Product classification
HS code for Dried eel: 0305.52
Fish, dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads.
Classification of dried eel under HS 0305.52
The classification of dried eel under HS code 030552 is determined by the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) of the Harmonized System, specifically GIR 1 and GIR 6. Chapter 3 of the Nomenclature encompasses fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Within this chapter, heading 0305 is specifically reserved for fish that has been processed through drying, salting, or brining, as well as smoked fish. The subheading 030552 is a specific category for dried fish, excluding fillets, that have not been smoked. This category specifically names eels (Anguilla spp.) alongside other species like tilapias, catfish, and carp. For a product to fall under this code, the eel must be in a dried state, which involves the removal of moisture to a level that inhibits microbial growth, thereby extending shelf life without the need for refrigeration. It is crucial that the eel has not undergone the smoking process, as smoked eels are classified elsewhere under 030549. Furthermore, the product must be whole or in pieces (such as headed or gutted), but not filleted, as fillets are classified under 030531. The classification remains consistent whether or not the fish has been salted, provided the primary preservation method is drying. The Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for heading 0305 clarify that fish remains in this heading even if it has been heat-treated to a limited extent during the drying process, provided it retains the character of dried fish. This code is essential for international trade statistics and the application of customs duties on seafood products.
- Covers
- Whole dried eels (Anguilla spp.)
- Headed and gutted dried eels
- Dried eel pieces with bone-in
- Salted and dried eels (not smoked)
- 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 eel is frequently misclassified under HS code 030531, which is reserved specifically for fish fillets. If the eel has been deboned and sliced into longitudinal strips, it must be moved to 030531. Another common error is using 030549, which covers smoked eels. If any smoking process has occurred, even if the fish is also dried, the smoking takes precedence. Additionally, prepared eel products that are ready-to-eat or canned are classified under 160417.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030552 (the code used for dried eel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030552 (the code used for dried eel) 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 eel.
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 eel
Brazil classifies dried eel 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 eel
What is the HS code for Dried eel?
The HS code for Dried eel is 030552 (Fish; dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads). The HS code for dried eel (whole or in pieces, but not fillets) is 030552.
How do I classify Dried eel for customs?
Dried eel 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 salted dried eel?
Yes, HS code 030552 includes eels that are dried, whether or not they have been salted, as long as they have not been smoked.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried eel (HS 030552)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030552 (the code used for dried eel) 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 eel (HS 030552)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030552 (the code used for dried eel) 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 eel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030552 for Dried eel 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, dried eel (HS 030552) is classified under NCM 0305.52.00.