Product classification
HS code for Frozen Nile perch: 0303.29
Fish, frozen, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen Nile perch under HS 0303.29
HS code 0303.29 covers frozen Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.). This classification is for fish that are frozen whole or in a state where they are not yet fillets or minced meat, such as gutted, headed, or tailed. Nile perch is a major freshwater export, particularly from the Lake Victoria region in Africa, and correct classification ensures compliance with biological and environmental regulations. The code excludes any fish meat that has been further processed into fillets, which would move the product to heading 0304. The inclusion of snakeheads in this subheading is a result of the HS structure grouping certain freshwater species together. For a product to fall under 0303.29, it must be frozen. The freezing process must be sufficient to preserve the fish for an extended period, distinguishing it from chilled fish in heading 0302. This code is vital for tracking the trade of large freshwater predatory fish. Because Nile perch can reach significant sizes, they are often traded as H&G (headed and gutted) to save on shipping costs while remaining under the 0303 heading. Documentation must specify the scientific name Lates niloticus to ensure the correct application of this code, especially in regions where multiple perch-like species are traded.
- Covers
- Frozen whole Nile perch
- Frozen gutted Nile perch
- Frozen headed and gutted (H&G) Nile perch
- Frozen snakehead fish (Channa spp.)
- Also under 0303.29
- Lake Victoria Frozen Nile Perch
- African Harvest Frozen Nile Perch
- Asian Delicacy Frozen Snakehead
Codes often confused with 0303.29
Common mistake. The most frequent error is misclassifying fillets as whole fish; Nile perch fillets belong under 0304.63. Another common mistake is using 0303.23, which is specifically for Tilapia, or 0303.24, which is for Catfish. Fresh Nile perch should be classified under 0302.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030329 (the code used for frozen Nile perch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030329 (the code used for frozen Nile perch) in UN Comtrade data was Tanzania, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 31% 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 030329, not only frozen Nile perch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Tanzania $9.0M 27% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$6.4M 19% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $3.2M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $33M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Portugal $10M 31% of world imports
- 2 Slovakia $3.1M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Colombia $2.4M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $34M 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
Brazil classifies frozen Nile perch under NCM 0303.29.00: HS 0303.29 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
What is the HS code for Frozen Nile perch?
The HS code for Frozen Nile perch is 030329 (Fish; frozen, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen whole or gutted Nile perch is 0303.29.
How do I classify Frozen Nile perch for customs?
Frozen Nile perch is classified under HS code 030329 — Fish; frozen, Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa 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 snakeheads included in this HS code?
Yes, snakeheads of the genus Channa are classified under the same HS code (0303.29) as Nile perch when frozen whole or gutted.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen Nile perch (HS 030329)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030329 (the code used for frozen Nile perch) in UN Comtrade data were Tanzania ($9.0M, 27% of world exports), Vietnam (about $6.4M) and India ($3.2M). World exports came to about $33M, 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 (HS 030329)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030329 (the code used for frozen Nile perch) in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($10M, 31% of world imports), Slovakia ($3.1M) and Colombia ($2.4M). World imports came to about $34M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030329 for Frozen Nile perch 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen Nile perch (HS 030329) is classified under NCM 0303.29.00.