Product classification
HS code for Brined fish: 0305.69
Fish, salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.6.
Classification of brined fish under HS 0305.69
Brined fish not specifically named in other subheadings is classified under HS code 0305.69. This is a residual or 'basket' category within Heading 0305, which covers fish that is salted or in brine but not dried or smoked. This code is used for various species that do not have their own specific 6-digit subheading under the 0305.6 group (which includes herring, cod, anchovies, tilapia, catfish, carp, and eels). The classification is governed by GRI 1 and GRI 6. To fall under this code, the fish must be preserved solely through the addition of salt or immersion in a brine solution. This method of preservation is traditional and intended to extend the shelf life of the fish without cooking or adding complex preservatives. The fish may be whole, headed, gutted, or in pieces. It is essential that the fish has not undergone any further processing such as smoking, drying, or preparation into ready-to-eat meals, as these actions would trigger a change in classification to other subheadings or to Chapter 16.
- Covers
- Brined mackerel (Scomber scombrus)
- Salted hake or pollock not elsewhere specified
- Various species of flatfish preserved in brine
- Salted fish offal (edible) if not specifically excluded
- Also under 0305.69
- Matjes Herring (salted)
- Pickled Mackerel
- Salted Sardines from Portugal
- Brined Pollock Fillets.
Codes often confused with 0305.69
Common mistake. Common misclassifications include 0305.61 (Herring), 0305.62 (Cod), or 0305.63 (Anchovies). Importers often use 0305.69 as a default, but if the fish species is specifically mentioned in 0305.61 through 0305.64, those specific codes must be used. Another error is classifying brined fish under 1604. This happens when the fish is prepared with additional ingredients like sauces, spices, or oil. Finally, if the fish is frozen in a light brine (often used as a glaze), it should be classified in 0303 (frozen fish) rather than 0305, as the brine in 0303 is for protection during freezing rather than preservation through salting.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030569 (the code used for brined fish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030569 (the code used for brined fish) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030569, not only brined fish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $19M 17% of world exports
- 2 Canada $14M 13% of world exports
- 3 Iceland $12M 11% of world exports
World total: $110M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $25M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $18M 14% of world imports
- 3 Uganda $13M 9.8% of world imports
World total: $127M 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 brined fish
Brazil splits HS 0305.69 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0305.69.10Salted or brined saithe, ling and tusk
- 0305.69.90Other salted or brined fish
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about brined fish
What is the HS code for Brined fish?
The HS code for Brined fish is 030569 (Fish; salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.6).
How do I classify Brined fish for customs?
Brined fish is classified under HS code 030569 — Fish; salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.6. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for general brined fish?
The HS code for fish that is salted or in brine (and not dried or smoked) and not specifically named in other subheadings is 0305.69.
When should I use 0305.69 instead of a specific fish code?
You should use 0305.69 only if the fish species being imported is not herring, cod, anchovies, tilapia, catfish, carp, or eels, as those species have their own dedicated codes within the 0305.6 series.
Which countries are the top exporters of brined fish (HS 030569)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030569 (the code used for brined fish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($19M, 17% of world exports), Canada ($14M) and Iceland ($12M). World exports came to about $110M, 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 fish (HS 030569)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030569 (the code used for brined fish) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($25M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($18M) and Uganda ($13M). World imports came to about $127M, 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 fish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030569 for Brined fish 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 fish in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030569 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for brined fish depends on the product's details: 0305.69.10 (Salted or brined saithe, ling and tusk), 0305.69.90 (Other salted or brined fish).