Product classification
HS code for Frozen herring fillets: 0304.86
Fish fillets, frozen, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii).
Classification of frozen herring fillets under HS 0304.86
The classification of frozen herring fillets is governed by the Harmonized System under code 0304.86. This specific code is nested within Chapter 3, which encompasses fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0304 is dedicated to fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. Within this heading, the 0304.86 subheading specifically identifies frozen fillets of the herring species Clupea harengus and Clupea pallasii. To be classified here, the product must be a fillet, which is defined as the strips of meat cut parallel to the backbone of the fish, consisting of the right or left side, provided that the head, guts, fins, and bones have been removed. The fillets must be frozen to a temperature that ensures the preservation of the product throughout its core. This classification applies regardless of whether the fillets are skin-on or skinless, or whether they have been lightly dusted with flour or breadcrumbs, provided the essential character remains that of a frozen fish fillet. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied to determine this classification, focusing on the terms of the headings and subheadings. The product must not be further prepared than the processes allowed under Chapter 3, such as smoking or cooking, which would shift the classification to Chapter 16.
- Covers
- Frozen Atlantic herring fillets (Clupea harengus)
- Frozen Pacific herring fillets (Clupea pallasii)
- Skinless frozen herring fillets
- Skin-on frozen herring fillets
- Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) herring fillets
- Also under 0304.86
- King Oscar (Herring Fillets)
- Matjes (Herring Fillets)
- Rügen Fisch (Herring Fillets)
- John West (Herring Fillets)
Codes often confused with 0304.86
Common mistake. Frozen herring fillets are frequently misclassified under HS code 0303.51, which covers whole frozen herrings. The distinction lies in the processing; 0303 is for whole fish or fish that has been headed and gutted but not filleted. Another common error is using HS code 1604.12, which is for prepared or preserved herrings. If the herring fillets have been pickled, marinated in vinegar, or cooked before freezing, they must be classified under 1604 rather than 0304. Additionally, minced herring meat is classified under 0304.99, not 0304.86, as the latter is strictly for fillets.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030486 (the code used for frozen herring fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030486 (the code used for frozen herring fillets) in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 38% 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 030486, not only frozen herring fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Norway $146M 65% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $37M 16% of world exports
- 3 Iceland $17M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $223M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Poland $82M 38% of world imports
- 2 Sweden $36M 17% of world imports
- 3 Germany $28M 13% of world imports
World total: $215M 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 herring fillets
Brazil classifies frozen herring fillets under NCM 0304.86.00: HS 0304.86 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen herring fillets
What is the HS code for Frozen herring fillets?
The HS code for Frozen herring fillets is 030486 (Fish fillets; frozen, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii)). The HS code for frozen herring fillets is 0304.86, specifically covering the species Clupea harengus and Clupea pallasii.
How do I classify Frozen herring fillets for customs?
Frozen herring fillets is classified under HS code 030486 — Fish fillets; frozen, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include smoked herring?
No, smoked herring fillets, even if frozen, are classified under heading 0305, which specifically covers smoked, dried, salted, or brined fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen herring fillets (HS 030486)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030486 (the code used for frozen herring fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($146M, 65% of world exports), Sweden ($37M) and Iceland ($17M). World exports came to about $223M, 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 herring fillets (HS 030486)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030486 (the code used for frozen herring fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($82M, 38% of world imports), Sweden ($36M) and Germany ($28M). World imports came to about $215M, 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 herring fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030486 for Frozen herring 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 herring fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen herring fillets (HS 030486) is classified under NCM 0304.86.00.