Product classification
HS code for Frozen sole fillets: 0304.83
Fish fillets, frozen, flat fish (Pleuronectidae, Bothidae, Cynoglossidae, Soleidae, Scophthalmidae and Citharidae).
Classification of frozen sole fillets under HS 0304.83
Frozen sole fillets are classified under HS code 0304.83. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the state of the product and the biological species. Chapter 3 of the HS nomenclature encompasses fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Within this chapter, heading 0304 is dedicated to fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. The subheading 0304.83 specifically targets frozen fillets of flat fish, which includes the families Pleuronectidae, Bothidae, Cynoglossidae, Soleidae, Scophthalmidae, and Citharidae. Since sole belongs to the Soleidae family and the product is presented as frozen fillets, it fits precisely into this category. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the fillets are skin-on or skinless, provided they have not been further prepared by cooking, breading, or preservation methods beyond freezing. The determination of this code is vital for ensuring compliance with international trade regulations and for the accurate application of customs duties and sanitary controls. Importers must ensure that the fish species is clearly identified on the commercial invoice to support the use of this specific subheading, as flat fish are distinct from other fish categories like gadoids or salmonids.
- Covers
- Frozen Dover sole fillets
- Frozen Lemon sole fillets
- Frozen Common sole fillets
- Skinless frozen sole fillets
- Skin-on frozen sole fillets
- Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) sole fillets
- Also under 0304.83
- Gorton's Fish Fillets (Flounder)
- High Liner Foods (Sole)
- Iglo (Plaice)
- Young's Seafood (Lemon Sole)
- Trident Seafoods (Halibut)
Codes often confused with 0304.83
Common mistake. Frozen sole fillets are frequently misclassified under HS code 0303.33, which covers whole frozen sole rather than fillets. Another common error is using 0304.29, which was a more generic code in older versions of the HS nomenclature but has been superseded by more specific subheadings for flat fish. Additionally, if the fillets are breaded or battered, they must be classified under Chapter 16 (specifically 1604.19) rather than Chapter 3, as the addition of cereal-based coatings constitutes a preparation beyond the scope of 0304.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030483 (the code used for frozen sole fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030483 (the code used for frozen sole fillets) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 030483, not only frozen sole fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $317M 57% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $95M 17% of world exports
- 3 Greenland* ~$38M 6.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $561M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $89M 18% of world imports
- 2 Japan $74M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $55M 11% of world imports
World total: $494M 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 sole fillets
Brazil classifies frozen sole fillets under NCM 0304.83.00: HS 0304.83 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen sole fillets
What is the HS code for Frozen sole fillets?
The HS code for Frozen sole fillets is 030483 (Fish fillets; frozen, flat fish (Pleuronectidae, Bothidae, Cynoglossidae, Soleidae, Scophthalmidae and Citharidae)). The HS code for frozen sole fillets is 0304.83.
How do I classify Frozen sole fillets for customs?
Frozen sole fillets is classified under HS code 030483 — Fish fillets; frozen, flat fish (Pleuronectidae, Bothidae, Cynoglossidae, Soleidae, Scophthalmidae and Citharidae). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include fresh sole fillets?
No, fresh or chilled sole fillets are classified under HS code 0304.43; 0304.83 is strictly for frozen products.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen sole fillets (HS 030483)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030483 (the code used for frozen sole fillets) in UN Comtrade data were China ($317M, 57% of world exports), the Netherlands ($95M) and Greenland (about $38M). World exports came to about $561M, 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 sole fillets (HS 030483)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030483 (the code used for frozen sole fillets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($89M, 18% of world imports), Japan ($74M) and Italy ($55M). World imports came to about $494M, 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 sole fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030483 for Frozen sole 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 sole fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen sole fillets (HS 030483) is classified under NCM 0304.83.00.