Product classification
HS code for Chilled sardines: 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.
Classification of chilled sardines under HS 0302.43
Chilled sardines are classified under HS code 0302.43, which encompasses sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), and brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus). This classification is part of the broader heading 0302 for fresh or chilled fish. The determination for this code relies on the biological genus and the state of preservation. The fish must be fresh or chilled, meaning they are kept at low temperatures to prevent spoilage but have not reached a frozen state. This code excludes fish that has been processed into fillets or minced meat, which would move the classification to heading 0304. It also excludes edible fish offal, which is classified under subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. Sardines are often traded in bulk for both human consumption and industrial use, and 0302.43 ensures that these specific small pelagic species are tracked separately from other fish like mackerel or herrings. The classification is applied to whole fish, whether or not they have been gutted or headed, as long as the main body remains intact.
- Covers
- Fresh Sardina pilchardus
- Chilled Sardinops species
- Fresh sardinella (Sardinella spp.)
- Chilled brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus)
- Also under 0302.43
- Moroccan Sardines
- Portuguese Sardines
- California Sardines
- Baltic Sprats
Codes often confused with 0302.43
Common mistake. Sardines are frequently misclassified under 1604.13, which is the code for prepared or preserved sardines (such as those in cans or oil). Another common error is using 0303.53, which is the code for frozen sardines. Because sardines are often processed quickly, the distinction between fresh (0302.43) and frozen (0303.53) is a frequent point of confusion during customs inspections. Additionally, small herrings may be confused with sardines, but herrings fall under 0302.41.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030243 (the code used for chilled sardines), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030243 (the code used for chilled sardines) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030243, not only chilled sardines.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $23M 22% of world exports
- 2 Portugal $14M 14% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $13M 13% of world exports
World total: $104M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $18M 19% of world imports
- 2 Portugal $15M 17% of world imports
- 3 France $9.8M 11% of world imports
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 chilled sardines
Brazil classifies chilled sardines under NCM 0302.43.00: HS 0302.43 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chilled sardines
What is the HS code for Chilled sardines?
The HS code for Chilled sardines is 030243 (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). The HS code for fresh or chilled sardines, sardinella, and sprats is 0302.43.
How do I classify Chilled sardines for customs?
Chilled sardines is classified under HS code 030243 — 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 is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are canned sardines classified under this code?
No, canned sardines are considered prepared or preserved and are classified under HS code 1604.13.
Which countries are the top exporters of chilled sardines (HS 030243)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030243 (the code used for chilled sardines) 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 chilled sardines (HS 030243)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030243 (the code used for chilled sardines) 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.
Is the HS code for Chilled sardines the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030243 for Chilled sardines 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 sardines in Brazil?
In Brazil, chilled sardines (HS 030243) is classified under NCM 0302.43.00.