Product classification
HS code for Smoked tilapia: 0305.44
Fish, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads, includes fillets, but excludes edible fish offal.
Classification of smoked tilapia under HS 0305.44
Smoked tilapia is classified under HS code 0305.44. This classification is governed by the nomenclature of Chapter 3, which encompasses fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0305 specifically addresses fish that is dried, salted, or in brine, as well as smoked fish, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process. Subheading 0305.44 was introduced to specifically group smoked tilapia, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads. The classification is determined by the preservation method (smoking) and the biological species of the fish. Under GRI 1 and 6, the specific mention of tilapia in the subheading text for 0305.44 takes precedence over more general fish categories. It is important to note that the fish can be whole, headed, or in fillets, as long as the smoking process is the primary characteristic of the product's state at the time of import.
- Covers
- Whole smoked tilapia
- Smoked tilapia fillets
- Hot-smoked tilapia (cooked during smoking)
- Cold-smoked tilapia
- Smoked tilapia pieces or chunks (excluding offal)
- Also under 0305.44
- Eel River Smoked Eel
- Catfish Charlie Smoked Catfish
- Aqua Star Smoked Tilapia
- Vietnamese Smoked Eel
- African Smoked Catfish
Codes often confused with 0305.44
Common mistake. Smoked tilapia is often misclassified under 0304, which covers fish fillets and other fish meat that is fresh, chilled, or frozen but not smoked. Another common error is using 1604.19, which applies to prepared or preserved fish. However, Chapter 16 is generally reserved for fish that has been prepared in ways not covered by Chapter 3 (such as being canned in oil or sauces). If the fish is merely smoked, it must remain in 0305. Additionally, confusion may arise with 0305.43, which is specifically for smoked trout, or 0305.41 for smoked salmon; accurate species identification is critical for correct coding.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030544 (the code used for smoked tilapia), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030544 (the code used for smoked tilapia) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 19% 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 030544, not only smoked tilapia.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $3.3M 29% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $2.5M 22% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$1.9M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $11M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $2.1M 19% of world imports
- 2 France $1.8M 16% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $1.7M 15% of world imports
World total: $11M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 smoked tilapia
Brazil classifies smoked tilapia under NCM 0305.44.00: HS 0305.44 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about smoked tilapia
What is the HS code for Smoked tilapia?
The HS code for Smoked tilapia is 030544 (Fish; smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads, includes fillets, but excludes edible fish offal). The HS code for smoked tilapia is 0305.44, which includes smoked tilapia, catfish, carp, and several other specific species.
How do I classify Smoked tilapia for customs?
Smoked tilapia is classified under HS code 030544 — Fish; smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads, includes fillets, but excludes edible fish offal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 0305.44 include frozen smoked tilapia?
Yes, if the tilapia has been smoked and then frozen for transport, it remains under 0305.44 because the smoking process defines its classification under the 0305 heading.
Which countries are the top exporters of smoked tilapia (HS 030544)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030544 (the code used for smoked tilapia) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($3.3M, 29% of world exports), Thailand ($2.5M) and Vietnam (about $1.9M). World exports came to about $11M, 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 smoked tilapia (HS 030544)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030544 (the code used for smoked tilapia) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($2.1M, 19% of world imports), France ($1.8M) and Belgium ($1.7M). World imports came to about $11M, 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 Smoked tilapia the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030544 for Smoked tilapia 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 smoked tilapia in Brazil?
In Brazil, smoked tilapia (HS 030544) is classified under NCM 0305.44.00.