Product classification
HS code for Chilled anchovies: 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.
Classification of chilled anchovies under HS 0302.42
Chilled anchovies are classified under HS code 0302.42. This classification is determined by the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure, where Chapter 3 covers fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0302 specifically addresses fish that are fresh or chilled, excluding fillets and other fish meat which fall under heading 0304. Subheading 0302.42 is a specific designation for anchovies of the genus Engraulis. To qualify for this code, the fish must be maintained at a temperature just above freezing, typically between 0°C and 4°C, and must not have been frozen. The product can be whole, gutted, or headed, but once it is processed into fillets or minced, it is no longer eligible for this specific code. The classification ensures that trade statistics accurately reflect the species and the state of preservation, which is vital for regulatory compliance and food safety monitoring.
- Covers
- Whole chilled anchovies (Engraulis spp.)
- Gilled and gutted chilled anchovies
- Headed and cleaned chilled anchovies (not filleted)
- Fresh anchovies packed in ice for transport
- Also under 0302.42
- Cantabrian Anchovies
- Peruvian Anchoveta
- Moroccan Anchovies
- Italian Anchovies
Codes often confused with 0302.42
Common mistake. Chilled anchovies are frequently confused with frozen anchovies, which are classified under HS code 0303.53. The distinction relies entirely on the temperature and state of the fish; if the product has been frozen to a temperature below its freezing point, it must move to heading 0303. Another common error involves chilled anchovy fillets, which belong under HS code 0304.49. Fillets are considered a higher level of processing than whole or gutted fish. Additionally, dried or salted anchovies, often found in retail packaging, are classified under heading 0305, specifically 0305.54 for dried anchovies.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030242 (the code used for chilled anchovies), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030242 (the code used for chilled anchovies) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030242, not only chilled anchovies.
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 chilled anchovies
Brazil splits HS 0302.42 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0302.42.10Fresh or chilled Argentine anchovy
- 0302.42.90Other fresh or chilled anchovies
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled anchovies
What is the HS code for Chilled anchovies?
The HS code for Chilled anchovies is 030242 (Fish; fresh or chilled, anchovies (Engraulis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The specific HS code for fresh or chilled anchovies (Engraulis spp.) is 0302.42.
How do I classify Chilled anchovies for customs?
Chilled anchovies is classified under HS code 030242 — 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 is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include anchovies in oil?
No, anchovies preserved in oil or vinegar are considered prepared or preserved fish and are classified under heading 1604, typically 1604.16.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled anchovies (HS 030242)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030242 (the code used for chilled anchovies) 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 chilled anchovies (HS 030242)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030242 (the code used for chilled anchovies) 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.
Is the HS code for Chilled anchovies the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030242 for Chilled 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 chilled anchovies in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030242 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for chilled anchovies depends on the product's details: 0302.42.10 (Fresh or chilled Argentine anchovy), 0302.42.90 (Other fresh or chilled anchovies).