What is the exact product described as frozen tilapia fillets?

Frozen tilapia fillets are fish fillets from tilapias (Oreochromis spp.) that have been processed and stored in a frozen state.

How should frozen tilapia fillets be stored to maintain quality?

They should be kept at a constant temperature of –18 °C or lower throughout transport and storage, ensuring an uninterrupted cold chain.

What are common uses for frozen tilapia fillets in food preparation?

The fillets are typically thawed and then baked, grilled, fried, or used in soups and stews as a ready‑to‑cook protein source.

Frozen Tilapia Fillets

Frozen tilapia fillets are filleted portions of tilapia fish that have been frozen for preservation. They are traded as a processed seafood product worldwide.

Prices, specifications and international trade for frozen tilapia fillets under HS 030461.

Frozen Tilapia Fillets Price

$6,247USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

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

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Frozen Tilapia Fillets Historical Unit Values

Frozen Tilapia Fillets Exports and Imports

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Indonesia led reported frozen tilapia fillets exports in 2025, at $95.7M.

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Frozen Tilapia Fillets Suppliers

Find frozen tilapia fillets suppliers and exporters for your specification, buying volume and preferred origin. Explore supplier locations, compare sourcing requirements and request a shortlist.

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Frozen Tilapia Fillets Specifications and Quality

Frozen tilapia fillets grading factors include Color and appearance, Texture, and Moisture retention.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for frozen tilapia fillets considers Color and appearance, Texture, and Moisture retention.

Color and appearance
Assess the natural pink or white color of the flesh and absence of bruising or discoloration, which indicates freshness and handling care.
Texture
Fillets should be firm and intact; soft or mushy texture can signal poor handling or thawing before freezing.
Moisture retention
Weight gain from added water or glazing is evaluated; excessive water reduces actual fish content and affects yield.
Bone and scale defects
Residual pin bones or scales are checked because they affect eating quality and processing efficiency.

Common Defects

Recorded defects for frozen tilapia fillets include Ice crystals and freezer burn, Off-odors, and Mushy flesh.

Ice crystals and freezer burn
Large ice crystals or whitish dry patches on the surface indicate temperature fluctuation or dehydration, affecting texture and flavor.
Off-odors
Foul or rancid smells can result from oxidation or microbial spoilage, making fillets unsuitable for consumption.
Mushy flesh
Soft, uncharacteristically mushy fillets may be caused by enzymatic breakdown or improper freezing and thawing cycles.

Frozen Tilapia Fillets Facts and HS Code

Frozen tilapia fillets belongs to seafood within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 030461.

Frozen Tilapia Fillets HS Code

Also known as	frozen tilapia portions
Product type	Intermediate
Form	Frozen
Position in the chain	Processed
Category	Seafood — Protein and dairy
HS codes	030461
HS6 description	Fish fillets; frozen, tilapias (Oreochromis spp.)
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	IDN

Production & Handling

Frozen tilapia fillets storage guidance: Keep frozen at consistently low temperatures to prevent thawing and recrystallization. Fluctuations can cause texture degradation and freezer burn; store in airtight, moisture-resistant packaging.

Production and Storage

Perishability	High
Temperature regime	Frozen
Storage conditions	Keep frozen at consistently low temperatures to prevent thawing and recrystallization. Fluctuations can cause texture degradation and freezer burn; store in airtight, moisture-resistant packaging.
Production methods	Farmed, Aquaculture
Processing steps	Harvest tilapia from aquaculture ponds or tanks Stun and bleed the fish in ice water Scale, gut, and fillet the fish Trim fillets to remove skin, bones, and belly fat Wash fillets in chilled clean water Inspect and sort fillets by size and quality Freeze fillets by plate or individual quick freezing methods Glaze and pack frozen fillets into final packaging Store at controlled frozen temperatures until shipment

Packaging

Typical frozen tilapia fillets packaging includes Polyethylene bags, Cartons with inner liner, and IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) cartons.

Polyethylene bags
Common for retail and food service packs, providing a barrier against moisture loss and freezer burn.
Cartons with inner liner
Used for bulk shipments to protect fillets from impact and temperature variations, and to maintain block freezing.
IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) cartons
For fillets frozen separately, allowing easy portion control and reduced waste for food service and further processing.

Uses & Risks

Frozen tilapia fillets is used in Retail sale, Food service, and Further processing.

End Uses

Retail sale
Sold in frozen seafood sections for home cooking, where fillets are thawed and prepared by grilling, baking, or frying.
Food service
Used in restaurants and cafeterias for fried fish dishes, tacos, and sandwiches, offering a convenient portion-controlled protein.
Further processing
Frozen fillets are used as raw material for breaded, battered, and other value-added seafood products.
Institutional meals
Provided in bulk to schools, hospitals, and catering operations for nutritious meal programs.

Uses and Related Commodities

Downstream industries	Retail seafood, Food service, Seafood processing, Institutional catering

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Pathogenic bacteria survival Food safetyHigh While freezing inactivates bacteria, it does not kill them. Improper thawing or temperature abuse after freezing can allow growth of pathogens like Salmonella.	Food safety	High	Maintain cold chain, prevent thawing during transport and storage, and instruct end users to cook fillets to a safe internal temperature.
Temperature fluctuation LogisticsHigh Frequent or prolonged temperature excursions during handling or shipping can cause partial thawing and re-freezing, leading to quality loss and spoilage.	Logistics	High	Use temperature-controlled containers and data loggers, and minimize transfer times between cold storage facilities.
Species substitution FraudMedium Frozen fillets without clear origin may be substituted with other fish species, misrepresenting the product and potentially violating labeling laws.	Fraud	Medium	Purchase from traceable suppliers, require species verification, and implement DNA testing programs on a risk-based sampling basis.

Frozen Tilapia Fillets Questions

What is the exact product described as frozen tilapia fillets?: Frozen tilapia fillets are fish fillets from tilapias (Oreochromis spp.) that have been processed and stored in a frozen state.
How should frozen tilapia fillets be stored to maintain quality?: They should be kept at a constant temperature of –18 °C or lower throughout transport and storage, ensuring an uninterrupted cold chain.
What are common uses for frozen tilapia fillets in food preparation?: The fillets are typically thawed and then baked, grilled, fried, or used in soups and stews as a ready‑to‑cook protein source.