Product classification
HS code for Frozen eels: 0303.26
Fish, frozen, eels (Anguilla spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen eels under HS 0303.26
The classification of frozen eels (Anguilla spp.) falls under HS code 0303.26. This code is located in Chapter 3, which covers fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0303 is reserved for frozen fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Subheading 0303.26 specifically identifies eels of the genus Anguilla. This includes species such as the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), American eel (Anguilla rostrata), and Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica). The classification requires the product to be in a frozen state and excludes eels that are live, fresh, or chilled, which are classified under 0302.74. Furthermore, if the eel is processed into fillets or other meat forms, it must be classified under heading 0304. Accurate classification is critical due to the protected status of certain eel species under CITES, requiring precise tracking of international shipments. The code 0303.26 applies to the whole fish, whether or not headed or gutted, provided it remains in a frozen state and has not been further prepared.
- Covers
- Frozen whole European eel
- Frozen whole Japanese eel
- Frozen headed and gutted (H&G) eels
- Frozen eel pieces (not fillets)
- Frozen American eel
- Also under 0303.26
- AquaFarm Frozen Eels
- Oceanic Delights Frozen Eel
- Unagiya Frozen Whole Eel
Codes often confused with 0303.26
Common mistake. Eels are often misclassified under 0304.89 if they are imported as frozen fillets. Heading 0304 is the correct destination for any fish meat that has had the bones removed. Another common error is confusing 0303.26 with 0303.29 (other frozen fish). Because eels have a specific subheading, using the general category is a compliance error. Additionally, prepared eel products, such as "Unagi Kabayaki" (grilled eel in soy sauce), are classified under 1604.17 rather than Chapter 3, as they have been cooked and seasoned. Fresh or chilled eels must be declared under 0302.74.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030326 (the code used for frozen eels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030326 (the code used for frozen eels) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, 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 030326, not only frozen eels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $19M 38% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $5.0M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $4.8M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $51M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $7.6M 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $4.7M 13% of world imports
- 3 Poland $4.3M 12% of world imports
World total: $37M 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 eels
Brazil classifies frozen eels under NCM 0303.26.00: HS 0303.26 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen eels
What is the HS code for Frozen eels?
The HS code for Frozen eels is 030326 (Fish; frozen, eels (Anguilla spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen eels of the genus Anguilla is 0303.26.
How do I classify Frozen eels for customs?
Frozen eels is classified under HS code 030326 — Fish; frozen, eels (Anguilla 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.
Are smoked eels classified under 0303.26?
No, smoked eels are classified under HS code 0305.44. Code 0303.26 is strictly for eels that are frozen and have not undergone smoking or other advanced preservation techniques.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen eels (HS 030326)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030326 (the code used for frozen eels) in UN Comtrade data were China ($19M, 38% of world exports), Indonesia ($5.0M) and the Netherlands ($4.8M). World exports came to about $51M, 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 eels (HS 030326)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030326 (the code used for frozen eels) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($7.6M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($4.7M) and Poland ($4.3M). World imports came to about $37M, 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 eels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030326 for Frozen eels 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 eels in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen eels (HS 030326) is classified under NCM 0303.26.00.