Product classification
HS code for Frozen herring: 0303.51
Fish, frozen, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen herring under HS 0303.51
Frozen herring is classified under HS code 0303.51. This classification falls under Heading 0303, which includes frozen fish that are not presented as fillets or other fish meat. Subheading 0303.51 is dedicated to herrings of the species Clupea harengus and Clupea pallasii. These are pelagic fish often traded in large volumes for both human consumption and industrial use. To be classified here, the herring must be frozen and not processed into fillets or other meat portions. The freezing must be the primary preservation method. This classification excludes fresh or chilled herring and prepared or preserved herring. Accurate classification under 0303.51 is necessary for the application of trade measures, such as quotas or specific health certifications required for pelagic species.
- Covers
- Whole frozen Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)
- Whole frozen Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii)
- Headed and gutted (H&G) frozen herring
- Frozen herring flaps (if not meeting the definition of fillets)
- Frozen herring roe-in (whole fish containing roe)
- Frozen herring for bait purposes
- Also under 0303.51
- Pelagia Frozen Herring
- Samherji Frozen Herring
- Russian Fishery Company Frozen Herring
- Ocean Choice International Frozen Herring
- Icelandic Seachill Frozen Herring
Codes often confused with 0303.51
Common mistake. A common misclassification is placing frozen herring fillets under 0303.51; these should be classified under 0304.86. Another error involves confusing herring with other small pelagic fish. For instance, frozen sardines and sardinellas are classified under 0303.53, and frozen mackerel is under 0303.54. Fresh or chilled herring is classified under 0302.41. Furthermore, if the herring has been salted, dried, or smoked, it must be classified under Heading 0305. Prepared herring, such as pickled herring or herring in oil, is classified under Heading 1604. Importers must ensure the species is correctly identified as Clupea harengus or Clupea pallasii to use this specific code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030351 (the code used for frozen herring), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030351 (the code used for frozen herring) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 22% 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 030351, not only frozen herring.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$245M 28% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Netherlands $196M 22% of world exports
- 3 Norway $105M 12% of world exports
World total: $883M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $181M 22% of world imports
- 2 China $179M 21% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $113M 14% of world imports
World total: $836M 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 herring
Brazil classifies frozen herring under NCM 0303.51.00: HS 0303.51 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
What is the HS code for Frozen herring?
The HS code for Frozen herring is 030351 (Fish; frozen, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen herring (excluding fillets) is 0303.51. This code covers the main commercial species of Atlantic and Pacific herring.
How do I classify Frozen herring for customs?
Frozen herring is classified under HS code 030351 — Fish; frozen, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), 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.
Are sardines included in the herring HS code?
No, sardines are classified under a different subheading, 0303.53. While they are both small pelagic fish, the Harmonized System provides separate codes for herring and sardines to facilitate specific trade monitoring and regulation.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen herring (HS 030351)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030351 (the code used for frozen herring) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $245M, 28% of world exports), the Netherlands ($196M) and Norway ($105M). World exports came to about $883M, 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 (HS 030351)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030351 (the code used for frozen herring) in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($181M, 22% of world imports), China ($179M) and Egypt ($113M). World imports came to about $836M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030351 for Frozen herring 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen herring (HS 030351) is classified under NCM 0303.51.00.