HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 0302.42 – Fish; fresh or chilled, anchovies (Engraulis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99

HS code 0302.42 is the 6-digit subheading for fish, fresh or chilled, anchovies (Engraulis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. It is used for whole fresh anchovies, chilled anchovy fillets, fresh European anchovy, fresh Peruvian anchovy and fresh Japanese anchovy.

What HS 0302.42 covers

This HS code encompasses fresh or chilled anchovies (Engraulis spp.), small schooling fish that play a vital role in global seafood trade. Anchovies are primarily used for human consumption, often cured, salted, or canned, and are a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, as well as popular in parts of Asia and South America. They are also extensively used as bait or for reduction into fishmeal and oil. Major importers include countries with strong demand for anchovy products, such as Italy, Spain, and Japan, and those with significant processing facilities. Exporters are typically coastal nations with abundant anchovy stocks, including Peru, Chile, Morocco, and Argentina. Trade is heavily influenced by seasonal catches, regional fishing quotas, and the need for rapid processing to maintain quality.

Covers: Whole fresh anchovies
Chilled anchovy fillets
Fresh European anchovy
Fresh Peruvian anchovy
Fresh Japanese anchovy
Bait anchovies
Fresh Mediterranean anchovy
Examples: Cantabrian Anchovies
Peruvian Anchoveta
Moroccan Anchovies
Italian Anchovies

Codes often confused with 0302.42

Common mistake. Anchovies can be confused with other small pelagic fish like sardines (030243) or sprats, but their distinct morphology and typical end-uses (e.g., strong flavor for curing) differentiate them. Careful species identification is required.

0302.43Fish; fresh or chilled, sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99

Top exporters and importers of HS code 030242, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030242 in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 39% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

1 Portugal $27M 33% of world exports
2 Spain $22M 27% of world exports
3 Italy $18M 22% of world exports

World total: $82M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

1 Spain $28M 39% of world imports
2 Italy $15M 22% of world imports
3 Morocco $6.5M 9.1% of world imports

World total: $71M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM codes for 0302.42 2

Brazil splits HS 0302.42 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.02 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Access via API

GET /api/hs-code/030242/

{
  "code": "030242",
  "description": "Fish; fresh or chilled, anchovies (Engraulis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99",
  "section": "I",
  "parent": "0302"
}

API docs →

Questions about HS 0302.42

What is HS code 030242?

HS code 030242 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish; fresh or chilled, anchovies (Engraulis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. This HS code encompasses fresh or chilled anchovies (Engraulis spp.), small schooling fish that play a vital role in global seafood trade. Anchovies are primarily used for human consumption, often cured, salted, or canned, and are a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, as well as popular in parts of Asia and South America. They are also extensively used as bait or for reduction into fishmeal and oil. Major importers include countries with strong demand for anchovy products, such as Italy, Spain, and Japan, and those with significant processing facilities. Exporters are typically coastal nations with abundant anchovy stocks, including Peru, Chile, Morocco, and Argentina. Trade is heavily influenced by seasonal catches, regional fishing quotas, and the need for rapid processing to maintain quality.

What products fall under HS code 030242?

Whole fresh anchovies, chilled anchovy fillets, fresh European anchovy, fresh Peruvian anchovy, fresh Japanese anchovy, bait anchovies, fresh Mediterranean anchovy

What are common misclassifications for HS code 030242?

Anchovies can be confused with other small pelagic fish like sardines (030243) or sprats, but their distinct morphology and typical end-uses (e.g., strong flavor for curing) differentiate them. Careful species identification is required.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030242?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030242 in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($27M, 33% of world exports), Spain ($22M) and Italy ($18M). World exports came to about $82M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 030242?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030242 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($28M, 39% of world imports), Italy ($15M) and Morocco ($6.5M). World imports came to about $71M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

How is HS code 030242 structured?

HS code 030242 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030242?

Brazil splits HS code 030242 into 2 NCM codes: 0302.42.10 (Fresh or chilled Argentine anchovy), 0302.42.90 (Other fresh or chilled anchovies). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.