Product classification
HS code for Frozen jack 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 jack mackerel under HS 0303.55
The classification of frozen jack mackerel is determined by HS code 0303.55. This classification falls under Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0303 is specifically designated for fish, frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Within this heading, subheading 0303.55 is reserved for jack and horse mackerel belonging to the genus Trachurus. This includes species such as Trachurus trachurus, Trachurus murphyi, and Trachurus japonicus. The product must be in a frozen state, which implies it has been cooled to a temperature below its freezing point to ensure long-term preservation. The classification covers whole fish, as well as fish that has been headed, gutted, or had its fins removed, provided it has not been filleted. If the fish were to be filleted, it would move to heading 0304. The distinction between the Trachurus genus and the Scomber genus is vital, as the latter is classified under a different subheading. Proper identification of the species is required for accurate customs declaration. The freezing process must be thorough, and the product must not contain added ingredients that would change its character to a prepared food item of Chapter 16.
- Covers
- Whole frozen jack mackerel (Trachurus spp.)
- Frozen headed and gutted (H&G) jack mackerel
- Frozen horse mackerel
- Frozen Chilean jack mackerel
- Frozen Japanese jack mackerel
- 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. Frozen jack mackerel is often confused with HS code 0303.54, which is reserved for mackerel of the species Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, and Scomber japonicus. While they are both mackerels, the genus Trachurus must be classified under 0303.55. Another common misclassification occurs with HS code 0304.59, which covers frozen fish meat or fillets; if the jack mackerel has been filleted, it cannot remain in 0303.55. Additionally, edible fish offal like roes or livers should be classified under 0303.91 or 0303.99.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030355 (the code used for frozen jack mackerel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030355 (the code used for frozen jack 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 jack 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 jack mackerel
Brazil classifies frozen jack 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 jack mackerel
What is the HS code for Frozen jack mackerel?
The HS code for Frozen jack 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 jack mackerel (Trachurus spp.) is 0303.55.
How do I classify Frozen jack mackerel for customs?
Frozen jack 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.
Are fillets of jack mackerel included in HS code 0303.55?
No, fillets are specifically excluded from heading 0303 and must be classified under heading 0304, which covers fish fillets and other fish meat.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen jack mackerel (HS 030355)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030355 (the code used for frozen jack 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 jack mackerel (HS 030355)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030355 (the code used for frozen jack 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 jack mackerel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030355 for Frozen jack 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 jack mackerel in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen jack mackerel (HS 030355) is classified under NCM 0303.55.00.