Product classification
HS code for Frozen catfish: 0303.24
Fish, frozen, catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen catfish under HS 0303.24
Frozen catfish is classified under HS code 030324. This classification is situated within Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which pertains to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0303 is reserved for frozen fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat. Subheading 030324 specifically targets catfish species, including those in the genera Pangasius, Silurus, Clarias, and Ictalurus. To be classified here, the catfish must be frozen and remain in a whole or dressed state (such as headed, gutted, or tailed). The freezing must be deep enough to ensure the product's stability during international transport. This code is used by customs authorities to monitor the trade of whole catfish, which is distinct from the trade of processed fillets. The classification is strictly based on the species and the preservation state. The inclusion of Pangasius spp. is particularly important as it covers a large volume of global trade in species often marketed as Basa or Tra. Proper identification of the genus is required to ensure the product is not misclassified under "other" fish categories.
- Covers
- Frozen whole Pangasius catfish
- Frozen gutted Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
- Frozen headed and gutted Silurus catfish
- Frozen Clarias catfish (walking catfish)
- Frozen dressed catfish (excluding fillets)
- Frozen whole blue catfish
- Also under 0303.24
- Vinh Hoan Frozen Pangasius
- John T. Handy Frozen Catfish
- Delta Pride Frozen Catfish
- Anova Seafood Frozen Pangasius
- Seafresh Frozen Catfish
Codes often confused with 0303.24
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 030462, which is specifically for frozen catfish fillets. Another common error is using 030272, which applies to fresh or chilled catfish. If the fish is a species not covered by the catfish definition in the HS nomenclature (Pangasius, Silurus, Clarias, Ictalurus), it might be incorrectly placed here instead of 030389 (other frozen fish). Additionally, if the fish is prepared or preserved (e.g., smoked or canned), it moves to Chapter 16.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030324 (the code used for frozen catfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030324 (the code used for frozen catfish) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% 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 030324, not only frozen catfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$176M 67% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $38M 15% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $11M 4.3% of world exports
World total: $262M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $107M 41% of world imports
- 2 Colombia $31M 12% of world imports
- 3 DR Congo* ~$12M 4.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $259M 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 codes for frozen catfish
Brazil splits HS 0303.24 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0303.24.10Frozen channel catfish
- 0303.24.90Other frozen catfish
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen catfish
What is the HS code for Frozen catfish?
The HS code for Frozen catfish is 030324 (Fish; frozen, catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen whole or dressed catfish is 030324.
How do I classify Frozen catfish for customs?
Frozen catfish is classified under HS code 030324 — Fish; frozen, catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can I use this code for frozen catfish fillets?
No, frozen catfish fillets must be classified under HS code 030462, as heading 0303 is only for whole or dressed fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen catfish (HS 030324)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030324 (the code used for frozen catfish) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $176M, 67% of world exports), China ($38M) and Thailand ($11M). World exports came to about $262M, 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 frozen catfish (HS 030324)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030324 (the code used for frozen catfish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($107M, 41% of world imports), Colombia ($31M) and the DR Congo (about $12M). World imports came to about $259M, 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 Frozen catfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030324 for Frozen catfish 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 frozen catfish in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030324 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for frozen catfish depends on the product's details: 0303.24.10 (Frozen channel catfish), 0303.24.90 (Other frozen catfish).