HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 0302.43 – Fish; 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

HS code 0302.43 is the 6-digit subheading for fish, 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. It is used for whole fresh European sardines, chilled Pacific sardines, fresh sardinella, fresh brisling and fresh sprats.

What HS 0302.43 covers

This HS code covers a diverse group of small, oily, fresh or chilled pelagic fish, including sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), and brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus). These species are widely traded for direct human consumption, often canned, smoked, or grilled, and also serve as bait or for fishmeal production. They are a dietary staple in many coastal regions globally, particularly in Europe, Africa, and Asia, due to their affordability and nutritional value. Major importers include countries with large canning industries or high consumer demand, such as Spain, Italy, and France. Exporters are typically nations with significant coastal fisheries, including Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and various Southeast Asian countries. Sustainability practices and seasonal catches are key factors influencing this trade.

Covers
  • Whole fresh European sardines
  • Chilled Pacific sardines
  • Fresh sardinella
  • Fresh brisling
  • Fresh sprats
  • Fresh pilchards
  • Fresh round sardinella
Examples
  • Moroccan Sardines
  • Portuguese Sardines
  • California Sardines
  • Baltic Sprats

Codes often confused with 0302.43

Common mistake. This category groups several similar small pelagic fish. It's important not to confuse them with herrings (030241) or anchovies (030242), as each has distinct market values and processing applications.

0302.41Fish; fresh or chilled, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.990302.42Fish; fresh or chilled, anchovies (Engraulis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99

Top exporters and importers of HS code 030243, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030243 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 19% 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. 1 Spain $23M
  2. 2 Portugal $14M
  3. 3 Sweden $13M

World total: $104M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Spain $18M
  2. 2 Portugal $15M
  3. 3 France $9.8M

World total: $91M 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 code for 0302.43

Brazil does not split HS 0302.43: its NCM code is 0302.43.00.

  1. 0302.43.00 Fresh or chilled sardines, sardinella and spratsSardinhas (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp., Sardinella spp.) (Sardinha (Sardina pilchardus) e sardinelas (Sardinops spp., Sardinella spp.)*), anchoveta (espadilha*) (Sprattus sprattus)

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.

Questions about HS 0302.43

What is HS code 030243?

HS code 030243 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish; 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. This HS code covers a diverse group of small, oily, fresh or chilled pelagic fish, including sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), and brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus). These species are widely traded for direct human consumption, often canned, smoked, or grilled, and also serve as bait or for fishmeal production. They are a dietary staple in many coastal regions globally, particularly in Europe, Africa, and Asia, due to their affordability and nutritional value. Major importers include countries with large canning industries or high consumer demand, such as Spain, Italy, and France. Exporters are typically nations with significant coastal fisheries, including Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and various Southeast Asian countries. Sustainability practices and seasonal catches are key factors influencing this trade.

What products fall under HS code 030243?

Whole fresh European sardines, chilled Pacific sardines, fresh sardinella, fresh brisling, fresh sprats, fresh pilchards, fresh round sardinella

What are common misclassifications for HS code 030243?

This category groups several similar small pelagic fish. It's important not to confuse them with herrings (030241) or anchovies (030242), as each has distinct market values and processing applications.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030243?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030243 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($23M, 22% of world exports), Portugal ($14M) and Sweden ($13M). World exports came to about $104M, 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 030243?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030243 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($18M, 19% of world imports), Portugal ($15M) and France ($9.8M). World imports came to about $91M, 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 030243 structured?

HS code 030243 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 (43) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030243?

In Brazil, HS code 030243 is NCM 0302.43.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.