Product classification
HS code for Frozen sockeye salmon: 0303.11
Fish, frozen, Pacific salmon, sockeye salmon (red salmon) (Oncorhynchus nerka), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen sockeye salmon under HS 0303.11
Frozen sockeye salmon is classified under HS code 0303.11. This classification is part of the Pacific salmon group within the frozen fish heading. Sockeye salmon, scientifically known as Oncorhynchus nerka, is specifically called out in the HS nomenclature due to its high commercial value and distinct market. The code 0303.11 applies to the fish in its frozen state, provided it is whole or has undergone basic dressing such as gutting or heading. It specifically excludes fillets or minced meat, which are covered under heading 0304. Classification under 0303.11 requires the fish to be wild-caught or farmed Pacific salmon of the sockeye variety. The distinction is important because the HS system separates Pacific salmon (0303.11 to 0303.12) from Atlantic and Danube salmon (0303.13). Accurate identification of the species Oncorhynchus nerka is the primary requirement for using this code.
- Covers
- Frozen whole sockeye salmon
- Frozen sockeye salmon, headed and gutted (H&G)
- Red salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), frozen
- Frozen sockeye salmon, gilled and gutted
- Also under 0303.11
- Wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon
- Bristol Bay Sockeye
- Copper River Sockeye (frozen)
- "Frozen Whole Sockeye Salmon."
Codes often confused with 0303.11
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 0303.12, which covers other Pacific salmon species such as Chinook, Coho, Pink, and Chum. Because these species often look similar when frozen and dressed, they are frequently grouped together incorrectly. Another error involves HS code 0303.13, which is for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Importers must also be careful not to use 0303.11 for frozen fillets, which belong under 0304.81. Finally, if the salmon is smoked and then frozen, it must be classified under 0305.41.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030311 (the code used for frozen sockeye salmon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030311 (the code used for frozen sockeye salmon) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 29% 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 030311, not only frozen sockeye salmon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $266M 54% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$166M 34% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $17M 3.4% of world exports
World total: $490M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $142M 29% of world imports
- 2 Canada $90M 19% of world imports
- 3 Poland $60M 12% of world imports
World total: $485M 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 sockeye salmon
Brazil classifies frozen sockeye salmon under NCM 0303.11.00: HS 0303.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen sockeye salmon
What is the HS code for Frozen sockeye salmon?
The HS code for Frozen sockeye salmon is 030311 (Fish; frozen, Pacific salmon, sockeye salmon (red salmon) (Oncorhynchus nerka), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) is 0303.11.
How do I classify Frozen sockeye salmon for customs?
Frozen sockeye salmon is classified under HS code 030311 — Fish; frozen, Pacific salmon, sockeye salmon (red salmon) (Oncorhynchus nerka), 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.
Is red salmon the same as sockeye for HS purposes?
Yes, red salmon is the common name for sockeye salmon and is classified under 0303.11 when frozen whole.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen sockeye salmon (HS 030311)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030311 (the code used for frozen sockeye salmon) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($266M, 54% of world exports), Russia (about $166M) and Canada ($17M). World exports came to about $490M, 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 sockeye salmon (HS 030311)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030311 (the code used for frozen sockeye salmon) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($142M, 29% of world imports), Canada ($90M) and Poland ($60M). World imports came to about $485M, 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 sockeye salmon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030311 for Frozen sockeye salmon 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 sockeye salmon in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen sockeye salmon (HS 030311) is classified under NCM 0303.11.00.