Product classification
HS code for Frozen catfish meat: 0304.93
Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, frozen, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads.
Classification of frozen catfish meat under HS 0304.93
Frozen catfish meat is classified under HS code 0304.93. This classification is determined by the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure, where Chapter 3 covers fish and crustaceans. Heading 0304 is specifically reserved for fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced. Within this heading, the 0304.9x subheadings categorize "other" fish meat that is not in fillet form. Subheading 0304.93 specifically identifies meat from tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads. To qualify for this code, the product must be in a frozen state. This typically includes fish meat that has been removed from the bones through processes like scraping or mechanical separation, resulting in a product that is often minced or formed into blocks. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1, which states that classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since the product is fish meat (not fillets) and is frozen, 0304.93 is the most specific and accurate designation.
- Covers
- Frozen minced catfish meat
- Frozen catfish meat blocks
- Mechanically separated frozen catfish meat
- Frozen catfish trimmings (not fillets)
- Also under 0304.93
- Regal Springs (Tilapia trim)
- various Asian food manufacturers (Minced Catfish Blocks)
- Pangasius (Catfish meat blocks)
- Iglo (Fish fingers using these species' meat)
Codes often confused with 0304.93
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying frozen catfish meat under HS code 0304.62. However, 0304.62 is strictly for frozen catfish fillets. Fillets are defined as the strips of meat cut parallel to the backbone, whereas 0304.93 is for meat that does not meet the definition of a fillet. Another common mistake is using 0303.24, which is for whole frozen catfish or headed and gutted (H&G) catfish, rather than just the meat. Additionally, if the catfish meat is breaded or precooked, it must be moved to Chapter 16, specifically 1604.20, as it is then considered a prepared fish product.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030493 (the code used for frozen catfish meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030493 (the code used for frozen catfish meat) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 38% 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 030493, not only frozen catfish meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$25M 80% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Netherlands $2.3M 7.3% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $1.1M 3.6% of world exports
World total: $31M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $23M 38% of world imports
- 2 China $15M 24% of world imports
- 3 Italy $6.2M 10% of world imports
World total: $62M 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 frozen catfish meat
Brazil classifies frozen catfish meat under NCM 0304.93.00: HS 0304.93 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen catfish meat
What is the HS code for Frozen catfish meat?
The HS code for Frozen catfish meat is 030493 (Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads). The HS code for frozen catfish meat (excluding fillets) is 0304.93.
How do I classify Frozen catfish meat for customs?
Frozen catfish meat is classified under HS code 030493 — Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen catfish fillets?
No, frozen catfish fillets are classified under HS code 0304.62. Code 0304.93 is reserved for other forms of fish meat, such as minced or mechanically separated meat.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen catfish meat (HS 030493)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030493 (the code used for frozen catfish meat) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $25M, 80% of world exports), the Netherlands ($2.3M) and Indonesia ($1.1M). World exports came to about $31M, 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 meat (HS 030493)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030493 (the code used for frozen catfish meat) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($23M, 38% of world imports), China ($15M) and Italy ($6.2M). World imports came to about $62M, 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 meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030493 for Frozen catfish 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 frozen catfish meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen catfish meat (HS 030493) is classified under NCM 0304.93.00.