HS 030223

Fresh or Chilled Sole (Solea spp.)

U.S. imports of fresh or chilled sole (solea spp.) (HS 030223) totaled $751K in April 2026, traded with 5 countries.

Last updated: April 2026 data

Dover sole and related Solea species — prized in European fine-dining and increasingly sought in US specialty seafood markets — enter under a single 10-digit line (0302230000), with Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal collectively accounting for the bulk of US supply, reflecting the North Sea and Atlantic European flatfish fisheries. Fresh sole is highly perishable, and the transatlantic cold-chain from European ports to US buyers demands careful logistics management to preserve quality. FDA food-safety oversight applies at entry, and importers should ensure exporting establishments hold current FDA registration. Consult a licensed customs broker or FDA regarding admissibility and documentation requirements.

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Imports

$751K

from 5 countries · YTD: $2.4M

Exports: $26K

Deficit of $725K (net importer)

Trade balance: deficit of $725K (net importer)

YTD: $2.4M imported (April 2026)

64 shipments/month

Top Import Sources

View all

1SPAIN$543K
72.3%
2

Import Trend (12 months)

Monthly import values over time

Geographic Breakdown

SHRIMPS AND PRAWNS, FROZEN, NESOI

HS 030617

$362.4M

PACIFIC, ATLANTIC, DANUBE SALMON FILLET FRESH/CHLL

HS 030441

$184.5M

PACIFIC, ATLANTIC AND DANUBE SALMON FILLETS FROZEN

HS 030481

$128.8M

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'Dover sole' imported from Europe the same species as 'Pacific Dover sole' sold in the US market?

No. True Dover sole (Solea solea) is a European flatfish classified under this heading, while Pacific Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus) is a different species found in US West Coast waters and classified under a separate HTS heading. The naming overlap can cause confusion in trade documentation; importers should specify the scientific name on invoices to ensure correct classification and avoid admissibility issues.

What are the main logistical challenges for importing fresh sole from Spain or the Netherlands?

Fresh sole has a short shelf life of roughly 10–14 days from catch, making transatlantic air freight the standard mode for premium product. Importers must coordinate closely with European suppliers on harvest timing, packing in ice, and flight schedules to ensure the fish arrives with adequate remaining shelf life. Any delays at the port of entry — including FDA examination — can significantly impact product quality and marketability.