Product classification
HS code for Frozen hake: 0303.66
Fish, frozen, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen hake under HS 0303.66
Frozen hake is classified under HS code 0303.66. This classification is governed by the rules of Chapter 03 of the Harmonized System, which pertains to fish and crustaceans. Heading 0303 specifically covers fish that are frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat which are categorized under heading 0304. The subheading 0303.66 is dedicated to hake of the genera Merluccius and Urophycis. This includes various species such as Cape hake, European hake, and Argentine hake. To be classified under this code, the fish must be frozen to a temperature that ensures the preservation of the product in its natural state. The fish can be presented whole, headed and gutted, or in other forms such as trunks, as long as they do not meet the specific definition of a fillet. This classification is essential for international trade statistics and the application of customs duties specific to whitefish species in the Merlucciidae and Phycidae families.
- Covers
- Whole frozen Cape hake (Merluccius capensis)
- Headed and gutted (H&G) frozen Argentine hake
- Frozen hake trunks (headed, gutted, and tail removed)
- Frozen hake dressed (cleaned and ready for cooking, but not filleted)
- Frozen hake steaks (cross-section cuts including the bone)
- Frozen Pacific hake (Merluccius productus) in whole form
- Also under 0303.66
- Pescanova Hake
- Argentine Hake
- South African Hake
- Vima Foods Hake
Codes often confused with 0303.66
Common mistake. One of the most common misclassifications occurs when frozen hake fillets are incorrectly assigned to code 0303.66. Fillets must be classified under 0304.74. Another frequent error involves confusing hake with other similar whitefish. For instance, frozen cod is classified under 0303.63, and frozen whiting falls under 0303.67. It is also important to distinguish between frozen hake and fresh or chilled hake, which is classified under 0302.54. Furthermore, if the hake has been processed beyond basic cleaning and freezing—such as being breaded, battered, or precooked—it must be moved to Chapter 16, specifically under heading 1604, which covers prepared or preserved fish.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030366 (the code used for frozen hake), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030366 (the code used for frozen hake) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 17% of world imports. Ukraine did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 4.1% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030366, not only frozen hake.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $181M 29% of world exports
- 2 United States $114M 18% of world exports
- 3 Argentina $70M 11% of world exports
World total: $630M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $103M 17% of world imports
- 2 Portugal $83M 14% of world imports
- 3 Ukraine* ~$83M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
Ukraine did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 4.1% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $607M 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 hake
Brazil classifies frozen hake under NCM 0303.66.00: HS 0303.66 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
What is the HS code for Frozen hake?
The HS code for Frozen hake is 030366 (Fish; frozen, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen hake (excluding fillets) is 0303.66. This code applies to various species within the Merluccius and Urophycis genera when they are traded in a frozen, non-filleted state.
How do I classify Frozen hake for customs?
Frozen hake is classified under HS code 030366 — Fish; frozen, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis 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.
Is frozen whiting classified under the same code as hake?
No, frozen whiting (Merlangius merlangus) is classified under its own specific HS code, 0303.67. While they are both whitefish and may appear similar in trade, the Harmonized System provides distinct subheadings for these different species to ensure accurate trade monitoring.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen hake (HS 030366)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030366 (the code used for frozen hake) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($181M, 29% of world exports), the United States ($114M) and Argentina ($70M). World exports came to about $630M, 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 (HS 030366)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030366 (the code used for frozen hake) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($103M, 17% of world imports), Portugal ($83M) and Ukraine (about $83M). World imports came to about $607M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Ukraine did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 4.1% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Frozen hake the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030366 for Frozen hake 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen hake (HS 030366) is classified under NCM 0303.66.00.