Product classification
HS code for Frozen salmon fillets: 0304.81
Fish fillets, frozen, salmon, Pacific (Oncorhynchus nerka, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, Oncorhynchus keta, Oncorhynchus tschawytscha, Oncorhynchus kisutch, Oncorhynchus masou, Oncorhynchus rhodurus), Atlantic (Salmo salar), and Danube (Hucho hucho).
Classification of frozen salmon fillets under HS 0304.81
Frozen salmon fillets are classified under HS code 0304.81. Heading 0304 is designated for fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. The distinction between heading 0303 and 0304 is critical for customs compliance: 0303 covers whole fish or fish that has been gutted or headed, whereas 0304 covers the meaty parts of the fish that have been stripped parallel to the backbone. Subheading 0304.81 specifically identifies frozen fillets of Pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon, and Danube salmon. This classification applies regardless of whether the skin has been removed or if the fillets have been pin-boned, provided they remain in a raw, frozen state. The classification is driven by the degree of processing (filleting) and the method of preservation (freezing). If the fillets were to be cooked, breaded, or otherwise prepared beyond simple freezing, they would move to Chapter 16. This code ensures that processed fish meat is tracked separately from whole fish carcasses in international trade statistics.
- Covers
- Frozen skinless salmon fillets
- Frozen skin-on salmon fillets
- Frozen salmon portions cut from fillets
- Frozen Atlantic salmon fillets (Salmo salar)
- Frozen Pacific salmon fillets (Oncorhynchus spp.)
- Also under 0304.81
- Mowi
- Cermaq
- Grieg Seafood
- Trident Seafoods
- Costco Kirkland Signature Salmon
Codes often confused with 0304.81
Common mistake. A common error is using HS code 0303.19, which is for whole frozen salmon. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 0304.41, which is for fresh or chilled salmon fillets. Furthermore, if the salmon is smoked, it must be classified under 0305.41, even if it is presented as a fillet.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030481 (the code used for frozen salmon fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030481 (the code used for frozen salmon fillets) in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% 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 030481, not only frozen salmon fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $1.6B 32% of world exports
- 2 Norway $1.1B 22% of world exports
- 3 Poland $515M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $5.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.7B 33% of world imports
- 2 Germany $392M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Japan $369M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $5.1B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 salmon fillets
Brazil classifies frozen salmon fillets under NCM 0304.81.00: HS 0304.81 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen salmon fillets
What is the HS code for Frozen salmon fillets?
The HS code for Frozen salmon fillets is 030481 (Fish fillets; frozen, salmon, Pacific (Oncorhynchus nerka, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, Oncorhynchus keta, Oncorhynchus tschawytscha, Oncorhynchus kisutch, Oncorhynchus masou, Oncorhynchus rhodurus), Atlantic (Salmo salar), and Danube (Hucho hucho)). The HS code for frozen salmon fillets is 0304.81.
How do I classify Frozen salmon fillets for customs?
Frozen salmon fillets is classified under HS code 030481 — Fish fillets; frozen, salmon, Pacific (Oncorhynchus nerka, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, Oncorhynchus keta, Oncorhynchus tschawytscha, Oncorhynchus kisutch, Oncorhynchus masou, Oncorhynchus rhodurus), Atlantic (Salmo salar), and Danube (Hucho hucho). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include breaded salmon fillets?
No, breaded or precooked salmon fillets are classified under HS code 1604.11 as prepared or preserved fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen salmon fillets (HS 030481)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030481 (the code used for frozen salmon fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($1.6B, 32% of world exports), Norway ($1.1B) and Poland ($515M). World exports came to about $5.2B, 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 salmon fillets (HS 030481)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030481 (the code used for frozen salmon fillets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.7B, 33% of world imports), Germany ($392M) and Japan ($369M). World imports came to about $5.1B, 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 salmon fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030481 for Frozen salmon 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 salmon fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen salmon fillets (HS 030481) is classified under NCM 0304.81.00.