Product classification
HS code for Live freshwater ornamental fish: 0301.11
Fish, live, ornamental, freshwater.
Classification of live freshwater ornamental fish under HS 0301.11
Live freshwater ornamental fish are classified under HS code 0301.11. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and GRI 6. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0301 is dedicated to live fish. Within this heading, the system differentiates between ornamental fish and fish intended for other purposes, such as human consumption or agricultural stocking. Subheading 0301.11 specifically identifies ornamental fish that inhabit freshwater environments. Ornamental fish are defined by the World Customs Organization as those which, because of their colors or shapes, are normally used for ornamental purposes, particularly in aquaria. The distinction between freshwater and saltwater (marine) species is critical at the six-digit level. Freshwater species are those that spend their life cycle in water with low salinity. Importers must ensure that the biological characteristics of the species align with freshwater habitats to utilize this code correctly. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the fish are intended for commercial retail, private collections, or public exhibition.
- Covers
- Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
- Koi Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
- Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)
- Guppies and Mollies
- Neon Tetras and other Characins
- Freshwater Cichlids (e.g., Angelfish, Oscar)
- Discus fish
- Also under 0301.11
- Tetra (fish food/aquarium products)
- Fluval (aquarium products)
- Oase (pond products)
- various local pet stores
- specialized online fish retailers
Codes often confused with 0301.11
Common mistake. The most frequent confusion occurs with HS code 0301.19, which is reserved for live ornamental fish of the marine (saltwater) variety. Additionally, live fish intended for food or breeding for food production are classified under subheadings 0301.91 through 0301.99, depending on the species (e.g., trout, eels, or carp). Using 0301.11 for fish intended for consumption is a major compliance error.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030111 (the code used for live freshwater ornamental fish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030111 (the code used for live freshwater ornamental fish) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 030111, not only live freshwater ornamental fish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $66M 24% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $34M 12% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $32M 12% of world exports
World total: $278M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $63M 23% of world imports
- 2 China $26M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $24M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $276M 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 freshwater ornamental fish
Brazil splits HS 0301.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0301.11.10Live ornamental silver arowana
- 0301.11.90Other live ornamental freshwater fish
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live freshwater ornamental fish
What is the HS code for Live freshwater ornamental fish?
The HS code for Live freshwater ornamental fish is 030111 (Fish; live, ornamental, freshwater). The international HS code for live freshwater ornamental fish is 0301.11.
How do I classify Live freshwater ornamental fish for customs?
Live freshwater ornamental fish is classified under HS code 030111 — Fish; live, ornamental, freshwater. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are aquatic plants included in this HS code?
No, aquatic plants are classified under Chapter 6 (Live trees and other plants), specifically heading 0602, even if they are shipped in the same container as the fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of live freshwater ornamental fish (HS 030111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030111 (the code used for live freshwater ornamental fish) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($66M, 24% of world exports), Indonesia ($34M) and Singapore ($32M). World exports came to about $278M, 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 freshwater ornamental fish (HS 030111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030111 (the code used for live freshwater ornamental fish) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($63M, 23% of world imports), China ($26M) and the United Kingdom ($24M). World imports came to about $276M, 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 freshwater ornamental fish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030111 for Live freshwater ornamental fish 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 freshwater ornamental fish in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030111 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for live freshwater ornamental fish depends on the product's details: 0301.11.10 (Live ornamental silver arowana), 0301.11.90 (Other live ornamental freshwater fish).