Fish; frozen, excluding fish fillets and… (heading 0303): importing markets
HS heading 0303 covers frozen fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. In 2024, China, Japan and Thailand were the three largest…
Published on 1 October 2026Updated on 1 October 2026
HS heading 0303 covers frozen fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. In 2024, China, Japan and Thailand were the three largest importers by declared value, according to UN Comtrade. Spain also appears among the top importers. For a company exporting from Spain, the right subheading and the destination rules decide the conditions of sale.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 0303
- Chapter
- 03 · Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates
- Subheadings
- 63
Main importing markets
USD · 2024| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| China | 4,724,645,711 |
| Japan | 2,903,047,833 |
| Thailand | 2,120,216,976 |
| South Korea | 1,163,047,288 |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 1,056,801,818 |
| United States | 1,047,907,479 |
| Spain | 822,466,407 |
| Nigeria | 654,181,321 |
| Denmark | 598,637,343 |
| Philippines | 583,183,868 |
| Portugal | 546,047,832 |
| Poland | 514,609,674 |
| Ukraine | 436,705,483 |
| Netherlands | 403,822,225 |
| Egypt | 386,948,813 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 1 October 2026
What to know before exporting frozen fish under 0303
Heading 0303 belongs to chapter 03 and is split into 63 subheadings. The subheading is set by the species and the form of presentation, so classification is the first decision to make, before any price or market choice.
The 0303 definition excludes fillets and other fish meat, which fall under heading 0304. If the product is cut, filleted or minced, it is not classified here. Check the exact description of your product against the explanatory notes before issuing the invoice.
The import figures in the table measure what each country declares it buys from the world, not what Spain sells to it. They show where demand is concentrated, but not how accessible each market is for a Spanish exporter. Use them to build a shortlist, then check each destination individually.
For a company exporting from Spain, the duty applicable depends on the subheading and on whether a trade agreement between the EU and the destination is in force. It is consulted by destination and product code in Access2Markets. Do not rely on a single rate for the whole heading.
Sanitary and health requirements for frozen fish are set by the importing country and can differ by species and by market. They cover aspects such as health certification and establishment approval. Ask the destination's competent authority, or consult Access2Markets, before shipping a first order.
Countries report with a delay, and the latest consolidated year is 2024. Treat the ranking as a snapshot of that year. Values can shift between years, so compare several years before committing to a market.
Frequently asked questions
What does HS heading 0303 cover?
Heading 0303 covers fish, frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. It sits in chapter 03 and has 63 subheadings, which separate products mainly by species.
Which countries import the most under 0303?
According to UN Comtrade data for 2024, the three largest importers by declared value were China, Japan and Thailand, followed by South Korea, Côte d’Ivoire and the United States.
Are frozen fillets classified under 0303?
No. Fillets and other fish meat, including frozen ones, are classified under heading 0304. Heading 0303 applies to frozen fish that is not filleted or minced.
How do I find the import duty for 0303 from Spain?
The duty depends on the 6-digit subheading and on the agreement between the EU and the destination. A company exporting from Spain can look it up by product and country in Access2Markets, which shows duties and requirements in force.
Does a high import value mean a market is easy to enter?
No. Import value shows the size of demand, not the ease of access. Duties, sanitary requirements and the competition from other suppliers vary by country and must be checked separately for each destination.
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