Product classification
HS code for Dried fish: 0305.59
Fish, dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5.
Classification of dried fish under HS 0305.59
Dried fish is classified under HS code 0305.59 according to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. This code is situated within Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans. Specifically, heading 0305 is dedicated to fish that has been dried, salted, or in brine, as well as smoked fish. Subheading 0305.59 acts as a residual category for species not specifically named in the preceding subheadings (such as cod, anchovies, or tilapia). To qualify for this classification, the fish must be dried whole or in pieces (but not as fillets) to a point where it is preserved for extended periods without refrigeration. The drying process can be achieved through natural sun-drying or mechanical dehydration. It is important that the fish has not been smoked, as smoking would necessitate a different classification under subheading 0305.4x. This code is essential for customs to apply correct tariff rates and monitor food safety standards for imported seafood products.
- Covers
- Dried whole tilapia
- Dried shark fins (where not specifically excluded)
- Dried catfish pieces
- Dried carp and other freshwater fish
- Dried saltwater fish not elsewhere specified
- Also under 0305.59
- Various bulk dried fish suppliers
- regional specialty food producers
- pet food ingredient suppliers
- Asian and African market distributors
Codes often confused with 0305.59
Common mistake. Dried fish is frequently misclassified under HS code 0305.39, which is reserved specifically for fish fillets. Another common error is using HS code 1604.19, which applies to prepared or preserved fish. If the fish has been cooked, seasoned with spices, or canned, it must be moved to Chapter 16. Additionally, if the fish is smoked in addition to being dried, it must be classified under 0305.49.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030559 (the code used for dried fish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030559 (the code used for dried fish) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% 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 030559, not only dried fish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$138M 34% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $86M 21% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $25M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $401M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $107M 29% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $35M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Jamaica $24M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $367M 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
Brazil classifies dried fish under NCM 0305.59.00: HS 0305.59 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
What is the HS code for Dried fish?
The HS code for Dried fish is 030559 (Fish; dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5). The primary HS code for dried fish (excluding fillets and specific species like cod) is 0305.59.
How do I classify Dried fish for customs?
Dried fish is classified under HS code 030559 — Fish; dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include salted fish?
Yes, HS code 0305.59 includes fish that is dried, whether or not it has been salted, provided it has not been smoked.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried fish (HS 030559)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030559 (the code used for dried fish) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $138M, 34% of world exports), China ($86M) and Thailand ($25M). World exports came to about $401M, 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 (HS 030559)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030559 (the code used for dried fish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($107M, 29% of world imports), Malaysia ($35M) and Jamaica ($24M). World imports came to about $367M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030559 for Dried fish 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, dried fish (HS 030559) is classified under NCM 0305.59.00.