HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0305.39 – Fish fillets; dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.3
HS code 0305.39 is the 6-digit subheading for fish fillets, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.3. It is used for dried mackerel fillets, salted sardine fillets, brined anchovy fillets, dried tuna fillets and salted herring fillets.
What HS 0305.39 covers
This is a residual HS code for dried, salted, or brined fish fillets (not smoked) that are not specifically classified in 030531 or 030532. It encompasses a broad array of species, often reflecting regional availability and traditional preservation techniques applied to local catches. Importers and exporters in this category deal with a diverse range of fish, catering to niche markets, ethnic food stores, or industrial uses where specific preserved fillets are required. The trade is highly fragmented, with many smaller players and regional supply chains. Understanding the specific species and their preservation methods is crucial for accurate classification and market entry, as quality and taste profiles vary widely.
- Covers
- Dried mackerel fillets
- Salted sardine fillets
- Brined anchovy fillets
- Dried tuna fillets
- Salted herring fillets
- Dried snapper fillets
- Cured mullet fillets.
- Examples
- Dried salted mackerel in Asian markets
- brined anchovy fillets for culinary use
- traditional dried herring in Northern Europe
- cured barracuda fillets.
Codes often confused with 0305.39
Common mistake. This code serves as a catch-all for dried, salted, or brined fillets not covered by specific species groups, but care must be taken to ensure the product is not smoked (03054X) or fresh/chilled (03047X).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 030539, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 030539 in UN Comtrade data was Albania, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 32% 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 Albania* ~$31M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Tunisia* ~$19M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Poland $18M 12% of world exports
World total: $153M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $55M 32% of world imports
- 2 Spain $28M 16% of world imports
- 3 Germany $17M 10% of world imports
World total: $174M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 0305.39
Brazil does not split HS 0305.39: its NCM code is 0305.39.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 03.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0305.39
What is HS code 030539?
HS code 030539 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fish fillets; dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.3. This is a residual HS code for dried, salted, or brined fish fillets (not smoked) that are not specifically classified in 030531 or 030532. It encompasses a broad array of species, often reflecting regional availability and traditional preservation techniques applied to local catches. Importers and exporters in this category deal with a diverse range of fish, catering to niche markets, ethnic food stores, or industrial uses where specific preserved fillets are required. The trade is highly fragmented, with many smaller players and regional supply chains. Understanding the specific species and their preservation methods is crucial for accurate classification and market entry, as quality and taste profiles vary widely.
What products fall under HS code 030539?
Dried mackerel fillets, salted sardine fillets, brined anchovy fillets, dried tuna fillets, salted herring fillets, dried snapper fillets, cured mullet fillets.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030539?
This code serves as a catch-all for dried, salted, or brined fillets not covered by specific species groups, but care must be taken to ensure the product is not smoked (03054X) or fresh/chilled (03047X).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 030539?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 030539 in UN Comtrade data were Albania (about $31M, 20% of world exports), Tunisia (about $19M) and Poland ($18M). World exports came to about $153M, 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 030539?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 030539 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($55M, 32% of world imports), Spain ($28M) and Germany ($17M). World imports came to about $174M, 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 030539 structured?
HS code 030539 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (39) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 030539?
In Brazil, HS code 030539 is NCM 0305.39.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.