Product classification
HS code for Dried eel fillets: 0305.31
Fish fillets, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads.
Classification of dried eel fillets under HS 0305.31
Dried eel fillets are classified under HS code 0305.31. This classification falls under Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0305 is specifically for fish that is dried, salted, or in brine, and smoked fish. Subheading 0305.31 is a specific category for fillets of tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads that have been dried, salted, or in brine, but not smoked. A "fillet" is defined as the meat of the fish obtained by cutting parallel to the backbone, which distinguishes it from whole fish or fish pieces with bones. The classification is highly specific to the species (eels) and the processing method (dried, salted, or in brine but not smoked). If the eel fillets were smoked, they would be classified under 0305.49. If they were prepared or preserved in other ways, such as being canned in oil or marinated, they would move to heading 1604. This level of specificity allows for precise tariff application and monitoring of fish stocks and trade patterns across international borders.
- Covers
- Dried eel fillets (Anguilla spp.)
- Salted eel fillets, not smoked
- Eel fillets preserved in brine, not smoked
- Dehydrated eel meat slices without bones
- Also under 0305.31
- Dried salted tilapia from Africa
- Vietnamese dried catfish fillets
- traditional European salted carp
- dried eel snacks in Asia
- cured Nile perch fillets.
Codes often confused with 0305.31
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 0305.49, which is used for smoked eel. Because many dried fish products are also smoked, importers often fail to distinguish between simple drying and the smoking process. Additionally, HS code 1604.17 is often incorrectly used; this code is for eels that are "prepared or preserved," which includes eels that have been cooked, skinned, or packed in sauces or oil. Finally, if the eel is dried whole rather than as a fillet, it should be classified under 0305.59.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030531 (the code used for dried eel fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030531 (the code used for dried eel fillets) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 59% 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 030531, not only dried eel fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $548K 19% of world exports
- 2 United States $491K 17% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $436K 15% of world exports
World total: $2.9M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.5M 59% of world imports
- 2 Italy $855K 11% of world imports
- 3 Uganda $348K 4.5% of world imports
World total: $7.7M 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 dried eel fillets
Brazil classifies dried eel fillets under NCM 0305.31.00: HS 0305.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dried eel fillets
What is the HS code for Dried eel fillets?
The HS code for Dried eel fillets is 030531 (Fish fillets; dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads). Dried eel fillets that have not been smoked are classified under HS code 0305.31.
How do I classify Dried eel fillets for customs?
Dried eel fillets is classified under HS code 030531 — Fish fillets; dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to smoked eel?
No, smoked eel is excluded from 0305.31 and must be classified under HS code 0305.49.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried eel fillets (HS 030531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030531 (the code used for dried eel fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($548K, 19% of world exports), the United States ($491K) and South Africa ($436K). World exports came to about $2.9M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of dried eel fillets (HS 030531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030531 (the code used for dried eel fillets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.5M, 59% of world imports), Italy ($855K) and Uganda ($348K). World imports came to about $7.7M, 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 eel fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030531 for Dried eel fillets 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 eel fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, dried eel fillets (HS 030531) is classified under NCM 0305.31.00.