Product classification
HS code for Frozen horse mackerel: 0303.55
Fish, frozen, jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen horse mackerel under HS 0303.55
Frozen horse mackerel is classified under HS code 030355. This code is situated within Chapter 3 (Fish and crustaceans) and Heading 0303, which covers frozen fish, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Subheading 030355 specifically targets jack and horse mackerel of the genus Trachurus. It is important to distinguish these from "true" mackerels of the Scomber genus. This classification applies to whole fish, headed and gutted (H&G) fish, or fish pieces that still retain the characteristics of the whole fish, provided they are frozen. The freezing process must be sufficient to preserve the fish for long-term storage. If the fish were processed into fillets or minced meat, the classification would shift to heading 0304. The Trachurus species are often referred to as "jacks" in some regions, but for customs purposes, they are grouped under the horse mackerel designation. Proper identification of the genus is vital, as different mackerel species carry different tariff rates and quota restrictions in various jurisdictions.
- Covers
- Whole frozen horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.)
- Frozen horse mackerel, headed and gutted (H&G)
- Frozen horse mackerel, tailed and cleaned
- Frozen jack mackerel
- Frozen pieces of horse mackerel (not fillets)
- Also under 0303.55
- Pescanova frozen mackerel
- Pacific Andes frozen mackerel
- Dongwon frozen mackerel
- Thai Union frozen mackerel
Codes often confused with 0303.55
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is confusing horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.) with Atlantic or Pacific mackerel (Scomber spp.), which are classified under HS code 030354. While they share the name "mackerel," they belong to different biological families and genera. Another error is classifying frozen horse mackerel fillets under 030355; fillets must be classified under heading 0304 (specifically 030489 or similar, depending on the species). Additionally, edible offal of the fish (like roe) should be classified under 030391 to 030399.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030355 (the code used for frozen horse mackerel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030355 (the code used for frozen horse mackerel) in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Côte d'Ivoire, with 22% of world imports. Mauritania 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 72% of its exports here ($59M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030355, not only frozen horse mackerel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $438M 36% of world exports
- 2 Namibia $229M 19% of world exports
- 3 Morocco $80M 6.5% of world exports
Mauritania 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 72% of its exports here ($59M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Côte d'Ivoire $305M 22% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $179M 13% of world imports
- 3 Zambia* ~$162M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.4B 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 horse mackerel
Brazil classifies frozen horse mackerel under NCM 0303.55.00: HS 0303.55 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen horse mackerel
What is the HS code for Frozen horse mackerel?
The HS code for Frozen horse mackerel is 030355 (Fish; frozen, jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.) is 030355.
How do I classify Frozen horse mackerel for customs?
Frozen horse mackerel is classified under HS code 030355 — Fish; frozen, jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus 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 horse mackerel the same as Atlantic mackerel in the HS?
No, Atlantic mackerel is classified under 030354, while horse mackerel is classified under 030355.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen horse mackerel (HS 030355)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030355 (the code used for frozen horse mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($438M, 36% of world exports), Namibia ($229M) and Morocco ($80M). World exports came to about $1.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mauritania 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 72% of its exports here ($59M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of frozen horse mackerel (HS 030355)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030355 (the code used for frozen horse mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were Côte d'Ivoire ($305M, 22% of world imports), Nigeria ($179M) and Zambia (about $162M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 horse mackerel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030355 for Frozen horse mackerel 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 horse mackerel in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen horse mackerel (HS 030355) is classified under NCM 0303.55.00.