What exactly is covered by the commodity name “Frozen tilapia”?

It refers to whole tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) that have been frozen, excluding fillets, other fish meat of heading 0304, and edible fish offal covered by subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.

Does “Frozen tilapia” include filleted fish?

No, the definition specifically excludes fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304.

Are edible fish offal parts part of the “Frozen tilapia” commodity?

No, edible fish offal covered by subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99 are excluded from this commodity.

Frozen Tilapia

Frozen tilapia is whole fish of the species Oreochromis spp. that are frozen for trade. It is sold as a raw seafood product without filleting.

Prices, specifications and international trade for frozen tilapia under HS 030323.

Frozen Tilapia Price

$2,209USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Frozen tilapia is quoted in USD/t at CHN. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Frozen Tilapia Historical Unit Values

Frozen Tilapia Suppliers

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Frozen Tilapia Exports and Imports

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India led reported frozen tilapia exports in 2025, at $23.2M.

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Frozen Tilapia Specifications and Quality

Frozen tilapia grading factors include Size and weight uniformity, Appearance, and Flesh firmness.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for frozen tilapia considers Size and weight uniformity, Appearance, and Flesh firmness.

Size and weight uniformity
Uniform size and weight of fish are important for consistent cooking and portion control. Buyers often specify size ranges to match their needs.
Appearance
The fish should have bright, clear eyes, red gills, and intact skin with a natural sheen. Appearance indicates freshness and handling quality.
Flesh firmness
The flesh should be firm and spring back when pressed, indicating good texture. Soft or mushy flesh suggests poor handling or thawing.
Odor
The fish should have a clean, mild aroma without any off-odors. Any strong or unpleasant smell indicates spoilage.

Common Defects

Recorded defects for frozen tilapia include Freezer burn, Excess ice glaze, and Off-odors.

Freezer burn
Freezer burn appears as dry, pale, or leathery patches on the fish surface, caused by dehydration during frozen storage. It affects texture and flavor, making the fish less appealing.
Excess ice glaze
Excessive ice glaze adds weight and can mask the actual fish quantity, leading to buyer dissatisfaction. It also indicates improper freezing or handling.
Off-odors
Off-odors, such as ammonia or rancid smells, indicate spoilage or improper handling. They render the fish unsuitable for consumption.
Physical damage
Physical damage such as broken fins, torn skin, or bruising can occur during handling and freezing. It affects appearance and may indicate rough handling.

Frozen Tilapia Facts and HS Code

Frozen tilapia belongs to seafood within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 030323.

Frozen Tilapia HS Code

Also known as	frozen Nile tilapia, frozen Mozambique tilapia
Scientific name	Oreochromis spp.
Product type	Raw
Form	Frozen
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Seafood — Protein and dairy
HS codes	030323
HS6 description	Fish; frozen, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	CHN

Production & Handling

Frozen tilapia storage guidance: Frozen tilapia must be kept at a consistent frozen temperature to prevent thawing and refreezing, which can cause texture degradation and bacterial growth. Proper cold chain management during storage and transport is essential to maintain quality and safety.

Production and Storage

Perishability	High
Temperature regime	Frozen
Storage conditions	Frozen tilapia must be kept at a consistent frozen temperature to prevent thawing and refreezing, which can cause texture degradation and bacterial growth. Proper cold chain management during storage and transport is essential to maintain quality and safety.
Production methods	Aquaculture
Processing steps	Harvest tilapia from aquaculture ponds or cages Sort and grade fish by size and quality Stun and bleed the fish humanely Wash and clean the fish, optionally heading and gutting Freeze the fish rapidly to preserve texture and flavor Glaze with water to prevent freezer burn Pack the frozen fish in bulk or retail packaging Store and transport under frozen conditions

Packaging

Typical frozen tilapia packaging includes Bulk poly bags or cartons and Retail trays or bags.

Bulk poly bags or cartons
Bulk frozen tilapia is often packed in large poly bags or cartons for food service and further processing. This packaging protects the fish and allows for efficient handling.
Retail trays or bags
Individually quick-frozen (IQF) tilapia is packed in retail trays or bags, allowing consumers to use only what they need. This packaging is common in supermarkets.

Uses & Risks

Frozen tilapia is used in Culinary preparation, Value-added seafood products, and Soups and stews.

End Uses

Culinary preparation
Frozen tilapia is grilled, baked, fried, or broiled for direct consumption in restaurants and homes. Its mild flavor and firm texture make it versatile.
Value-added seafood products
Frozen tilapia is used to produce fish fillets, fish sticks, and other value-added seafood products. It is portioned, breaded, or seasoned before further processing.
Soups and stews
Frozen tilapia is used in soups, stews, and curries where a white fish is needed. It adds protein and texture to these dishes.
Ready-to-cook meals
Frozen tilapia is used in ready-to-cook meals and meal kits, providing a convenient protein source for consumers.

Uses and Related Commodities

Downstream industries	Food service, Retail grocery, Seafood processing, Ready-to-cook meal manufacturing

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Temperature abuse Food safetyHigh Improper thawing or temperature abuse during storage can allow bacterial growth, leading to spoilage and potential foodborne illness.	Food safety	High	Maintain a strict cold chain and ensure proper thawing procedures are followed.
Aquaculture disease outbreaks DiseaseMedium Tilapia can be affected by diseases such as streptococcosis, which can cause mortality and reduce supply. Disease outbreaks in aquaculture can lead to shortages.	Disease	Medium	Source from farms with biosecurity measures and health monitoring programs.
Cold chain disruption LogisticsMedium Cold chain disruptions during transport can cause partial thawing and refreezing, degrading quality and increasing food safety risks.	Logistics	Medium	Use reliable logistics partners and monitor temperature during transit.

Frozen Tilapia Questions

What exactly is covered by the commodity name “Frozen tilapia”?: It refers to whole tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) that have been frozen, excluding fillets, other fish meat of heading 0304, and edible fish offal covered by subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Does “Frozen tilapia” include filleted fish?: No, the definition specifically excludes fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304.
Are edible fish offal parts part of the “Frozen tilapia” commodity?: No, edible fish offal covered by subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99 are excluded from this commodity.