Product classification
HS code for Frozen coalfish: 0303.65
Fish, frozen, coalfish (Pollachius virens), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen coalfish under HS 0303.65
Frozen coalfish, scientifically known as Pollachius virens and often referred to as saithe, is classified under HS code 030365. This classification is dictated by the preservation method—freezing—and the specific species. Unlike chilled fish, frozen fish must have been subjected to temperatures well below freezing to ensure long-term preservation of the cellular structure. This code applies to whole coalfish or those that have been headed or gutted, but it explicitly excludes fillets and other fish meat. The distinction between frozen whole fish and frozen fillets is a fundamental principle of the Harmonized System, as processed fillets typically carry different tariff rates and trade regulations. By using 030365, importers and exporters declare that the product is a whole or minimally processed coalfish in a frozen state, allowing customs authorities to apply the correct trade policies and monitor the volume of this specific groundfish in the market. This is particularly important in regions like the North Atlantic where coalfish is a major commercial species.
- Covers
- Frozen whole coalfish (Pollachius virens)
- Frozen saithe, whole
- Frozen coalfish, headed and gutted
- Frozen coalfish, gilled and gutted
- Frozen whole coalfish for industrial processing
- Also under 0303.65
- Norwegian Saithe
- Icelandic Coalfish
- Ocean Catch Frozen Saithe
- Seafood Direct Coalfish
Codes often confused with 0303.65
Common mistake. Frozen coalfish is commonly confused with other members of the Gadidae family. A frequent error is classifying it under 030363, which is reserved for Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua). While they are similar whitefish, the species difference is strictly enforced. Another common misclassification is 030367, which is for Alaska Pollock. Additionally, if the coalfish has been filleted before freezing, it must be classified under 030473. Using the fresh fish code 030255 for frozen products is also a common mistake that can lead to customs rejection.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030365 (the code used for frozen coalfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030365 (the code used for frozen coalfish) in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% 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 030365, not only frozen coalfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Norway $102M 60% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $45M 26% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $18M 11% of world exports
World total: $172M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $68M 39% of world imports
- 2 Sweden $45M 26% of world imports
- 3 Lithuania $33M 19% of world imports
World total: $172M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 coalfish
Brazil classifies frozen coalfish under NCM 0303.65.00: HS 0303.65 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen coalfish
What is the HS code for Frozen coalfish?
The HS code for Frozen coalfish is 030365 (Fish; frozen, coalfish (Pollachius virens), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). Frozen whole or gutted coalfish (Pollachius virens) is classified under HS code 030365.
How do I classify Frozen coalfish for customs?
Frozen coalfish is classified under HS code 030365 — Fish; frozen, coalfish (Pollachius virens), 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.
Is coalfish the same as pollock?
In trade, coalfish is often called saithe. It is different from Alaska Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus), which is classified under HS code 030367.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen coalfish (HS 030365)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030365 (the code used for frozen coalfish) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($102M, 60% of world exports), Sweden ($45M) and the Netherlands ($18M). World exports came to about $172M, 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 coalfish (HS 030365)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030365 (the code used for frozen coalfish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($68M, 39% of world imports), Sweden ($45M) and Lithuania ($33M). World imports came to about $172M, 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 coalfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030365 for Frozen coalfish 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 coalfish in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen coalfish (HS 030365) is classified under NCM 0303.65.00.