Product classification
HS code for Live marine ornamental fish: 0301.19
Fish, live, ornamental, other than freshwater.
Classification of live marine ornamental fish under HS 0301.19
Live marine ornamental fish are classified under HS code 0301.19. This classification falls under Chapter 3 (Fish and Crustaceans) and Heading 0301 (Live fish). The HS system divides ornamental fish into two primary subheadings: 0301.11 for freshwater species and 0301.19 for \"other,\" which encompasses all marine (saltwater) species. The term \"ornamental\" refers to fish that are intended for aquariums, ponds, or similar decorative uses rather than for human consumption. The classification is determined by the salinity of the natural habitat of the fish and its intended commercial purpose. Marine ornamental fish are often subject to specific veterinary and environmental certifications, such as those required by the Marine Aquarium Council or CITES, depending on the species. Accurate classification is vital for ensuring that the correct import duties and biological security measures are applied at the border.
- Covers
- Live Clownfish (Amphiprioninae)
- Live Marine Angelfish (Pomacanthidae)
- Live Tangs and Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae)
- Live Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) of marine origin
- Live Damselfish and Blennies
- Also under 0301.19
- ORA (Oceanic Reefs Aquacultured)
- Biota Aquariums
- LiveAquaria (online retailer)
- local marine aquarium stores
Codes often confused with 0301.19
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using 0301.11, which is strictly for freshwater ornamental fish like goldfish or koi. Another error is classifying these fish under 0301.99 (Other live fish). While 0301.99 covers live fish, it is intended for fish used for food or stocking purposes. If the fish is clearly an aquarium species, the ornamental codes (0301.11 or 0301.19) take precedence according to GRI 1.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030119 (the code used for live marine ornamental fish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030119 (the code used for live marine ornamental fish) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 21% 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 030119, not only live marine ornamental fish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $12M 18% of world exports
- 2 Spain $9.4M 14% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $8.3M 13% of world exports
World total: $66M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $19M 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $12M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $9.4M 11% of world imports
World total: $89M 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 code for live marine ornamental fish
Brazil classifies live marine ornamental fish under NCM 0301.19.00: HS 0301.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live marine ornamental fish
What is the HS code for Live marine ornamental fish?
The HS code for Live marine ornamental fish is 030119 (Fish; live, ornamental, other than freshwater). The HS code for live marine ornamental fish is 0301.19.
How do I classify Live marine ornamental fish for customs?
Live marine ornamental fish is classified under HS code 030119 — Fish; live, ornamental, other than freshwater. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I classify fish that can live in both salt and freshwater?
Fish are generally classified based on their primary trade use or the environment in which they are being shipped. However, most species are commercially categorized as either marine or freshwater in the ornamental trade; if it is a marine species, use 0301.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of live marine ornamental fish (HS 030119)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030119 (the code used for live marine ornamental fish) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($12M, 18% of world exports), Spain ($9.4M) and Indonesia ($8.3M). World exports came to about $66M, 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 marine ornamental fish (HS 030119)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030119 (the code used for live marine ornamental fish) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($19M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($12M) and China ($9.4M). World imports came to about $89M, 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 marine ornamental fish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030119 for Live marine 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 marine ornamental fish in Brazil?
In Brazil, live marine ornamental fish (HS 030119) is classified under NCM 0301.19.00.