Product classification
HS code for Dried catfish: 0305.52
Fish, dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads.
Classification of dried catfish under HS 0305.52
The classification of dried catfish under HS code 0305.52 is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Specifically, GRI 1 states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule is dedicated to fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Within this chapter, heading 0305 covers fish that has been processed for preservation through drying, salting, or smoking. The subheading 0305.52 specifically identifies catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.) that has been dried but not smoked. This distinction is crucial because the presence of smoke-processing would shift the classification to subheading 0305.49. Furthermore, the fish must not be prepared or preserved by methods such as cooking or being placed in airtight containers, which would instead categorize the product under Chapter 16. The drying process must be the primary method of preservation, whether or not the fish has been salted or treated with brine. This code ensures that the specific species of catfish are tracked accurately in international trade, allowing for specific tariffs and trade regulations to be applied to these particular freshwater fish products.
- Covers
- Dried whole catfish
- Dried catfish fillets
- Salted dried catfish (non-smoked)
- Dried catfish pieces or nuggets
- Dehydrated catfish for human consumption
- Also under 0305.52
- African Dried Catfish
- Vietnamese Dried Tilapia
- Thai Dried Snakehead
- Chinese Dried Eel
- Dried Nile Perch from Uganda
Codes often confused with 0305.52
Common mistake. Dried catfish is frequently misclassified under HS code 0305.49, which is the residual category for smoked fish. If the catfish has undergone any smoking process, it must be moved to the smoked category regardless of its moisture content. Another common error is using HS code 1604.19, which applies to prepared or preserved fish. If the catfish is cooked, breaded, or preserved in oil before being dried, it belongs in Chapter 16 rather than Chapter 3.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030552 (the code used for dried catfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030552 (the code used for dried catfish) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sri Lanka, with 36% 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 030552, not only dried catfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $2.1M 58% of world exports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$611K 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Thailand $215K 6.1% of world exports
World total: $3.5M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sri Lanka $1.8M 36% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.7M 34% of world imports
- 3 Slovenia $595K 12% of world imports
World total: $4.9M 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 dried catfish
Brazil classifies dried catfish under NCM 0305.52.00: HS 0305.52 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dried catfish
What is the HS code for Dried catfish?
The HS code for Dried catfish is 030552 (Fish; dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads). The HS code for dried catfish that has not been smoked is 0305.52.
How do I classify Dried catfish for customs?
Dried catfish is classified under HS code 030552 — Fish; dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include smoked catfish?
No, smoked catfish is classified under HS code 0305.49, as 0305.52 is strictly for fish that is dried but not smoked.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried catfish (HS 030552)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030552 (the code used for dried catfish) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($2.1M, 58% of world exports), the United Arab Emirates (about $611K) and Thailand ($215K). World exports came to about $3.5M, 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 catfish (HS 030552)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030552 (the code used for dried catfish) in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($1.8M, 36% of world imports), the United States ($1.7M) and Slovenia ($595K). World imports came to about $4.9M, 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 catfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030552 for Dried catfish 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 catfish in Brazil?
In Brazil, dried catfish (HS 030552) is classified under NCM 0305.52.00.