Product classification
HS code for Frozen fish meat: 0304.99
Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, frozen, n.e.c. in item no. 0304.9.
Classification of frozen fish meat under HS 0304.99
HS code 0304.99 pertains to frozen fish meat that is not in the form of fillets. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, fish fillets are strips of meat cut parallel to the backbone, whereas 'fish meat' under 0304.99 typically refers to minced fish or meat that has been separated from the bones through mechanical means, often resulting in a non-structured mass. This code is a residual category for frozen fish meat that is not specifically identified in subheadings 0304.91 through 0304.98 (which cover species like swordfish or tilapia). The freezing process is a mandatory condition for this classification, distinguishing it from fresh or chilled minced meat found in heading 0304.41-0304.59. This category is frequently used for industrial blocks of minced fish, which serve as the primary raw material for secondary processed products like fish fingers, fish cakes, and certain types of surimi. It is important to distinguish this from 'prepared' fish; if the minced meat has been seasoned, breaded, or partially cooked, it must be classified under heading 1604. Accurate use of 0304.99 is essential for manufacturers who import bulk raw materials for further processing, as it carries different regulatory and duty implications compared to whole fish or finished fillets.
- Covers
- Frozen minced whitefish
- Frozen fish meat blocks (non-fillet)
- Frozen mechanically separated fish meat
- Frozen surimi base (unflavored and unseasoned)
- Frozen fish meat scraps (edible)
- Also under 0304.99
- Generic frozen fish blocks for pet food
- unbranded mixed fish mince
- specific local fish species processed into blocks
- fish meal raw material.
Codes often confused with 0304.99
Common mistake. HS code 0304.99 is often confused with the fillet codes in the 0304.61 to 0304.89 range. The key difference is that fillets must be recognizable strips of meat, while 0304.99 is for minced or non-structured meat. Another common misclassification occurs with 1604.20, which covers other prepared or preserved fish. If the frozen fish meat has been mixed with flour, spices, or other ingredients to make a paste or surimi preparation, it belongs in 1604. Additionally, whole frozen fish (even if headed and gutted) must stay in heading 0303 and should not be classified as fish meat under 0304.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030499 (the code used for frozen fish meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030499 (the code used for frozen fish meat) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 25% 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 030499, not only frozen fish meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $414M 19% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$367M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $246M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $443M 25% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $160M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $141M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 fish meat
Brazil classifies frozen fish meat under NCM 0304.99.00: HS 0304.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen fish meat
What is the HS code for Frozen fish meat?
The HS code for Frozen fish meat is 030499 (Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, n.e.c. in item no. 0304.9).
How do I classify Frozen fish meat for customs?
Frozen fish meat is classified under HS code 030499 — Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, n.e.c. in item no. 0304.9. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for frozen minced fish?
Frozen minced fish is classified under HS code 0304.99, provided it is not seasoned or further prepared. If it is seasoned, it moves to chapter 16.
Can fish fillets be classified under 0304.99?
No, fish fillets have specific codes based on their species within the 0304.61 to 0304.89 range. 0304.99 is reserved for fish meat that is not in fillet form, such as minced meat.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen fish meat (HS 030499)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030499 (the code used for frozen fish meat) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($414M, 19% of world exports), Vietnam (about $367M) and India ($246M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 meat (HS 030499)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030499 (the code used for frozen fish meat) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($443M, 25% of world imports), South Korea ($160M) and Thailand ($141M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030499 for Frozen fish meat 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 meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen fish meat (HS 030499) is classified under NCM 0304.99.00.