Product classification
HS code for Frozen eel fillets: 0304.69
Fish fillets, frozen, carp (Cyprinus/Carassius/Ctenopharyngodon idellus/Hypophthalmichthys/Cirrhinus/Mylopharyngodon piceus/Catla catla/Labeo/Osteochilus hasselti/Leptobarbus hoeveni/Megalobrama), eels (Anguilla) and snakeheads (Channa).
Classification of frozen eel fillets under HS 0304.69
Frozen eel fillets are classified under HS code 0304.69. This classification is governed by the Harmonized System's Chapter 3, which encompasses fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0304 is specifically reserved for fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced, provided they are fresh, chilled, or frozen. The sub-heading 0304.69 is a specific category for frozen fillets of various species, including eels of the genus Anguilla. A 'fillet' is defined in the Explanatory Notes as a strip of meat cut parallel to the backbone, representing the side of the fish after the head, fins, and bones have been removed. The classification depends on the biological species and the physical form of the product. Because eels are often subject to environmental protections, such as CITES Appendix II for European Eel (Anguilla anguilla), accurate classification under 0304.69 is vital for legal trade and the application of correct duty rates. The product must be frozen to a degree that ensures the core temperature remains well below freezing to qualify for this specific sub-heading.
- Covers
- Frozen skinless eel fillets
- Frozen skin-on eel fillets
- Frozen raw unagi fillets (unseasoned)
- Frozen boneless eel strips
- Also under 0304.69
- Aqua Star
- Iglo (for some European markets)
- specific Asian food brands
- Regal Springs (for some carp varieties)
Codes often confused with 0304.69
Common mistake. Frozen eel fillets are often confused with HS code 0303.24, which covers whole frozen eels (including those with heads and tails). Another common error is using 1604.17, which is for prepared or preserved eel. If the eel has been cooked, smoked, or heavily seasoned (such as Unagi Kabayaki with sauce), it should be classified under Chapter 16 rather than Chapter 3. Smoked eel specifically falls under 0305.44.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030469 (the code used for frozen eel fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030469 (the code used for frozen eel fillets) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 21% 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 030469, not only frozen eel fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $21M 43% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$10M 21% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $7.7M 16% of world exports
World total: $49M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $14M 21% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $8.0M 12% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $6.5M 10% of world imports
World total: $65M 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 eel fillets
Brazil classifies frozen eel fillets under NCM 0304.69.00: HS 0304.69 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen eel fillets
What is the HS code for Frozen eel fillets?
The HS code for Frozen eel fillets is 030469 (Fish fillets; frozen, carp (Cyprinus/Carassius/Ctenopharyngodon idellus/Hypophthalmichthys/Cirrhinus/Mylopharyngodon piceus/Catla catla/Labeo/Osteochilus hasselti/Leptobarbus hoeveni/Megalobrama), eels (Anguilla) and snakeheads (Channa)). The HS code for frozen eel fillets of the Anguilla species is 0304.69.
How do I classify Frozen eel fillets for customs?
Frozen eel fillets is classified under HS code 030469 — Fish fillets; frozen, carp (Cyprinus/Carassius/Ctenopharyngodon idellus/Hypophthalmichthys/Cirrhinus/Mylopharyngodon piceus/Catla catla/Labeo/Osteochilus hasselti/Leptobarbus hoeveni/Megalobrama), eels (Anguilla) and snakeheads (Channa). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are seasoned eel fillets classified here?
No, if the eel fillets are seasoned, sauced, or pre-cooked (like many frozen unagi products), they are typically classified under HS code 1604.17 as prepared fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen eel fillets (HS 030469)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030469 (the code used for frozen eel fillets) in UN Comtrade data were China ($21M, 43% of world exports), Vietnam (about $10M) and Malaysia ($7.7M). World exports came to about $49M, 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 eel fillets (HS 030469)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030469 (the code used for frozen eel fillets) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($14M, 21% of world imports), Malaysia ($8.0M) and Hong Kong ($6.5M). World imports came to about $65M, 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 eel fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030469 for Frozen eel fillets 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 eel fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen eel fillets (HS 030469) is classified under NCM 0304.69.00.