Product classification

HS code for Frozen fish heads: 0303.99

Fish, frozen, fish fins (other than shark fins), heads, tails, maws and other edible fish offal.

Classification of frozen fish heads under HS 0303.99

Frozen fish heads are classified under HS code 0303.99. This classification falls under Chapter 3, which covers fish and aquatic invertebrates, and heading 0303, which is dedicated to frozen fish (excluding fillets and meat of heading 0304). Within heading 0303, the 0303.9x sub-headings were created to specifically categorize edible fish offal. While 0303.91 covers livers and roes and 0303.92 covers shark fins, 0303.99 serves as the residual category for all other edible fish offal, including heads, tails, and maws (swim bladders). To be classified here, the fish heads must be fit for human consumption and must be preserved by freezing. This classification is critical for the trade of fish parts used in culinary applications like stocks and soups. The freezing process must be thorough, ensuring the product is preserved for the duration of its shelf life. Accurate classification ensures that the product meets the specific sanitary requirements for edible offal, which can differ from those for whole fish or fillets.

Covers
  • Frozen salmon heads
  • Frozen cod heads
  • Frozen fish tails (edible)
  • Frozen fish maws (swim bladders)
  • Frozen fish collars
Also under 0303.99
  • Frozen Salmon Heads (for soup)
  • Frozen Cod Collars
  • Frozen Tuna Maws
  • Frozen Tilapia Tails
  • Frozen Fish Frames (for stock)

Codes often confused with 0303.99

Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 0305.72, which covers fish heads, tails, and maws that are dried, salted, or in brine. The distinction is the preservation method; 0303.99 is strictly for frozen products. Another error is using 0511.91, which is for fish waste or products unfit for human consumption. If the fish heads are intended for animal feed or fertilizer, they should be classified in Chapter 5 rather than Chapter 3.

0305.72Fish; edible offal, fish heads, tails and maws0511.91Animal products; of fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates; dead animals of chapter 03, unfit for human consumption

Top exporters and importers of HS 030399 (the code used for frozen fish heads), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030399 (the code used for frozen fish heads) in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% 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 030399, not only frozen fish heads.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Norway $56M
  2. 2 Greenland* ~$52M
  3. 3 Iceland $29M

World total: $356M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $172M
  2. 2 Philippines $36M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$27M

World total: $378M 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 codes for frozen fish heads

Brazil splits HS 0303.99 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about frozen fish heads

What is the HS code for Frozen fish heads?

The HS code for Frozen fish heads is 030399 (Fish; frozen, fish fins (other than shark fins), heads, tails, maws and other edible fish offal). The HS code for edible frozen fish heads is 0303.99.

How do I classify Frozen fish heads for customs?

Frozen fish heads is classified under HS code 030399 — Fish; frozen, fish fins (other than shark fins), heads, tails, maws and other edible fish offal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are fish maws classified under the same code?

Yes, frozen edible fish maws (swim bladders) are also classified under HS code 0303.99, provided they are not dried or salted.

Which countries are the top exporters of frozen fish heads (HS 030399)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030399 (the code used for frozen fish heads) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($56M, 16% of world exports), Greenland (about $52M) and Iceland ($29M). World exports came to about $356M, 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 fish heads (HS 030399)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 030399 (the code used for frozen fish heads) in UN Comtrade data were China ($172M, 46% of world imports), the Philippines ($36M) and Vietnam (about $27M). World imports came to about $378M, 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 fish heads the same in all countries?

The base HS code 030399 for Frozen fish heads 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 fish heads in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 030399 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for frozen fish heads depends on the product's details: 0303.99.10 (Frozen Patagonian toothfish heads), 0303.99.20 (Frozen Antarctic toothfish heads), 0303.99.90 (Other frozen edible fish offal).