Trade ReferenceJune 21, 2026· 10 min read

Indonesian Seafood HS Codes: Complete Export & Import Reference 2026

By TaMainco Export Team · Trade Documentation Specialist

Indonesian seafood export — grouper, squid, mackerel HS code reference

Indonesian seafood HS codes are 6–10 digit Harmonized System tariff codes used to classify fish, crustaceans, and molluscs for customs declaration in both export and import. The primary chapters are HS 03 (live, fresh, frozen, dried seafood) and HS 16 (prepared/preserved seafood). Frozen whole grouper falls under HS 0303.89; frozen fillets under HS 0304.89; squid under HS 0307.43. This reference covers key tariff codes for Indonesia's top marine export commodities in 2026.

Key Takeaways

  • Indonesian seafood is primarily classified under HS Chapter 03 (live, fresh, frozen, dried) and HS Chapter 16 (prepared/preserved).
  • Frozen whole grouper, snapper, and mackerel: HS 0303.89 — most common sea-freight export code.
  • Frozen fish fillets (grouper fillet, snapper fillet): HS 0304.89.
  • Loligo squid frozen: HS 0307.43 — Indonesia is one of the world's top squid exporters.
  • ASEAN-China FTA (Form E) can reduce duty to 0% for eligible Indonesian exporters shipping to China.
  • Agricultural exports (spices, vanilla, coconut oil) use HS Chapters 07, 09, and 15.

What Are HS Codes and Why They Matter for Seafood Trade

The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and used by 200+ countries to classify traded goods. The first 6 digits of any HS code are universal — the same in Indonesia, China, the EU, and the USA. Digits 7–10 are country-specific extensions that reflect each nation's tariff schedule.

For importers sourcing Indonesian seafood, the HS code on the commercial invoice and customs entry determines: (1) the applicable import duty rate, (2) whether preferential trade agreement rates (e.g., ASEAN-China FTA, EU GSP) apply, (3) which permits and sanitary certificates are required at the port of entry, and (4) quotas or seasonal restrictions if any are in force.

Indonesian Customs Tariff: BTKI System

Indonesia uses the BTKI (Buku Tarif Kepabeanan Indonesia) — its national tariff schedule based on ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN). BTKI codes are 8 digits for most goods, extended to 10 digits for certain sensitive categories. The Indonesian Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) maintains the official BTKI database, which is updated following each ASEAN HS revision cycle (most recent: AHTN 2022).

For seafood export from Indonesia, the relevant export customs document — Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang (PEB) — must include the correct BTKI code. Errors in HS classification on the PEB can result in export delay, document rejection, or import clearance refusal at the destination port. Working with an experienced Indonesian seafood exporter like TaMainco ensures correct classification from day one. View our product catalog with pre-verified HS codes for each commodity.

Complete HS Code Reference: Indonesian Seafood & Agricultural Exports 2026

The following tariff codes reflect the seafood HS code Indonesia classification under AHTN 2022 / BTKI 2022. These are the standard codes used on Indonesian export documents. Verify against your destination country's tariff schedule for import classification, as digit-level mapping can differ beyond the first 6 digits.

HS 03 — Fish & Seafood

HS CodeDescription
0301.99Live fish — grouper, snapper, other marine species (excluding ornamental fish)
0302.89Fresh or chilled marine fish (other than fillets)
0303.89Frozen whole fish, other marine species (not listed 0303.11–0303.79)
0304.89Frozen fish fillets — other marine species
0307.43Cuttlefish and squid — frozen
0307.49Cuttlefish and squid — fresh, chilled, dried, salted
0305.63Dried salted fish (not smoked)
0306.17Shrimps and prawns, frozen
0306.16Cold-water shrimps, frozen (Pandalus spp.)
0308.19Holothurians (sea cucumber), frozen or dried

HS 09 & 07 — Spices & Agricultural (Results Tani)

HS CodeDescription
0904.21Dried peppers (Capsicum spp.), not crushed or ground
0904.22Crushed or ground dried peppers
0905.10Vanilla beans, not processed
0906.11Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers, not crushed/ground
0908.31Nutmeg, not crushed or ground
0910.11Ginger, not crushed or ground
1513.21Coconut (copra) oil, crude
Disclaimer: HS codes above are provided as a reference guide based on AHTN 2022. Classification may vary by destination country's national tariff schedule. Always confirm final classification with a licensed customs broker before filing import/export declarations.

Import Duty Rates on Indonesian Seafood by Key Market (2026)

Understanding the tariff code for Indonesian fish is only half the equation — importers also need to know the applicable duty rate in their country and whether any preferential trade agreement reduces that rate. The following table summarizes current duty rates for the most active import markets for Indonesian marine products.

MarketMFN Duty (HS 0303)Preferential Rate
China5–10%0%
European Union12–15%0–5%
Japan3.5–7%0%
United Arab Emirates5%4%
South Korea10–20%0–5%
United States0–4%0%
Australia0%0%
Hong Kong0%0%
Singapore0%0%

How to Claim Preferential Tariff Rates

To claim preferential duty rates under applicable FTAs, Indonesian exporters must provide a valid Certificate of Origin (COO):

  • Form EASEAN-China FTA — issued by Indonesian Trade Ministry (Kemendag) for shipments to mainland China
  • Form AJ / AIJECASEAN-Japan CEPA — for shipments to Japan
  • Form AKASEAN-Korea FTA — for shipments to South Korea
  • Form AIASEAN-India FTA — for shipments to India
  • Form A (GSP)EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences — for shipments to EU member states

TaMainco provides the appropriate Certificate of Origin with every export shipment as part of the standard documentation package. Contact our team to confirm which COO form applies to your destination country.

HS Classification for Indonesia's Top Marine Export Species

The Indonesian seafood customs code for a given product depends not only on species but also on the state of processing — live, fresh/chilled, frozen whole, frozen fillet, dried, or prepared. The following breakdown covers classification nuances for Indonesia's highest-volume marine export species.

Grouper (Kerapu) — Red, Flower, Dragon Tiger

0301.99Live grouper
0302.89Fresh / chilled whole grouper
0303.8990Frozen whole grouper (gutted, headed, dressed)
0304.8990Frozen grouper fillets (skin-on or skinless)

Grouper is Indonesia's highest-value finfish export. Live trade to Hong Kong uses 0301.99; most wholesale frozen export uses 0303.8990.

Spanish Mackerel (Tenggiri)

0303.54Frozen Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)
0303.8990Frozen Spanish mackerel — other marine fish (Scomberomorus spp.)
0304.8990Frozen Spanish mackerel fillet / steak

Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) does not have a dedicated 6-digit HS subheading and is classified under the "other" marine fish residual category.

Goldband Snapper (Kakap / Bambangan)

0302.89Fresh / chilled whole snapper
0303.8990Frozen whole snapper (gutted or round)
0304.8990Frozen snapper fillet

Snapper (Pristipomoides multidens, Lutjanus spp.) follows the same HS pathway as grouper. High demand for frozen fillet from European and Middle Eastern food-service buyers.

Loligo Squid (Cumi-cumi)

0307.43Frozen squid (Loligo spp.) — whole or cleaned
0307.4310Whole frozen squid, uncleaned (with head, tentacles, ink sac)
0307.4390Cleaned squid tube (mantle only), tentacles separate
0307.49Dried squid / semi-dried squid

Indonesia ranks among the top 5 global squid exporters. Loligo squid is exported primarily in IQF whole-cleaned tube format for EU, North America, and Japanese markets.

Vannamei Shrimp (Udang Vaname)

0306.17Frozen shrimps and prawns — Penaeidae family
0306.1710Frozen vannamei shrimp, shell-on (HLSO, HOSO)
0306.1790Frozen vannamei shrimp, peeled (PD, PUD, PDTO, EZ-peel)
1605.21Shrimp/prawn — prepared or preserved, not in airtight containers

Vannamei shrimp is Indonesia's largest seafood export category by volume and value. Multiple value-added forms (peeled, deveined, breaded) have different HS classifications.

Need HS code confirmation for a specific product spec? Send your product inquiry and our export team will provide the correct classification with supporting documentation. You can also browse our product categories to see available species and processing formats.

Export Documentation: What Accompanies Each Shipment

Understanding the Indonesian seafood customs code is one step — equally important is the full documentation set that must accompany each export shipment to ensure smooth import clearance at destination. The following documents are standard for all TaMainco seafood exports.

Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang (PEB)

Indonesian export customs declaration — filed with DJBC (Directorate General of Customs). Contains HS code, FOB value, exporter/importer details, and vessel information.

Health Certificate / SKP (Sertifikat Kesehatan Produk)

Issued by KKP (Ministry of Marine Affairs). Certifies the product meets health standards for human consumption. Required by all importing countries without exception.

Certificate of Origin (SKA)

Issued by Dinas Perdagangan (Trade Office) or Kemendag. Form type depends on destination FTA (Form E for China, Form A for EU GSP, etc.).

Commercial Invoice

Includes FOB/CIF price, HS code, product specification, quantity, and unit price. Must match PEB exactly to avoid customs discrepancy.

Packing List

Carton-by-carton breakdown of weight, dimensions, lot numbers, and production dates. Required by most destination customs authorities.

Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

Issued by shipping carrier. Reefer temperature set-point and container number recorded for cold chain documentation.

HACCP / BRC Certificate

Facility certification — provided once per supplier engagement (not per shipment). Required for EU, UK, and GCC market access.

Halal Certificate (MUI)

Issued by Majelis Ulama Indonesia. Required for import into Malaysia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and OIC member states. Valid 2 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS code for frozen grouper from Indonesia?
Frozen grouper (whole, gutted or dressed) from Indonesia is classified under HS code 0303.89 — "Fish, frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat." For grouper specifically, the 8-digit code used in Indonesian customs is 0303.8990 (other marine fish, frozen). Grouper fillets (skinless or skin-on, frozen) fall under HS 0304.89 for non-specific species. Always verify the exact 8–10 digit code with your freight forwarder, as destination country tariff schedules may use different chapter breakdowns.
How much import duty is applied to Indonesian seafood?
Import duty on Indonesian seafood varies by destination country and product type. China imposes 5–10% MFN duty on frozen whole fish (HS 0303) and 10–14% on processed fillets (HS 0304), though ASEAN-China FTA (ACFTA) may reduce rates to 0% for eligible Indonesian exporters with valid Form E Certificate of Origin. The European Union charges 0% duty on most frozen fish from Indonesia under its GSP scheme. UAE applies 5% standard duty. Japan imposes 3.5–7% on most frozen seafood categories. Importers should always verify current rates with their customs broker as tariff schedules are updated annually.
What HS code is used for squid export from Indonesia?
Indonesian loligo squid (Loligo spp.) exports are classified under HS 0307.43 — "Cuttlefish and squid, frozen." For whole frozen squid (uncleaned), the code is 0307.4310; for cleaned/tube squid (mantle only), it is 0307.4390. Squid rings and tentacle portions may fall under HS 0307.99 depending on the level of processing. The Indonesian customs export declaration (PEB) uses 10-digit codes under the BTKI (Indonesian Customs Tariff Book) system.
What documents are required for Indonesian seafood export?
Required documents for Indonesian seafood export include: (1) Phytosanitary / Health Certificate (Sertifikat Kesehatan Ikan) issued by KKP; (2) Export Approval (Surat Persetujuan Ekspor / SPE) for certain species; (3) Certificate of Origin (Surat Keterangan Asal / SKA) — Form A for GSP markets or Form E for ASEAN-China FTA; (4) Packing List and Commercial Invoice; (5) Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; (6) CITES permit (only for protected species, not standard commercially exported fish). HACCP Health Certificate and Halal MUI certificate are required by specific destination markets.
Do Indonesian seafood exporters need a specific license to export?
Yes. Indonesian seafood exporters must hold a valid SIUP-MB (Business License for Marine Products Trading) and be registered with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) as an authorized exporter. Processing facilities must be KKP-certified and HACCP-compliant. For export to the EU, the processing facility must be listed on the EU-approved establishments register. Exporters also require a general export business identity (NIB) from the OSS licensing system. TaMainco operates with full export licensing and KKP-certified processing partners.

Source Indonesian Seafood with Full Documentation

TaMainco handles all export documentation — PEB, Health Certificate, Certificate of Origin, HACCP, Halal MUI — for every shipment. HACCP · BRC Grade A · Halal MUI certified. Get a quotation with full HS code reference today.