Product classification
HS code for Frozen swordfish meat: 0304.91
Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced, frozen, swordfish (Xiphias gladius).
Classification of frozen swordfish meat under HS 0304.91
Frozen swordfish meat is classified under HS code 0304.91. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Heading 0304 specifically covers fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. Within this heading, the 0304.9x subheadings are reserved for "other" fish meat, which excludes fillets. Subheading 0304.91 is the specific designation for swordfish (Xiphias gladius). This classification applies when the product has been processed beyond the state of a whole fish or a fish that has merely been headed, gutted, or tailed (which would fall under 0303), but does not meet the definition of a fillet. Fillets are defined as the strips of meat cut parallel to the backbone. Therefore, minced swordfish or meat blocks that do not consist of discrete fillets are correctly placed here. The frozen state is a primary requirement for this code; if the meat were fresh or chilled, it would fall under a different subheading within the same heading.
- Covers
- Minced frozen swordfish meat
- Frozen swordfish meat blocks
- Frozen swordfish trimmings
- Mechanically deboned swordfish meat
- Also under 0304.91
- Santa Monica Seafood (Swordfish Trim)
- various industrial seafood suppliers (Minced Swordfish Blocks)
- Sea Delight (Swordfish Portions for processing)
Codes often confused with 0304.91
Common mistake. Frozen swordfish meat is frequently confused with HS code 0304.84, which is specifically for frozen swordfish fillets. The distinction lies in the physical form: fillets are slices, while 0304.91 covers minced or non-fillet meat. It is also sometimes misclassified under 0303.57, which covers whole frozen swordfish or headed and gutted (H&G) swordfish, rather than just the meat.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030491 (the code used for frozen swordfish meat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030491 (the code used for frozen swordfish meat) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 73% 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 030491, not only frozen swordfish meat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $12M 47% of world exports
- 2 Ecuador $3.3M 13% of world exports
- 3 Chile $3.0M 12% of world exports
World total: $25M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $13M 73% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.1M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$512K 3.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $17M 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 swordfish meat
Brazil classifies frozen swordfish meat under NCM 0304.91.00: HS 0304.91 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 meat
What is the HS code for Frozen swordfish meat?
The HS code for Frozen swordfish meat is 030491 (Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, swordfish (Xiphias gladius)). The HS code for frozen swordfish meat (excluding fillets) is 0304.91.
How do I classify Frozen swordfish meat for customs?
Frozen swordfish meat is classified under HS code 030491 — Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, swordfish (Xiphias gladius). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen swordfish steaks?
Generally, swordfish steaks are considered fillets or slices of fish and are more likely classified under 0304.84 if they are frozen fillets, though the specific cut and presentation can influence the final determination.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen swordfish meat (HS 030491)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030491 (the code used for frozen swordfish meat) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($12M, 47% of world exports), Ecuador ($3.3M) and Chile ($3.0M). World exports came to about $25M, 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 meat (HS 030491)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030491 (the code used for frozen swordfish meat) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($13M, 73% of world imports), the United States ($1.1M) and Vietnam (about $512K). World imports came to about $17M, 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 meat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030491 for Frozen swordfish meat 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 meat in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen swordfish meat (HS 030491) is classified under NCM 0304.91.00.