Product classification
HS code for Brined anchovies: 0305.63
Fish, salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, anchovies (Engrails spp.).
Classification of brined anchovies under HS 0305.63
Brined anchovies are classified under HS code 0305.63, which specifically covers fish of the genus Engraulis that have been salted or kept in brine but not dried or smoked. This classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, following the specific nomenclature of Heading 0305. This heading encompasses fish prepared for preservation purposes through simple methods like salting or immersion in a saline solution. For a product to remain within Chapter 3, the preservation process must not exceed the limits of basic curing. Brined anchovies in this category are typically intended for further processing or are preserved in a high-salt concentration that requires desalting before final consumption. The classification depends heavily on the absence of further preparation; if the anchovies were cooked, filleted and packed in oil, or prepared with vinegar and spices, they would transition from Chapter 3 to Chapter 16. The brine used must be a simple solution of salt in water, potentially containing small amounts of other substances like sugar or chemicals for stabilization, provided they do not change the essential character of the fish as 'salted' or 'in brine'.
- Covers
- Salted anchovies (Engraulis spp.) in bulk containers
- Anchovies preserved in saturated brine solutions
- Whole anchovies, headed or gutted, preserved in salt
- Anchovies in brine intended for industrial processing into pastes or fillets
- Also under 0305.63
- Ortiz Anchovies
- Agostino Recca Anchovies
- Don Bocarte Anchovies
- Callipo Anchovies.
Codes often confused with 0305.63
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 1604.16. While 0305.63 covers anchovies preserved only by salt or brine, 1604.16 covers 'prepared or preserved' anchovies. This includes anchovies that have been filleted and packed in olive oil, or those prepared as 'boquerones' in vinegar. Another common error involves HS code 0304, which is used for fresh, chilled, or frozen fillets; however, once the fillets are salted or brined for preservation, 0305 becomes the correct heading. It is also important to distinguish these from dried anchovies, which fall under 0305.54.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030563 (the code used for brined anchovies), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030563 (the code used for brined anchovies) in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Albania, with about 29% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030563, not only brined anchovies.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Morocco $20M 26% of world exports
- 2 Spain $20M 25% of world exports
- 3 Italy $15M 19% of world exports
World total: $79M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Albania* ~$24M 29% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Italy $19M 24% of world imports
- 3 Morocco $13M 16% of world imports
World total: $82M 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 brined anchovies
Brazil classifies brined anchovies under NCM 0305.63.00: HS 0305.63 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about brined anchovies
What is the HS code for Brined anchovies?
The HS code for Brined anchovies is 030563 (Fish; salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, anchovies (Engrails spp.)). The specific HS code for anchovies (Engraulis spp.) that are salted or in brine, but not dried or smoked, is 0305.63.
How do I classify Brined anchovies for customs?
Brined anchovies is classified under HS code 030563 — Fish; salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, anchovies (Engrails spp.). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include anchovies in oil?
No, anchovies packed in oil are considered 'prepared or preserved' and must be classified under HS code 1604.16, as the addition of oil goes beyond the simple preservation methods allowed in Chapter 3.
Which countries are the top exporters of brined anchovies (HS 030563)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030563 (the code used for brined anchovies) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($20M, 26% of world exports), Spain ($20M) and Italy ($15M). World exports came to about $79M, 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 brined anchovies (HS 030563)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030563 (the code used for brined anchovies) in UN Comtrade data were Albania (about $24M, 29% of world imports), Italy ($19M) and Morocco ($13M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Brined anchovies the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030563 for Brined anchovies is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for brined anchovies in Brazil?
In Brazil, brined anchovies (HS 030563) is classified under NCM 0305.63.00.