Product classification
HS code for Frozen mackerel: 0303.54
Fish, frozen, mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen mackerel under HS 0303.54
Frozen mackerel is classified under HS code 030354. This classification is determined by Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which covers fish and crustaceans. Specifically, heading 0303 refers to fish, frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. The classification 030354 is species-specific, covering Scomber scombrus (Atlantic mackerel), Scomber australasicus (Blue mackerel), and Scomber japonicus (Pacific mackerel). To fall under this code, the fish must be whole, headed, or gutted, but not filleted. The freezing process must be deep enough to ensure the product is frozen throughout to maintain its classification. If the fish is merely chilled, it would fall under heading 0302. This code is essential for monitoring the global trade of these specific mackerel species, which are significant in both commercial fishing and food security.
- Covers
- Frozen whole Atlantic mackerel
- Frozen headed and gutted (H&G) Pacific mackerel
- Frozen Blue mackerel
- Frozen mackerel, excluding fillets
- Also under 0303.54
- Pelagia Frozen Mackerel
- Russian Fishery Company Frozen Mackerel
- Maruha Nichiro Frozen Mackerel
- Thai Union Frozen Mackerel
- Dongwon Frozen Mackerel
Codes often confused with 0303.54
Common mistake. Mackerel is often misclassified under HS code 0304 if it has been filleted, as 0304 specifically covers fish fillets and other fish meat. Another common error is using HS code 030359, which is a residual category for 'Other' mackerel, such as Horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.). It is vital to identify the genus and species to distinguish between 030354 and 030359. Additionally, canned mackerel falls under 160415.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030354 (the code used for frozen mackerel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030354 (the code used for frozen mackerel) in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 9.2% 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 030354, not only frozen mackerel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Norway $736M 25% of world exports
- 2 China $486M 16% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $258M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $244M 9.2% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$231M 8.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Japan $209M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 mackerel
Brazil classifies frozen mackerel under NCM 0303.54.00: HS 0303.54 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen mackerel
What is the HS code for Frozen mackerel?
The HS code for Frozen mackerel is 030354 (Fish; frozen, mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen mackerel of the Scomber species is 030354.
How do I classify Frozen mackerel for customs?
Frozen mackerel is classified under HS code 030354 — Fish; frozen, mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), 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 030354 include mackerel fillets?
No, mackerel fillets, whether frozen or fresh, are classified under HS code 0304.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen mackerel (HS 030354)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030354 (the code used for frozen mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($736M, 25% of world exports), China ($486M) and the United Kingdom ($258M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 mackerel (HS 030354)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030354 (the code used for frozen mackerel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($244M, 9.2% of world imports), Vietnam (about $231M) and Japan ($209M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 mackerel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030354 for Frozen 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 mackerel in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen mackerel (HS 030354) is classified under NCM 0303.54.00.