Frozen Haddock
Frozen haddock is whole haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) that has been frozen for preservation. It is traded without filleting and includes edible offal.
Prices, specifications and international trade for frozen haddock under HS 030364.
Frozen Haddock Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Frozen haddock is quoted in USD/t at NOR. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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Norway led reported frozen haddock exports in 2025, at $155M.
Compare frozen haddock exporting countriesFrozen Haddock Specifications and Quality
Frozen haddock grading factors include Size and weight, Appearance and skin condition, and Flesh texture and firmness.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for frozen haddock considers Size and weight, Appearance and skin condition, and Flesh texture and firmness.
- Size and weight
Buyers specify the size range of the fish because it affects yield and the suitability for different processing lines.
- Appearance and skin condition
The skin should be intact and free from excessive bruising or damage, which can indicate rough handling and affect the final product's presentation.
- Flesh texture and firmness
After thawing, the flesh should be firm and resilient, indicating good freshness at freezing and proper cold chain maintenance.
- Odor
The fish should have a clean, fresh sea odor, free from off-odors that suggest spoilage or improper handling.
- Glaze content
The amount of ice glaze applied to the fish is a quality factor because it affects the net weight and the protection against dehydration during frozen storage.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for frozen haddock include Freezer burn, Off-odors, and Bruising or gaping.
- Freezer burn
Dry, discolored patches on the surface caused by dehydration during frozen storage, which can affect texture and flavor.
- Off-odors
Unpleasant smells such as rancid or ammonia-like odors indicate spoilage or improper handling before freezing.
- Bruising or gaping
Physical damage to the flesh, such as bruising or gaping, can reduce yield and affect the appearance of the final product.
- Excessive ice glaze
Too much glaze can be a form of economic fraud, as it adds weight without adding product, and can also mask quality issues.
Frozen Haddock Facts and HS Code
Frozen haddock belongs to seafood within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 030364.
Frozen Haddock HS Code
| Also known as | frozen haddock fish, frozen haddock whole |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Melanogrammus aeglefinus |
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Frozen |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Seafood — Protein and dairy |
| HS codes | 030364 |
| HS6 description | Fish; frozen, haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | NOR |
Production & Handling
Frozen haddock storage guidance: Store frozen haddock at a consistently low temperature to prevent thawing and refreezing, which can degrade texture and increase spoilage risk. Proper packaging and glazing help prevent dehydration and freezer burn during long-term storage.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | High |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Frozen |
| Storage conditions | Store frozen haddock at a consistently low temperature to prevent thawing and refreezing, which can degrade texture and increase spoilage risk. Proper packaging and glazing help prevent dehydration and freezer burn during long-term storage. |
| Production methods | Wild capture |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical frozen haddock packaging includes Polyethylene-lined cartons, Bulk containers, and Vacuum-packed bags.
- Polyethylene-lined cartons
Used for whole or headed and gutted fish, providing a barrier against moisture loss and protecting the fish during transport.
- Bulk containers
Large reusable containers or bins are used for high-volume shipments to processors, allowing efficient handling and storage.
- Vacuum-packed bags
Used for higher-value or portioned products, reducing oxidation and freezer burn, and extending shelf life.
Uses & Risks
Frozen haddock is used in Filleting, Portioning, and Smoking.
End Uses
- Filleting
The frozen fish is thawed and processed into fillets, which are then sold fresh or further processed into breaded or battered products.
- Portioning
Frozen haddock is cut into standardized portions for food service or retail, often used in fish and chips or other prepared meals.
- Smoking
The fish can be smoked to produce a value-added product, either as whole sides or fillets, with a distinct flavor.
- Further processing into surimi
Haddock can be used in the production of surimi, a paste that is formed into imitation seafood products.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Seafood processing, Food service, Retail, Smoked fish manufacturing |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Import volume fluctuations LogisticsMedium Global imports of frozen haddock have shown fluctuations over recent years, creating uncertainty for supply chains. | Monitor trade data regularly and maintain multiple sourcing options to buffer against import variability. |
Frozen Haddock Questions
- What is frozen haddock and how is it defined?
- Frozen haddock is the whole fish of Melanogrammus aeglefinus that has been frozen, excluding fillets, fish meat of subheading 0304, and edible fish offal.
- How should frozen haddock be stored to maintain quality?
- It should be kept at temperatures below -18 °C throughout transport and storage, protecting it from thawing and temperature fluctuations.
- What are common processing steps for frozen haddock before it reaches the buyer?
- The fish is cleaned, gutted, and frozen quickly after catch, often using flash‑freezing to preserve texture and flavor.