Product classification
HS code for Saltwater aquarium fish: 0301.19
Fish, live, ornamental, other than freshwater.
Classification of saltwater aquarium fish under HS 0301.19
Saltwater aquarium fish are classified under HS code 0301.19. This classification is found in Chapter 03, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0301 is dedicated to live fish. Within this heading, the code is split between ornamental fish and fish for human consumption. Subheading 0301.11 is reserved for freshwater ornamental fish, leaving 0301.19 to cover "other" ornamental fish, which encompasses all marine or saltwater species intended for aquariums. The classification depends entirely on the intended use of the fish (ornamental) and its biological environment (saltwater). Even if a species could theoretically be consumed, if it is traded for the aquarium hobbyist market, it remains under this ornamental classification. Importers must ensure that the fish are alive at the time of crossing the border, as dead fish fall under different headings such as 0302 or 0303.
- Covers
- Live marine clownfish (Amphiprioninae)
- Saltwater angelfish and tangs
- Live coral reef fish for display
- Marine ornamental invertebrates (when classified as fish by specific customs rulings)
- Brine shrimp or other live marine organisms sold specifically as ornamental aquarium inhabitants
- 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 common error is classifying saltwater ornamental fish under 0301.11, which is strictly for freshwater species. Another frequent mistake is using 0301.99, which covers "other" live fish. However, 0301.99 is intended for non-ornamental fish, such as those imported for stocking commercial fisheries or for immediate consumption. Because 0301.19 is a specific category for ornamental fish, it must be used for aquarium species. Additionally, importers sometimes confuse these with 0106.90 (other live animals), but Chapter 03 is the correct location for all fish species.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030119 (the code used for saltwater aquarium fish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030119 (the code used for saltwater aquarium 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 saltwater aquarium 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 saltwater aquarium fish
Brazil classifies saltwater aquarium 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 saltwater aquarium fish
What is the HS code for Saltwater aquarium fish?
The HS code for Saltwater aquarium fish is 030119 (Fish; live, ornamental, other than freshwater). The correct HS code for saltwater (marine) ornamental aquarium fish is 0301.19.
How do I classify Saltwater aquarium fish for customs?
Saltwater aquarium fish is classified under HS code 030119 — Fish; live, ornamental, other than freshwater. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Do saltwater fish require CITES documentation?
Many saltwater species, such as certain seahorses or corals often shipped with fish, are protected under CITES. While the HS code remains 0301.19, additional environmental permits are required for these specific species.
Which countries are the top exporters of saltwater aquarium fish (HS 030119)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030119 (the code used for saltwater aquarium 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 saltwater aquarium fish (HS 030119)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030119 (the code used for saltwater aquarium 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 Saltwater aquarium fish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030119 for Saltwater aquarium 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 saltwater aquarium fish in Brazil?
In Brazil, saltwater aquarium fish (HS 030119) is classified under NCM 0301.19.00.