Frozen Saithe Fillets
Frozen saithe fillets are frozen fish fillets of coalfish (Pollachius virens). They are a lean, firm raw product used for portioning and industrial processing.
Prices, specifications and international trade for frozen saithe fillets under HS 030473.
Frozen Saithe Fillets Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Frozen saithe fillets is quoted in USD/t at ISL. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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Iceland led reported frozen saithe fillets exports in 2025, at $76.5M.
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Frozen saithe fillets grading factors include Flesh texture and firmness, Color and appearance, and Bone and pinbone removal.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for frozen saithe fillets considers Flesh texture and firmness, Color and appearance, and Bone and pinbone removal.
- Flesh texture and firmness
Assessed by touch and visual inspection; firm, dense flesh indicates freshness and proper handling, while soft or mushy flesh suggests poor freezing or thawing and affects cooking performance.
- Color and appearance
The fillet should have a uniform, light color without discoloration or bruising; consistent appearance is important for retail presentation and consumer acceptance.
- Bone and pinbone removal
The degree of bone removal is checked because residual bones are a safety and quality issue for consumers and can reduce yield for further processing.
- Glaze content
The amount of ice glaze applied to the fillets is measured; excessive glaze can misrepresent net weight and affect thawing yield, while too little may lead to freezer burn.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for frozen saithe fillets include Freezer burn, Bruising or blood spots, and Off-odors.
- Freezer burn
Dry, whitish patches on the surface caused by dehydration during frozen storage; it affects texture and flavor, making the fillet less palatable.
- Bruising or blood spots
Dark red or brown areas from rough handling or improper bleeding; they are visually unappealing and can indicate poor processing practices.
- Off-odors
Unpleasant smells such as rancid or fishy odors that develop from oxidation or microbial activity; they signal spoilage and make the product unsuitable for sale.
Frozen Saithe Fillets Facts and HS Code
Frozen saithe fillets belongs to seafood within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 030473.
Frozen Saithe Fillets HS Code
| Also known as | coalfish fillets |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pollachius virens |
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Frozen |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Seafood — Protein and dairy |
| HS codes | 030473 |
| HS6 description | Fish fillets; frozen, coalfish (Pollachius virens) |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | ISL |
Production & Handling
Frozen saithe fillets storage guidance: Store frozen saithe fillets at consistently low temperatures to prevent thawing and refreezing, which can damage texture and promote microbial growth. Maintain a stable cold chain from processing to delivery to avoid freezer burn and quality loss.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | High |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Frozen |
| Storage conditions | Store frozen saithe fillets at consistently low temperatures to prevent thawing and refreezing, which can damage texture and promote microbial growth. Maintain a stable cold chain from processing to delivery to avoid freezer burn and quality loss. |
| Production methods | Wild capture |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical frozen saithe fillets packaging includes Polyethylene bags, Vacuum-sealed pouches, and Cartons with inner liner.
- Polyethylene bags
Common for retail and food service portions; the bags protect the fillets from dehydration and freezer burn, and are easy to handle and store.
- Vacuum-sealed pouches
Used for higher-value or longer-storage lots; vacuum packaging removes air, reducing oxidation and preserving quality over extended frozen storage.
- Cartons with inner liner
Used for bulk shipments to processors or distributors; the carton provides structural protection and the liner maintains moisture and prevents contamination.
Uses & Risks
Frozen saithe fillets is used in Retail fillet portions.
End Uses
- Retail fillet portions
Frozen saithe fillets sold as portions for household cooking
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Retail, Foodservice, Secondary processing |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Stock depletion risk for MSC‑certified saithe SustainabilityHigh Saithe is sourced from North‑East Atlantic fishing grounds; over‑exploitation could lead to loss of MSC certification and supply interruptions. | Source from diversified, MSC‑certified fisheries and implement traceability systems to verify sustainable harvests. |
Microbial growth from temperature abuse Food safetyMedium If frozen saithe fillets are exposed to temperatures above the recommended storage range, bacterial proliferation can occur, leading to spoilage and potential food‑borne illness. | Maintain continuous cold‑chain control from processing to end‑user and monitor product temperature regularly. |
Cold‑chain breakage during transport LogisticsMedium Frozen fillets require uninterrupted refrigeration; any break in the cold chain can cause partial thawing, affecting product quality and safety. | Use insulated containers with temperature monitoring devices and ensure rapid handling at transfer points. |
Frozen Saithe Fillets Questions
- What is the exact product described as Frozen saithe fillets?
- Frozen saithe fillets are fish fillets from coalfish (Pollachius virens) that have been frozen for preservation.
- How should Frozen saithe fillets be stored to maintain quality?
- They should be kept continuously frozen at temperatures below -18 °C and protected from temperature fluctuations during transport and storage.
- Can Frozen saithe fillets be used directly in cooking after thawing?
- Yes, once properly thawed under refrigeration, the fillets can be baked, grilled, or fried like any other frozen fish fillet.