Product classification

HS code for Frozen hake fillets: 0304.74

Fish fillets, frozen, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.).

Classification of frozen hake fillets under HS 0304.74

Frozen hake fillets are classified under HS code 0304.74. This classification is part of Heading 0304, which covers fish fillets and other fish meat, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen. The subheading 0304.74 is specific to frozen fillets of hake belonging to the genera Merluccius and Urophycis. Fillets are defined as the longitudinal strips of meat cut parallel to the backbone of the fish. For classification under this code, the fillets must be frozen to maintain their quality and shelf life. This code distinguishes fillets from whole frozen hake, which would be classified under 0303.66. Accurate classification is vital for compliance with sanitary regulations, the application of correct tariff rates, and the monitoring of trade volumes for these specific whitefish species. The freezing process must be the primary method of preservation, without additional processing like smoking or cooking.

Covers
  • Frozen skinless hake fillets
  • Frozen skin-on hake fillets
  • Frozen deep-skinned hake fillets
  • Frozen hake fillet portions (if cut from fillets)
  • Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) hake fillets
  • Block-frozen hake fillets
  • Frozen PBO (Pin Bone Out) hake fillets
Also under 0304.74
  • Pescanova
  • Findus
  • Iglo
  • specific South American brands
  • Gorton's

Codes often confused with 0304.74

Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs when whole frozen hake or headed and gutted hake is placed under 0304.74; these should be under 0303.66. Another error is confusing hake fillets with fillets of other whitefish, such as haddock (0304.72) or cod (0304.71). Additionally, if the hake fillets are fresh or chilled rather than frozen, they must be classified under 0304.44. If the fillets have been prepared by breading or battering, they are no longer classified in Chapter 03 and must be moved to Heading 1604. It is also important to ensure the species is actually hake, as similar species like whiting (0304.75) have their own dedicated subheadings.

0303.66Fish; frozen, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.990304.72Fish fillets; frozen, haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)0304.71Fish fillets; frozen, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus)0304.44Fish fillets; fresh or chilled, of the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae, and Muraenolepididae16.04Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs0304.75Fish fillets; frozen, Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma)

Top exporters and importers of HS 030474 (the code used for frozen hake fillets), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030474 (the code used for frozen hake fillets) in UN Comtrade data was Namibia, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 35% 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 030474, not only frozen hake fillets.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Namibia $322M
  2. 2 Argentina $207M
  3. 3 South Africa $191M

World total: $957M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Spain $338M
  2. 2 Italy $144M
  3. 3 France $69M

World total: $972M 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 hake fillets

Brazil classifies frozen hake fillets under NCM 0304.74.00: HS 0304.74 with 00 added.

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

Questions about frozen hake fillets

What is the HS code for Frozen hake fillets?

The HS code for Frozen hake fillets is 030474 (Fish fillets; frozen, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.)). The HS code for frozen hake fillets is 0304.74. This code specifically identifies frozen fillets of the Merluccius and Urophycis species for international trade.

How do I classify Frozen hake fillets for customs?

Frozen hake fillets is classified under HS code 030474 — Fish fillets; frozen, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can this code be used for fresh hake fillets?

No, HS code 0304.74 is strictly for frozen fillets. Fresh or chilled hake fillets are classified under HS code 0304.44. The temperature and state of the product at the time of customs entry determine which code is applicable.

Which countries are the top exporters of frozen hake fillets (HS 030474)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030474 (the code used for frozen hake fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Namibia ($322M, 34% of world exports), Argentina ($207M) and South Africa ($191M). World exports came to about $957M, 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 hake fillets (HS 030474)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 030474 (the code used for frozen hake fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($338M, 35% of world imports), Italy ($144M) and France ($69M). World imports came to about $972M, 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 hake fillets the same in all countries?

The base HS code 030474 for Frozen hake 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 hake fillets in Brazil?

In Brazil, frozen hake fillets (HS 030474) is classified under NCM 0304.74.00.