Product classification
HS code for Frozen sole: 0303.33
Fish, frozen, sole (Solea spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen sole under HS 0303.33
Frozen sole is classified under HS code 0303.33. This code falls under the subheading for flatfish (Pleuronectidae, Bothidae, Cynoglossidae, Soleidae, Scophthalmidae, and Citharidae). Specifically, 0303.33 is reserved for the genus Solea. This includes the common Dover sole and other true soles. To be classified here, the fish must be frozen and must not be filleted or otherwise processed into meat portions. The classification is determined by the biological family Soleidae. Flatfish are grouped together in the 0303.3x series, but they are separated by species to monitor the trade of specific high-value fish. Proper classification requires knowledge of the scientific name to ensure the fish belongs to the Solea genus. If the fish is a flatfish but not of the Solea genus (such as a flounder or a plaice), it must be moved to a different subheading within the same group.
- Covers
- Frozen Dover sole (Solea solea)
- Frozen Common sole
- Frozen Senegal sole (Solea senegalensis)
- Whole frozen sole, headed and gutted
- Also under 0303.33
- Dover Sole Frozen Whole
- Mediterranean Catch Frozen Sole
- Ocean Fresh Frozen Sole
Codes often confused with 0303.33
Common mistake. Frozen sole is frequently misclassified with other flatfish. For instance, frozen Halibut is 0303.31 and frozen Plaice is 0303.32. A very common error is classifying \"Lemon Sole\" (Microstomus kitt) under 0303.33; however, Lemon Sole is not a true sole of the Solea genus and should be classified under 0303.39 (Other flatfish). Additionally, any sole that has been filleted must be classified under 0304.83 rather than 0303.33. Importers often fail to distinguish between the commercial name \"sole\" and the botanical genus Solea.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030333 (the code used for frozen sole), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030333 (the code used for frozen sole) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% 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 030333, not only frozen sole.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $34M 35% of world exports
- 2 Senegal $18M 18% of world exports
- 3 India $12M 13% of world exports
World total: $98M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $13M 24% of world imports
- 2 Spain $7.9M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $5.9M 11% of world imports
World total: $51M 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 sole
Brazil classifies frozen sole under NCM 0303.33.00: HS 0303.33 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
What is the HS code for Frozen sole?
The HS code for Frozen sole is 030333 (Fish; frozen, sole (Solea spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen sole belonging to the genus Solea is 0303.33.
How do I classify Frozen sole for customs?
Frozen sole is classified under HS code 030333 — Fish; frozen, sole (Solea 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.
Are frozen sole fillets covered under this code?
No, frozen sole fillets are classified under HS code 0304.83.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen sole (HS 030333)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030333 (the code used for frozen sole) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($34M, 35% of world exports), Senegal ($18M) and India ($12M). World exports came to about $98M, 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 (HS 030333)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030333 (the code used for frozen sole) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($13M, 24% of world imports), Spain ($7.9M) and Italy ($5.9M). World imports came to about $51M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030333 for Frozen sole 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen sole (HS 030333) is classified under NCM 0303.33.00.