Product classification
HS code for Frozen cod: 0303.63
Fish, frozen, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen cod under HS 0303.63
Frozen cod is classified under HS code 0303.63, which specifically covers fish of the species Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, and Gadus macrocephalus. This classification is reserved for whole fish or fish that has been headed and gutted but remains in its primary form, excluding fillets or minced meat. The Harmonized System (HS) categorizes these products based on the preservation method—in this case, freezing—and the specific biological genus. To qualify for this code, the cod must be maintained at temperatures that ensure it is frozen throughout. This code is essential for international trade as it distinguishes primary raw materials from processed fish products, which often carry different tariff rates and regulatory requirements. Proper identification of the species is mandatory, as other cod-like species (such as hake or pollock) are classified under different subheadings within heading 0303.
- Covers
- Whole frozen Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)
- Frozen headed and gutted (H&G) Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus)
- Frozen Greenland cod (Gadus ogac)
- Frozen cod with fins removed but otherwise whole
- Also under 0303.63
- Norwegian Seafood Council Cod
- Icelandic Seafish Frozen Cod
- Faroese Frozen Cod
- Russian Fishery Company Cod
Codes often confused with 0303.63
Common mistake. Frozen cod is frequently misclassified with HS code 0304.71, which is specifically for frozen cod fillets. The distinction lies in the processing; if the fish has been sliced into fillets, it must move to heading 0304. Additionally, it is often confused with HS code 0302.51, which applies to fresh or chilled cod. Importers must also avoid using 0303.69, which is a residual category for other fish, as cod has its own specific 6-digit subheading (0303.63).
Top exporters and importers of HS 030363 (the code used for frozen cod), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030363 (the code used for frozen cod) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% 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 030363, not only frozen cod.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$809M 41% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Norway $254M 13% of world exports
- 3 Greenland* ~$245M 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $774M 40% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $168M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $165M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 cod
Brazil classifies frozen cod under NCM 0303.63.00: HS 0303.63 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen cod
What is the HS code for Frozen cod?
The HS code for Frozen cod is 030363 (Fish; frozen, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, and Gadus macrocephalus), excluding fillets and meat, is 0303.63.
How do I classify Frozen cod for customs?
Frozen cod is classified under HS code 030363 — Fish; frozen, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), 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.
Does this code include frozen cod liver?
No, edible fish offal, including livers and roes, is classified under subheadings 0303.91 through 0303.99, depending on the specific type of offal.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen cod (HS 030363)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030363 (the code used for frozen cod) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $809M, 41% of world exports), Norway ($254M) and Greenland (about $245M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 cod (HS 030363)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030363 (the code used for frozen cod) in UN Comtrade data were China ($774M, 40% of world imports), Denmark ($168M) and Portugal ($165M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 cod the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030363 for Frozen cod 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 cod in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen cod (HS 030363) is classified under NCM 0303.63.00.