Product classification
HS code for Live carp: 0301.93
Fish, live, carp (Cyprinus spp., Carassius spp., Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Hypophthalmichthys spp., Cirrhinus spp., Mylopharyngodon piceus, Catla catla, Labeo spp., Osteochilus hasselti, Leptobarbus hoeveni, Megalobrama spp.).
Classification of live carp under HS 0301.93
Live carp are classified under Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which deals with fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 03.01 is dedicated specifically to live fish. Within this heading, the system provides specific subheadings for various species to facilitate trade monitoring, environmental conservation, and food safety regulations. Subheading 0301.93 is designated for various species of carp, including the common carp and several Asian carp species. This classification applies regardless of whether the fish are intended for human consumption, stocking of ponds for recreational fishing, or further breeding in aquaculture facilities. The inclusion of multiple genera under this single code ensures that the broad family of cyprinids is captured accurately for international trade statistics. It is important to note that the fish must be alive at the time of crossing the border to qualify for this code; chilled or frozen carp fall under different headings in Chapter 3.
- Covers
- Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
- Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
- Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)
- Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
- Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)
- Crucian carp (Carassius carassius)
- Mud carp (Cirrhinus spp.)
- Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)
- Also under 0301.93
- Various aquaculture farms in China
- India
- Vietnam
- Eastern European countries
- specialized live fish markets
Codes often confused with 0301.93
Common mistake. Live carp are often misclassified under 0301.11 or 0301.19, which are reserved for ornamental fish. While goldfish are technically carp, they should only be classified under 0301.11 if they are specifically traded for the aquarium industry. Another common error is using 0301.99, which is the residual category for "Other" live fish, when a specific code for carp (0301.93) exists. Using the general code instead of the specific species code can lead to delays in customs processing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030193 (the code used for live carp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030193 (the code used for live carp) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 61% 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 030193, not only live carp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $81M 60% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $36M 27% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $6.6M 4.9% of world exports
World total: $135M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $82M 61% of world imports
- 2 Romania $10M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Macao $6.5M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $135M 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 codes for live carp
Brazil splits HS 0301.93 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0301.93.10Live carp for breeding
- 0301.93.90Other live carp
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live carp
What is the HS code for Live carp?
The HS code for Live carp is 030193 (Fish; live, carp (Cyprinus spp., Carassius spp., Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Hypophthalmichthys spp., Cirrhinus spp., Mylopharyngodon piceus, Catla catla, Labeo spp., Osteochilus hasselti, Leptobarbus hoeveni, Megalobrama spp.)). The HS code for live carp is 0301.93.
How do I classify Live carp for customs?
Live carp is classified under HS code 030193 — Fish; live, carp (Cyprinus spp., Carassius spp., Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Hypophthalmichthys spp., Cirrhinus spp., Mylopharyngodon piceus, Catla catla, Labeo spp., Osteochilus hasselti, Leptobarbus hoeveni, Megalobrama spp.). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are goldfish classified as carp under this code?
Yes, goldfish (Carassius spp.) are biologically carp and are classified under 0301.93 unless they are specifically designated as ornamental fish for the pet trade.
Which countries are the top exporters of live carp (HS 030193)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030193 (the code used for live carp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($81M, 60% of world exports), Czechia ($36M) and Hungary ($6.6M). World exports came to about $135M, 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 live carp (HS 030193)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030193 (the code used for live carp) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($82M, 61% of world imports), Romania ($10M) and Macao ($6.5M). World imports came to about $135M, 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 Live carp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030193 for Live carp 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 live carp in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030193 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for live carp depends on the product's details: 0301.93.10 (Live carp for breeding), 0301.93.90 (Other live carp).