Product classification
HS code for Frozen halibut: 0303.31
Fish, frozen, halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, Hippoglossus stenolepis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen halibut under HS 0303.31
Frozen halibut is classified under HS code 0303.31. This code is situated within Heading 0303, which covers frozen fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat. Subheading 0303.31 specifically targets flatfish of the species Reinhardtius hippoglossoides (Greenland halibut), Hippoglossus hippoglossus (Atlantic halibut), and Hippoglossus stenolepis (Pacific halibut). The fish must be frozen and presented in a form other than fillets, such as whole, gutted, or with the head removed. This classification is vital for monitoring the trade of high-value flatfish and ensuring that specific quotas or environmental regulations are followed. The freezing process must be the sole method of preservation, and the product must not have undergone any further preparation that would move it to a different chapter of the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- Whole frozen Greenland halibut
- Headed and gutted (H&G) Atlantic halibut
- Frozen Pacific halibut, whole or gutted
- Frozen halibut steaks (cross-section cuts with bone)
- Frozen halibut tails (not filleted)
- Frozen halibut cheeks (if not considered fish meat of 0304)
- Also under 0303.31
- Alaskan Gold Frozen Halibut
- Greenland Seafood Frozen Halibut
- Nordic Catch Frozen Halibut
Codes often confused with 0303.31
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification involves frozen halibut fillets, which must be classified under HS code 0304.83 rather than 0303.31. Another common error is confusing halibut with other flatfish species. For example, frozen plaice is classified under 0303.32, and frozen sole is under 0303.33. Greenland halibut is sometimes confused with other species of the genus Reinhardtius, but 0303.31 specifically includes it. Additionally, if the halibut is fresh or chilled, it falls under 0302.21. Prepared halibut products, such as those that are smoked or marinated, are classified under 0305 or 1604 respectively, depending on the level of processing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030331 (the code used for frozen halibut), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030331 (the code used for frozen halibut) in UN Comtrade data was Greenland, with about 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world imports. Taiwan 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 31% of its imports here ($34M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030331, not only frozen halibut.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Greenland* ~$363M 32% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Denmark $328M 29% of world exports
- 3 Spain $89M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $451M 47% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $236M 25% of world imports
- 3 Japan $71M 7.5% of world imports
Taiwan 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 31% of its imports here ($34M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $954M 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 halibut
Brazil classifies frozen halibut under NCM 0303.31.00: HS 0303.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen halibut
What is the HS code for Frozen halibut?
The HS code for Frozen halibut is 030331 (Fish; frozen, halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, Hippoglossus stenolepis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen halibut (excluding fillets) is 0303.31. This includes Atlantic, Pacific, and Greenland halibut species in whole or gutted form.
How do I classify Frozen halibut for customs?
Frozen halibut is classified under HS code 030331 — Fish; frozen, halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, Hippoglossus stenolepis), 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.
Does this code include Greenland halibut?
Yes, HS code 0303.31 specifically includes Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) along with Atlantic and Pacific halibut, provided they are in a frozen, non-filleted state.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen halibut (HS 030331)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030331 (the code used for frozen halibut) in UN Comtrade data were Greenland (about $363M, 32% of world exports), Denmark ($328M) and Spain ($89M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 halibut (HS 030331)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030331 (the code used for frozen halibut) in UN Comtrade data were China ($451M, 47% of world imports), Denmark ($236M) and Japan ($71M). World imports came to about $954M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan 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 31% of its imports here ($34M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Frozen halibut the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030331 for Frozen halibut 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 halibut in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen halibut (HS 030331) is classified under NCM 0303.31.00.