Product classification
HS code for Dried anchovies: 0305.54
Dried herrings, anchovies, sardines, sardinella, brisling or sprats, mackerel (incl Indian, jack, or horse), seerfishes, jacks, crevalles, cobia, silver pomfrets, Pacific saury, scads, capelin, swordfish, Kawakawa, bonitos, marlins, sailfishes, spearfish.
Classification of dried anchovies under HS 0305.54
Dried anchovies are classified under HS code 0305.54. This classification falls within Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans. Heading 0305 is specifically for fish that has been dried, salted, or in brine, as well as smoked fish. Subheading 0305.54 is the specific code for dried anchovies (Engraulis spp.), excluding edible fish offal. The classification is determined by the state of the fish and the species. To fall under this code, the anchovies must have undergone a drying process (sun-dried or mechanically dehydrated) to a point where they are preserved. They may be salted or not, but they must not be smoked, as smoked fish is classified under different subheadings (0305.4x). This classification follows GRI 1, as the heading and subheading specifically name the product and the preservation method. It is important to ensure the fish belongs to the Engraulis genus to use this specific code.
- Covers
- Sun-dried whole anchovies
- Salted and dried anchovies
- Dehydrated anchovy fillets (not in oil)
- Dried anchovies used for soup stocks
- Headed and gutted dried anchovies
- Also under 0305.54
- Various Asian grocery brands (e.g., Hmart, 99 Ranch)
- Mediterranean specialty stores
- specific fishing village products
- bulk dried fish suppliers
Codes often confused with 0305.54
Common mistake. Dried anchovies are often misclassified under 1604.16, which is for prepared or preserved anchovies. The distinction is that 1604 covers fish that has been cooked, canned, or preserved in oil. If the anchovies are in a tin with oil, they belong in 1604. Another error is using 0305.63, which is for anchovies that are salted or in brine but not dried. The moisture content and preservation method are the deciding factors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030554 (the code used for dried anchovies), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030554 (the code used for dried anchovies) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sri Lanka, with 65% 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 030554, not only dried anchovies.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $42M 35% of world exports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$35M 29% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Korea $16M 13% of world exports
World total: $120M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sri Lanka $53M 65% of world imports
- 2 United States $3.6M 4.5% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$2.7M 3.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $81M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 dried anchovies
Brazil classifies dried anchovies under NCM 0305.54.00: HS 0305.54 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dried anchovies
What is the HS code for Dried anchovies?
The HS code for Dried anchovies is 030554 (Dried herrings, anchovies, sardines, sardinella, brisling or sprats, mackerel (incl Indian, jack, or horse), seerfishes, jacks, crevalles, cobia, silver pomfrets, Pacific saury, scads, capelin, swordfish, Kawakawa, bonitos, marlins, sailfishes, spearfish). The HS code for dried anchovies, provided they are not smoked or preserved in oil, is 0305.54.
How do I classify Dried anchovies for customs?
Dried anchovies is classified under HS code 030554 — Dried herrings, anchovies, sardines, sardinella, brisling or sprats, mackerel (incl Indian, jack, or horse), seerfishes, jacks, crevalles, cobia, silver pomfrets, Pacific saury, scads, capelin, swordfish, Kawakawa, bonitos, marlins, sailfishes, spearfish. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are dried anchovies in a snack pack classified here?
If the anchovies are seasoned, fried, or prepared as a ready-to-eat snack, they may move to Chapter 16 (1604.16) as 'prepared' fish rather than simply 'dried' fish.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried anchovies (HS 030554)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030554 (the code used for dried anchovies) in UN Comtrade data were China ($42M, 35% of world exports), the United Arab Emirates (about $35M) and South Korea ($16M). World exports came to about $120M, 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 dried anchovies (HS 030554)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030554 (the code used for dried anchovies) in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($53M, 65% of world imports), the United States ($3.6M) and Taiwan (about $2.7M). World imports came to about $81M, 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 Dried anchovies the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030554 for Dried 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 dried anchovies in Brazil?
In Brazil, dried anchovies (HS 030554) is classified under NCM 0305.54.00.