Product classification
HS code for Dried fish fillets: 0305.39
Fish fillets, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.3.
Classification of dried fish fillets under HS 0305.39
Dried fish fillets are classified under HS code 0305.39. This classification falls under Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0305 specifically covers fish that is dried, salted, or in brine. Subheading 0305.39 is designated for fish fillets that have undergone these preservation methods but have not been smoked. According to the HS Explanatory Notes, fillets are defined as strips of meat cut parallel to the backbone, where the head, fins, and bones have been removed. The distinction between a whole dried fish and a dried fillet is critical for legal classification. To remain under this code, the fillets must not be further prepared; for example, they should not be battered, breaded, or fully cooked. This code ensures that customs authorities can distinguish between raw preserved ingredients and processed food preparations, which often carry different duty rates and import restrictions.
- Covers
- Dried cod fillets
- Dried pollock fillets
- Salted and dried snapper fillets
- Dried salmon strips (non-smoked)
- Dried hake fillets
- Also under 0305.39
- Dried salted mackerel in Asian markets
- brined anchovy fillets for culinary use
- traditional dried herring in Northern Europe
- cured barracuda fillets.
Codes often confused with 0305.39
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 0305.59, which is for whole dried fish or pieces that are not fillets. Another frequent error is using HS code 0305.41 or 0305.49, which are reserved for smoked fish. If the dried fillets have been smoked, they must be classified under the smoked fish subheadings. Furthermore, if the fillets are seasoned and sold as a ready-to-eat snack (like fish jerky), they may fall under 1604.19.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030539 (the code used for dried fish fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030539 (the code used for dried fish fillets) in UN Comtrade data was Albania, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 32% 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 030539, not only dried fish fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Albania* ~$31M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Tunisia* ~$19M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Poland $18M 12% of world exports
World total: $153M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $55M 32% of world imports
- 2 Spain $28M 16% of world imports
- 3 Germany $17M 10% of world imports
World total: $174M 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 fish fillets
Brazil classifies dried fish fillets under NCM 0305.39.00: HS 0305.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dried fish fillets
What is the HS code for Dried fish fillets?
The HS code for Dried fish fillets is 030539 (Fish fillets; dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.3). Dried fish fillets that are not smoked are classified under HS code 0305.39.
How do I classify Dried fish fillets for customs?
Dried fish fillets is classified under HS code 030539 — Fish fillets; dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.3. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can dried fillets be salted under this code?
Yes, HS code 0305.39 covers fillets that are dried, salted, or in brine, as long as they are not smoked.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried fish fillets (HS 030539)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030539 (the code used for dried fish fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Albania (about $31M, 20% of world exports), Tunisia (about $19M) and Poland ($18M). World exports came to about $153M, 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 fish fillets (HS 030539)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030539 (the code used for dried fish fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($55M, 32% of world imports), Spain ($28M) and Germany ($17M). World imports came to about $174M, 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 fish fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030539 for Dried fish 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 fish fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, dried fish fillets (HS 030539) is classified under NCM 0305.39.00.