Product classification
HS code for Fresh tilapia meat: 0304.51
Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, fresh or chilled, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads.
Classification of fresh tilapia meat under HS 0304.51
Fresh tilapia meat that does not meet the definition of a fillet is classified under HS code 0304.51. This subheading includes fish meat that has been separated from the bones, often through mechanical means, resulting in minced fish or small pieces of meat that do not retain the structural integrity of a fillet. Heading 0304 is divided into several sections; while 0304.31 covers fillets, the 0304.5x series covers "other" fish meat that is fresh or chilled. Specifically, 0304.51 groups tilapia with other species such as catfish, carp, and Nile perch. This classification is important for the food processing industry, where minced tilapia is often used as an ingredient in secondary products like fish cakes or surimi-based items. The product must be maintained in a fresh or chilled state; if the meat is frozen, it is reclassified under 0304.93. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule 1, relying on the specific text of the subheadings for fish meat excluding fillets.
- Covers
- Minced fresh tilapia meat
- Fresh tilapia meat scraps
- Chilled tilapia meat blocks (non-fillet)
- Mechanically deboned fresh tilapia meat
- Also under 0304.51
- Regal Springs Tilapia (meat)
- US Farm-Raised Catfish (meat)
- Vietnamese Pangasius (meat)
- Japanese Unagi (eel meat)
- Lake Victoria Nile Perch (meat)
Codes often confused with 0304.51
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 0304.31, which is strictly for fillets. If the product consists of whole sides of fish, it belongs in 0304.31. It is also often confused with 0304.93, which is the code for frozen tilapia meat (minced or other). Importers must ensure the temperature state is correctly documented as fresh or chilled to avoid using the frozen meat code. Finally, whole fresh tilapia should be under 0302.71.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030451 (the code used for fresh tilapia meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030451 (the code used for fresh tilapia meat) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 78% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 26% 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 030451, not only fresh tilapia meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $22M 78% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$3.1M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Thailand $1.4M 5.1% of world exports
World total: $28M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Portugal $3.4M 26% of world imports
- 2 Pakistan $2.6M 20% of world imports
- 3 Austria $1.5M 12% of world imports
World total: $13M 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 meat
Brazil classifies fresh tilapia meat under NCM 0304.51.00: HS 0304.51 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 meat
What is the HS code for Fresh tilapia meat?
The HS code for Fresh tilapia meat is 030451 (Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; fresh or chilled, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads). The HS code for fresh or chilled tilapia meat (excluding fillets) is 0304.51.
How do I classify Fresh tilapia meat for customs?
Fresh tilapia meat is classified under HS code 030451 — Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; fresh or chilled, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen minced tilapia?
No, frozen minced tilapia or other frozen tilapia meat is classified under HS code 0304.93.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh tilapia meat (HS 030451)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030451 (the code used for fresh tilapia meat) in UN Comtrade data were China ($22M, 78% of world exports), Vietnam (about $3.1M) and Thailand ($1.4M). World exports came to about $28M, 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 meat (HS 030451)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030451 (the code used for fresh tilapia meat) in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($3.4M, 26% of world imports), Pakistan ($2.6M) and Austria ($1.5M). World imports came to about $13M, 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 meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030451 for Fresh tilapia meat 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 meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh tilapia meat (HS 030451) is classified under NCM 0304.51.00.