What exactly is classified as Frozen Atlantic salmon?

Frozen Atlantic salmon refers to the whole fish of the species Salmo salar that has been frozen, excluding fillets, other fish meat of heading 0304, and edible fish offal.

How should Frozen Atlantic salmon be stored to maintain quality?

The product must be kept continuously frozen at temperatures below ‑18 °C throughout transport and storage to preserve its freshness and prevent thaw‑refreeze damage.

What typical sizes and weights are available for Frozen Atlantic salmon?

Common market sizes range from about 3 kg (≈60 cm) to 5 kg (≈70 cm) for Atlantic salmon, with larger specimens up to 7 kg also listed.

Frozen Atlantic Salmon

Frozen Atlantic salmon is a frozen whole fish product of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Danube salmon (Hucho hucho). It excludes fillets, fish meat of subheading 0304, and edible fish offal.

Prices, specifications and international trade for frozen atlantic salmon under HS 030313.

Frozen Atlantic Salmon Price

$6,873USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Frozen Atlantic salmon is quoted in USD/t at CHL. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Frozen Atlantic Salmon Historical Unit Values

Frozen Atlantic Salmon Suppliers

Find frozen atlantic salmon suppliers and exporters for your specification, buying volume and preferred origin. Explore supplier locations, compare sourcing requirements and request a shortlist.

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Frozen Atlantic Salmon Exports and Imports

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Chile led reported frozen atlantic salmon exports in 2025, at $600M.

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Frozen Atlantic Salmon Specifications and Quality

Frozen Atlantic salmon grading factors include Appearance, Flesh texture, and Fat content.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for frozen atlantic salmon considers Appearance, Flesh texture, and Fat content.

Appearance
Assesses the fish's skin, color and overall condition, as clear skin and bright flesh indicate freshness and proper handling before freezing.
Flesh texture
Evaluates firmness and cohesion of the flesh, since a firm texture ensures good slicing and cooking performance after thawing.
Fat content
Measures the amount of fat in the flesh, which influences taste, mouthfeel, and suitability for certain processing uses.
Degree of freezing
Checks that the fish was frozen rapidly and continuously, preventing ice crystal formation that degrades texture.

Common Defects

Recorded defects for frozen atlantic salmon include Freezer burn, Soft or gaping flesh, and Discoloration.

Freezer burn
Dry, discolored patches on the surface caused by air exposure during freezing, leading to tough and unpalatable flesh.
Soft or gaping flesh
Flesh that is overly soft or separates along muscle segments, indicating mishandling, freezing issues, or poor fish condition.
Discoloration
Unusual color changes in skin or flesh, which may result from oxidation, bruising, or inadequate bleeding, affecting visual appeal.

Frozen Atlantic Salmon Facts and HS Code

Frozen Atlantic salmon belongs to seafood within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 030313.

Frozen Atlantic Salmon HS Code

Also known as	frozen salmon
Product type	Raw
Form	Frozen
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Seafood — Protein and dairy
HS codes	030313
HS6 description	Fish; frozen, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Danube salmon (Hucho hucho), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	CHL

Production & Handling

Frozen Atlantic salmon storage guidance: Store at a constant cold temperature to maintain the frozen state and prevent temperature fluctuations that cause ice crystal damage. Proper handling during transport ensures the cold chain is maintained without thawing or refreezing.

Production and Storage

Perishability	Medium
Temperature regime	Frozen
Storage conditions	Store at a constant cold temperature to maintain the frozen state and prevent temperature fluctuations that cause ice crystal damage. Proper handling during transport ensures the cold chain is maintained without thawing or refreezing.
Production methods	Farmed
Processing steps	Capture Evisceration Freezing

Packaging

Typical frozen atlantic salmon packaging includes Polyethylene-lined carton, Vacuum-sealed polybag, and Reusable insulated container.

Polyethylene-lined carton
Used for individually quick frozen portions, providing protection and preventing dehydration during storage.
Vacuum-sealed polybag
Suitable for thicker cuts like steaks, as the airtight seal preserves quality and prevents freezer burn.
Reusable insulated container
Transporting larger volumes in insulated containers keeps the fish at consistent frozen conditions during transit.

Uses & Risks

Frozen Atlantic salmon is used in Filleting and portioning, Retail frozen packs, and Foodservice preparation.

End Uses

Filleting and portioning
Processors thaw the fish and cut fillets or portions for further distribution, relying on intact flesh for clean cuts.
Retail frozen packs
Sold directly to consumers as frozen cuts or whole fish, requiring appealing appearance and reliable thawing behavior.
Foodservice preparation
Restaurants and catering services prepare the fish by grilling, baking, or frying, needing consistent quality after cooking.
Smoking
The thawed fish may be hot or cold smoked, expecting a clean flavor and proper texture for slicing.

Uses and Related Commodities

Downstream industries	Seafood processing, Retail seafood, Food service, Smoked fish manufacturing

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Temperature abuse Food safetyHigh If the cold chain is broken, the fish may partially thaw and microbial growth can begin, leading to spoilage and potential pathogens.	Food safety	High	Maintain consistent frozen storage and transport conditions, and monitor temperature with data loggers.
Thawing during transit LogisticsHigh Delays or equipment failure can cause thawing, which degrades texture and quality, and then refreezing forms damaging ice crystals.	Logistics	High	Use reliable cold-chain logistics and have backup plans for equipment failure.
Aquaculture footprint SustainabilityLow Farming practices may affect local ecosystems, but frozen fish often comes from certified sustainable sources.	Sustainability	Low	Prefer suppliers that follow responsible farming standards, reducing ecological impact.

Frozen Atlantic Salmon Questions

What exactly is classified as Frozen Atlantic salmon?: Frozen Atlantic salmon refers to the whole fish of the species Salmo salar that has been frozen, excluding fillets, other fish meat of heading 0304, and edible fish offal.
How should Frozen Atlantic salmon be stored to maintain quality?: The product must be kept continuously frozen at temperatures below ‑18 °C throughout transport and storage to preserve its freshness and prevent thaw‑refreeze damage.
What typical sizes and weights are available for Frozen Atlantic salmon?: Common market sizes range from about 3 kg (≈60 cm) to 5 kg (≈70 cm) for Atlantic salmon, with larger specimens up to 7 kg also listed.