Frozen Hake Fillets
Frozen hake fillets are boneless cuts of hake fish that have been preserved by freezing. They are sold as a frozen seafood product for direct consumer or foodservice use.
Prices, specifications and international trade for frozen hake fillets under HS 030474.
Frozen Hake Fillets Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Frozen hake fillets is quoted in USD/t at NAM. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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Argentina led reported frozen hake fillets exports in 2025, at $207M.
Compare frozen hake fillets exporting countriesFrozen Hake Fillets Specifications and Quality
Frozen hake fillets grading factors include Fillet size and thickness, Color and appearance, and Texture and firmness.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for frozen hake fillets considers Fillet size and thickness, Color and appearance, and Texture and firmness.
- Fillet size and thickness
Uniformity in size and thickness matters for even cooking and portion control, especially in food service and retail packs.
- Color and appearance
A clean, white to off-white flesh with no discoloration indicates acceptable freshness and handling, while yellowing or dullness can signal age or temperature abuse.
- Texture and firmness
After thawing, the flesh should be firm and flaky, not mushy or dry, which affects both sensory quality and yield in cooking.
- Glaze content
A thin, even ice glaze protects the fillets from dehydration and oxidation during frozen storage, but excessive glaze can be an economic concern for buyers.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for frozen hake fillets include Freezer burn, Bones and skin remnants, and Bruising and blood spots.
- Freezer burn
Dry, white, or brownish patches on the surface caused by moisture loss during frozen storage, leading to a tough, dry texture when cooked.
- Bones and skin remnants
Small pin bones or skin patches that are left in the fillet pose a choking hazard and reduce the usable portion, affecting consumer satisfaction and preparation time.
- Bruising and blood spots
Dark red or brown areas on the flesh, often from handling trauma, can appear unappetizing and may be accompanied by off-flavors if the blood is not properly removed.
Frozen Hake Fillets Facts and HS Code
Frozen hake fillets belongs to seafood within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 030474.
Frozen Hake Fillets HS Code
| Also known as | hake fillets frozen, frozen white fish fillets |
|---|---|
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Frozen |
| Position in the chain | Processed |
| Category | Seafood — Protein and dairy |
| HS codes | 030474 |
| HS6 description | Fish fillets; frozen, hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.) |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | NAM |
Production & Handling
Frozen hake fillets storage guidance: Store frozen hake fillets at deep frozen temperatures to prevent enzymatic breakdown and bacterial growth. Maintain a consistent cold chain to avoid recrystallization and texture deterioration.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | High |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Frozen |
| Storage conditions | Store frozen hake fillets at deep frozen temperatures to prevent enzymatic breakdown and bacterial growth. Maintain a consistent cold chain to avoid recrystallization and texture deterioration. |
| Production methods | Wild capture |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical frozen hake fillets packaging includes Polybag, Carton with inner liner, and Master carton.
- Polybag
Individually quick-frozen fillets packed in clear or printed polybags, common for retail and food service portions, allowing easy portion control.
- Carton with inner liner
Fillets packed in large cartons with a plastic liner, typically block frozen or shatterpack, used for bulk distribution to processors and wholesalers.
- Master carton
Outer shipping cartons containing multiple smaller consumer packs, used for retail distribution to protect the product during transport.
Uses & Risks
Frozen hake fillets is used in Retail seafood, Foodservice, and Ingredient for prepared meals.
End Uses
- Retail seafood
Sold as frozen fillets for household cooking
- Foodservice
Used by restaurants and catering operations
- Ingredient for prepared meals
Inclusion in frozen ready‑to‑eat fish dishes
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Retail seafood products, Foodservice and restaurants, Frozen seafood processing, Further processing into breaded or marinated products |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Histamine formation Food safetyHigh Time-temperature abuse during storage or handling before freezing can lead to histamine production, which survives the freezing process and can cause scombroid poisoning. | Rapid chilling of the catch and maintaining a continuous cold chain from capture to freezing prevents bacterial growth that produces histamine. |
Species substitution FraudHigh Mislabeling cheaper white fish varieties as hake is possible, which can misrepresent product quality and value. | Implement traceability systems and DNA testing at the processing stage and verify certificates of origin to confirm species authenticity. |
Temperature fluctuation during transport LogisticsMedium Intermittent thawing and refreezing during transport leads to ice crystal growth, causing cell damage and textural degradation. | Use temperature-controlled containers and real-time monitoring to ensure the cargo stays within the required deep frozen range. |
Frozen Hake Fillets Questions
- What exactly are frozen hake fillets?
- Frozen hake fillets are fillets of hake (Merluccius spp. or Urophycis spp.) that have been processed and frozen for preservation.
- How should frozen hake fillets be stored to maintain quality?
- They should be kept at frozen temperatures throughout the supply chain, typically at -18 °C or lower, to prevent thawing and microbial growth.
- Can frozen hake fillets be used directly in cooking after thawing?
- Yes, once properly thawed under refrigeration, the fillets can be cooked by grilling, baking, frying or steaming as a ready‑to‑cook seafood product.