrade data was Colombia, with 62% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 64% 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 030271, not only fresh tilapia.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Colombia $37M 62% of world exports
- 2 Egypt $10M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $5.7M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $61M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $45M 64% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$6.5M 9.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $5.5M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $71M 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
Brazil classifies fresh tilapia under NCM 0302.71.00: HS 0302.71 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
What is the HS code for Fresh tilapia?
The HS code for Fresh tilapia is 030271 (Fish; fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis 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 tilapia (whole or gutted) is 0302.71.
How do I classify Fresh tilapia for customs?
Fresh tilapia is classified under HS code 030271 — Fish; fresh or chilled, tilapias (Oreochromis 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 tilapia?
No, frozen tilapia is classified under HS code 0303.23. HS code 0302.71 is strictly for fresh or chilled products.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh tilapia (HS 030271)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030271 (the code used for fresh tilapia) in UN Comtrade data were Colombia ($37M, 62% of world exports), Egypt ($10M) and the United States ($5.7M). World exports came to about $61M, 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 (HS 030271)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030271 (the code used for fresh tilapia) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($45M, 64% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $6.5M) and Canada ($5.5M). World imports came to about $71M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030271 for Fresh tilapia 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh tilapia (HS 030271) is classified under NCM 0302.71.00.