Product classification
HS code for Dried fish roe: 0305.20
Fish, livers, roes and milt of fish, dried, smoked, salted or in brine.
Classification of dried fish roe under HS 0305.20
Dried fish roe is classified under HS code 0305.20. This classification is part of Chapter 3, which encompasses fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0305 covers fish that has been preserved through drying, salting, brining, or smoking. Subheading 0305.20 specifically targets the edible offal of fish, including livers, roes, and milt, that have been preserved using these methods. This code is often used for products like dried mullet roe (bottarga) or salted cod roe. The classification is dependent on the roe being in a state that is not "prepared or preserved" beyond the basic methods mentioned. If the roe is processed into caviar or caviar substitutes (which involves seasoning, coloring, or other preparations), it is classified under heading 1604. Furthermore, if the roe is simply fresh, chilled, or frozen without being dried or salted, it would be classified under 0302 or 0303. Accurate classification is vital because 0305.20 typically carries different duty rates and regulatory requirements compared to processed caviar found in Chapter 16.
- Covers
- Dried mullet roe (Bottarga)
- Salted and dried cod roe
- Dried herring roe
- Smoked fish roe (if not further prepared)
- Also under 0305.20
- Bottarga (mullet roe)
- Tarama (cod roe spread)
- smoked herring roe
- salted cod milt
- Keta salmon roe (ikura)
- Icelandic dried cod liver.
Codes often confused with 0305.20
Common mistake. Dried fish roe is frequently misclassified under HS codes 1604.31 or 1604.32. These codes are reserved for caviar (sturgeon roe) and caviar substitutes (other fish roe) that have been prepared, such as by adding flavorings or preservatives beyond salt. Another common error is using 0302.91 or 0303.91, which are for fresh or frozen fish roe. The transition from Chapter 3 to Chapter 16 depends on the degree of processing; simple salting and drying remain in 0305, while complex preparation moves the product to 1604.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030520 (the code used for dried fish roe), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030520 (the code used for dried fish roe) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 47% 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 030520, not only dried fish roe.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $33M 19% of world exports
- 2 China $30M 17% of world exports
- 3 Peru* ~$20M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $171M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $93M 47% of world imports
- 2 China $23M 12% of world imports
- 3 Sweden $13M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $197M 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 codes for dried fish roe
Brazil splits HS 0305.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0305.20.10Dried, salted or smoked mullet roe
- 0305.20.90Other cured fish livers, roes and milt
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dried fish roe
What is the HS code for Dried fish roe?
The HS code for Dried fish roe is 030520 (Fish; livers, roes and milt of fish, dried, smoked, salted or in brine). The standard HS code for dried, salted, or smoked fish roe is 0305.20.
How do I classify Dried fish roe for customs?
Dried fish roe is classified under HS code 030520 — Fish; livers, roes and milt of fish, dried, smoked, salted or in brine. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is caviar classified under the same code as dried roe?
No, caviar and its substitutes are classified under heading 1604, as they are considered prepared or preserved fish products.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried fish roe (HS 030520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030520 (the code used for dried fish roe) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($33M, 19% of world exports), China ($30M) and Peru (about $20M). World exports came to about $171M, 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 roe (HS 030520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030520 (the code used for dried fish roe) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($93M, 47% of world imports), China ($23M) and Sweden ($13M). World imports came to about $197M, 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 roe the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030520 for Dried fish roe 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 roe in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030520 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for dried fish roe depends on the product's details: 0305.20.10 (Dried, salted or smoked mullet roe), 0305.20.90 (Other cured fish livers, roes and milt).