Product classification
HS code for Live eels: 0301.92
Fish, live, eels (Anguilla spp.).
Classification of live eels under HS 0301.92
Live eels of the genus Anguilla are classified under HS code 0301.92. This classification is part of Chapter 3, which covers fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0301 is reserved for live fish, and subheading 0301.92 is specifically for eels belonging to the Anguilla species. This includes species such as the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), the American eel (Anguilla rostrata), and the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica). The classification is strictly based on the biological genus and the requirement that the fish are transported in a live state. This specificity is vital for international trade because many Anguilla species are protected under environmental regulations like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Accurate classification ensures that trade complies with conservation laws and that appropriate duties are applied to these high-value aquatic animals, whether they are intended for aquaculture, restocking, or consumption.
- Covers
- Live European eels (Anguilla anguilla)
- Live Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica)
- Live American eels (Anguilla rostrata)
- Live elvers (glass eels) of the Anguilla genus
- Live adult eels for food or breeding
- Also under 0301.92
- Eel River (USA)
- various aquaculture farms in China/Japan
- specialized seafood distributors
Codes often confused with 0301.92
Common mistake. Live eels are often misclassified under HS code 0301.99, which is the general category for "other" live fish. However, because eels of the Anguilla genus have a specific subheading (0301.92), the general code should not be used. Another common error is using HS code 0302.74, which is for fresh or chilled eel meat (dead). Additionally, eels that are not of the Anguilla genus (such as conger eels) should be classified under 0301.99, as 0301.92 is genus-specific.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030192 (the code used for live eels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030192 (the code used for live eels) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 31% 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 030192, not only live eels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $204M 45% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $54M 12% of world exports
- 3 Japan $35M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $453M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $206M 31% of world imports
- 2 China $134M 20% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $116M 18% of world imports
World total: $661M 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 eels
Brazil splits HS 0301.92 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0301.92.10Live eels for breeding
- 0301.92.90Other live eels
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live eels
What is the HS code for Live eels?
The HS code for Live eels is 030192 (Fish; live, eels (Anguilla spp.)). The HS code for live eels of the genus Anguilla is 0301.92.
How do I classify Live eels for customs?
Live eels is classified under HS code 030192 — Fish; live, eels (Anguilla spp.). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include elvers (baby eels)?
Yes, elvers or glass eels are classified under 0301.92, provided they belong to the Anguilla genus and are transported live.
Which countries are the top exporters of live eels (HS 030192)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030192 (the code used for live eels) in UN Comtrade data were China ($204M, 45% of world exports), Hong Kong ($54M) and Japan ($35M). World exports came to about $453M, 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 eels (HS 030192)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030192 (the code used for live eels) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($206M, 31% of world imports), China ($134M) and South Korea ($116M). World imports came to about $661M, 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 eels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030192 for Live eels 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 eels in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030192 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for live eels depends on the product's details: 0301.92.10 (Live eels for breeding), 0301.92.90 (Other live eels).