Product classification

HS code for Frozen snakehead fish: 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 snakehead fish under HS 0303.29

Frozen snakehead fish (Channa spp.) is classified under HS code 030329. This classification is part of Chapter 3, which covers fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0303 is designated for frozen fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Subheading 030329 specifically includes Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.). Snakeheads are a group of predatory freshwater fish native to parts of Africa and Asia, and they are highly valued in various culinary traditions. For customs purposes, the fish must be frozen to a temperature that ensures the core is solid. The classification applies to whole fish, or fish that have been gutted or headed, but does not apply to fish that have been sliced into fillets. Because some species of snakehead are considered invasive in certain regions (like North America), accurate HS code application is critical for biosecurity and import permit verification.

Covers
  • Frozen whole snakehead fish (Channa argus, Channa striata, etc.)
  • Frozen Nile perch (Lates niloticus), whole or gutted
  • Frozen snakehead, headed and gutted
  • Frozen snakehead pieces (with bone-in)
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. Frozen snakehead is frequently misclassified under HS code 030229, which is for fresh or chilled Nile perch and snakeheads. It may also be confused with HS code 030323 (Tilapia) or 030324 (Catfish) if the species is not clearly identified on the commercial invoice. If the snakehead is imported as frozen fillets, it must be classified under HS code 030469 (for Nile perch/snakehead fillets) or 030499 depending on the specific cut and processing level.

0302.29Fish; fresh or chilled, flat fish, n.e.c. in item no. 0302.2, excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.990303.23Fish; frozen, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.990303.24Fish; frozen, catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.990304.69Fish fillets; frozen, carp (Cyprinus/Carassius/Ctenopharyngodon idellus/Hypophthalmichthys/Cirrhinus/Mylopharyngodon piceus/Catla catla/Labeo/Osteochilus hasselti/Leptobarbus hoeveni/Megalobrama), eels (Anguilla) and snakeheads (Channa)0304.99Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, n.e.c. in item no. 0304.9

Top exporters and importers of HS 030329 (the code used for frozen snakehead fish), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030329 (the code used for frozen snakehead fish) 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 snakehead fish.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Tanzania $9.0M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$6.4M
  3. 3 India $3.2M

World total: $33M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Portugal $10M
  2. 2 Slovakia $3.1M
  3. 3 Colombia $2.4M

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 snakehead fish

Brazil classifies frozen snakehead fish 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 snakehead fish

What is the HS code for Frozen snakehead fish?

The HS code for Frozen snakehead fish 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 snakehead fish (Channa spp.) and Nile perch is 030329.

How do I classify Frozen snakehead fish for customs?

Frozen snakehead fish 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.

Can I use this code for fresh snakehead?

No, fresh or chilled snakehead fish is classified under HS code 030229.

Which countries are the top exporters of frozen snakehead fish (HS 030329)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030329 (the code used for frozen snakehead fish) 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 snakehead fish (HS 030329)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 030329 (the code used for frozen snakehead fish) 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 snakehead fish the same in all countries?

The base HS code 030329 for Frozen snakehead fish 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 snakehead fish in Brazil?

In Brazil, frozen snakehead fish (HS 030329) is classified under NCM 0303.29.00.