Product classification
HS code for Frozen plaice: 0303.32
Fish, frozen, plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen plaice under HS 0303.32
Frozen plaice is classified under HS code 030332, which specifically covers the species Pleuronectes platessa. This classification falls within Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses fish and crustaceans. The code 0303 refers to fish, frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. For a product to be classified here, it must be frozen and presented in a whole or minimally processed state, such as gutted or headed, but not filleted. The classification is determined by the preservation method (freezing) and the specific biological species. If the fish has been processed into fillets or minced meat, it would move to a different heading entirely, regardless of the species. Proper identification of the species is critical, as other flatfish like sole or turbot have their own specific subheadings within the 0303 group.
- Covers
- Whole frozen plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)
- Frozen plaice with head removed
- Frozen gutted plaice
- Frozen plaice with fins trimmed
- Frozen plaice presented in bulk or retail packaging
- Also under 0303.32
- North Sea Delights Frozen Plaice
- Dutch Catch Frozen Plaice
- Ocean's Best Frozen Plaice
Codes often confused with 0303.32
Common mistake. Frozen plaice is frequently misclassified under HS code 0304, which covers fish fillets and other fish meat. The distinction lies in the level of processing; once the bone is removed to create a fillet, it leaves heading 0303. Another common error is using 030232, which is the code for fresh or chilled plaice rather than frozen. Additionally, other flatfish are often confused with plaice; for instance, frozen sole is classified under 030333 and frozen halibut under 030331. Importers must ensure the scientific name matches the HS description to avoid customs delays.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030332 (the code used for frozen plaice), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030332 (the code used for frozen plaice) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 41% 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 030332, not only frozen plaice.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$13M 43% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Netherlands $8.4M 29% of world exports
- 3 United States $4.0M 14% of world exports
World total: $29M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $9.9M 41% of world imports
- 2 Germany $4.6M 19% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $3.3M 13% of world imports
World total: $24M 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 plaice
Brazil classifies frozen plaice under NCM 0303.32.00: HS 0303.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen plaice
What is the HS code for Frozen plaice?
The HS code for Frozen plaice is 030332 (Fish; frozen, plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) is 030332.
How do I classify Frozen plaice for customs?
Frozen plaice is classified under HS code 030332 — Fish; frozen, plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), 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 this code include frozen plaice fillets?
No, frozen plaice fillets are classified under HS code 030483, as heading 0303 is reserved for whole or gutted fish only.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen plaice (HS 030332)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030332 (the code used for frozen plaice) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $13M, 43% of world exports), the Netherlands ($8.4M) and the United States ($4.0M). World exports came to about $29M, 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 plaice (HS 030332)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030332 (the code used for frozen plaice) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($9.9M, 41% of world imports), Germany ($4.6M) and Portugal ($3.3M). World imports came to about $24M, 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 plaice the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030332 for Frozen plaice 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 plaice in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen plaice (HS 030332) is classified under NCM 0303.32.00.