Product classification
HS code for Frozen Nile perch fillets: 0304.63
Fish fillets, frozen, Nile Perch (Lates niloticus).
Classification of frozen Nile perch fillets under HS 0304.63
HS code 0304.63 is specific to frozen fillets of Nile perch (Lates niloticus). As with other fish in heading 0304, the product must consist of the fleshy sides of the fish cut parallel to the spine. Nile perch fillets are a significant commodity in international trade, often sold as individual quick frozen (IQF) or in bulk blocks. The classification is determined by both the species and the state of processing. To qualify for this code, the fish must be filleted and then frozen. If the fillets are fresh or chilled, they would fall under 0304.33. Nile perch is a freshwater fish, and the HS system groups it with other specific freshwater fillets like Tilapia and Catfish, but gives it its own unique subheading (0304.63). This allows for precise monitoring of the Nile perch trade, which is economically vital for several East African nations. The fillets must not be prepared or preserved (such as breaded or precooked), as that would move the classification to Chapter 16. The removal of the skin is common but not required for this classification. Importers should ensure that the product is clearly labeled as Lates niloticus to avoid confusion with other whitefish fillets that might have different duty structures or import quotas.
- Covers
- Frozen Nile perch fillets (skinless or skin-on)
- IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) Nile perch fillets
- Frozen Nile perch fillet blocks
- Interleaved Nile perch fillets
- Also under 0304.63
- Lake Victoria Fish Processors
- Marine Harvest (for some processing)
- specific supermarket own-brand frozen fish
Codes often confused with 0304.63
Common mistake. Common misclassifications include 0303.29, which is for whole or gutted frozen Nile perch, and 0304.61, which is for Tilapia fillets. Additionally, fresh Nile perch fillets are often incorrectly entered under this code instead of 0304.33.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030463 (the code used for frozen Nile perch fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030463 (the code used for frozen Nile perch fillets) in UN Comtrade data was Tanzania, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 15% 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 030463, not only frozen Nile perch fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Tanzania $65M 55% of world exports
- 2 Uganda $35M 30% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $7.9M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $118M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$15M 15% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Romania $13M 13% of world imports
- 3 Spain $12M 12% of world imports
World total: $98M 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 Nile perch fillets
Brazil classifies frozen Nile perch fillets under NCM 0304.63.00: HS 0304.63 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen Nile perch fillets
What is the HS code for Frozen Nile perch fillets?
The HS code for Frozen Nile perch fillets is 030463 (Fish fillets; frozen, Nile Perch (Lates niloticus)). The HS code for frozen Nile perch fillets is 0304.63.
How do I classify Frozen Nile perch fillets for customs?
Frozen Nile perch fillets is classified under HS code 030463 — Fish fillets; frozen, Nile Perch (Lates niloticus). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 0304.63 and 0304.33?
HS code 0304.63 is for frozen Nile perch fillets, while 0304.33 is for fresh or chilled Nile perch fillets.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen Nile perch fillets (HS 030463)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030463 (the code used for frozen Nile perch fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Tanzania ($65M, 55% of world exports), Uganda ($35M) and the Netherlands ($7.9M). World exports came to about $118M, 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 Nile perch fillets (HS 030463)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030463 (the code used for frozen Nile perch fillets) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $15M, 15% of world imports), Romania ($13M) and Spain ($12M). World imports came to about $98M, 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 Nile perch fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030463 for Frozen Nile perch 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 Nile perch fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen Nile perch fillets (HS 030463) is classified under NCM 0304.63.00.