Product classification
HS code for Frozen swordfish: 0303.57
Fish, frozen, swordfish (Xiphias gladius), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen swordfish under HS 0303.57
Frozen swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is classified under HS code 030357. This classification is found in Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0303 is specifically for fish that are frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat which are categorized under heading 0304. Subheading 030357 is the dedicated code for swordfish. This classification applies to the whole fish or fish that have undergone minimal processing, such as being headed, gutted, or having the fins removed (often referred to as H&G). The fish must be maintained at a temperature that ensures it is frozen throughout. This code excludes edible fish offal, which is classified under subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. The classification is determined by the species, the state of preservation (frozen), and the presentation of the fish (whole or minimally processed but not filleted).
- Covers
- Whole frozen swordfish
- Headed and gutted (H&G) frozen swordfish
- Frozen swordfish trunks
- Frozen swordfish tails (whole)
- Frozen swordfish with skin and bone intact
- Also under 0303.57
F/V Atlantic Swordfish (hypothetical vessel/brand), Ocean's Bounty Frozen Swordfish, Mediterranean Seafood Co. Swordfish, Pacific Catch Frozen Swordfish
Codes often confused with 0303.57
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for frozen swordfish is HS code 030484, which is reserved for frozen swordfish fillets. The distinction is critical: 030357 covers the whole or minimally processed fish, while 030484 covers the meat once it has been removed from the skeletal structure. Additionally, fresh or chilled swordfish is classified under 030247. Importers must also be careful not to use 030389 (other frozen fish) as swordfish has its own specific subheading. Finally, if the swordfish is smoked, dried, or salted, it would move to heading 0305.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030357 (the code used for frozen swordfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030357 (the code used for frozen swordfish) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 36% 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 030357, not only frozen swordfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $72M 34% of world exports
- 2 Portugal $35M 17% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$30M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $210M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $66M 36% of world imports
- 2 Spain $28M 15% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $25M 13% of world imports
World total: $184M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 swordfish
Brazil classifies frozen swordfish under NCM 0303.57.00: HS 0303.57 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen swordfish
What is the HS code for Frozen swordfish?
The HS code for Frozen swordfish is 030357 (Fish; frozen, swordfish (Xiphias gladius), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen whole or headed and gutted swordfish is 030357.
How do I classify Frozen swordfish for customs?
Frozen swordfish is classified under HS code 030357 — Fish; frozen, swordfish (Xiphias gladius), 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.
Does this code include swordfish steaks?
Generally, no. Swordfish steaks are usually considered fillets or fish meat and are classified under HS code 030484.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen swordfish (HS 030357)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030357 (the code used for frozen swordfish) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($72M, 34% of world exports), Portugal ($35M) and Taiwan (about $30M). World exports came to about $210M, 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 swordfish (HS 030357)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030357 (the code used for frozen swordfish) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($66M, 36% of world imports), Spain ($28M) and Portugal ($25M). World imports came to about $184M, 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 swordfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030357 for Frozen swordfish 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 swordfish in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen swordfish (HS 030357) is classified under NCM 0303.57.00.