Product classification
HS code for Dried tilapia: 0305.52
Fish, dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads.
Classification of dried tilapia under HS 0305.52
Dried tilapia is classified under HS code 0305.52. This code is part of the broader heading 0305, which covers fish that is dried, salted, or in brine, as well as smoked fish. Specifically, 0305.52 is reserved for dried fish of the species Oreochromis (tilapia), excluding those that are smoked. The classification depends on the fish being dried (whether or not salted) but not undergoing the smoking process, which would move it to a different subheading (0305.49). This code is used for both whole fish and fish fillets that have been dehydrated to prevent spoilage. It is crucial to distinguish these from "prepared" fish products; if the tilapia is breaded, battered, or preserved in oil or tomato sauce, it must be classified under heading 1604. The use of 0305.52 ensures that the product is recognized as a primary fishery product rather than a processed food preparation, which affects both duty rates and the type of health certificates required for import.
- Covers
- Dried whole tilapia (unsalted)
- Dried salted tilapia
- Dried tilapia fillets
- Tilapia pieces, dried and salted
- 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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with smoked tilapia, which belongs under HS code 0305.49. Another error is using 0305.31, which is specifically for fish fillets that are dried, salted, or in brine but specifically for tilapia, catfish, carp, etc., when they are in fillet form—however, 0305.52 is the more specific code for the dried state of these species. Finally, frozen tilapia is classified under 0303.23 and should not be confused with dried products.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030552 (the code used for dried tilapia), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030552 (the code used for dried tilapia) 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 tilapia.
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 tilapia
Brazil classifies dried tilapia 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 tilapia
What is the HS code for Dried tilapia?
The HS code for Dried tilapia is 030552 (Fish; dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads). The HS code for dried tilapia, whether or not salted but not smoked, is 0305.52.
How do I classify Dried tilapia for customs?
Dried tilapia 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 cover tilapia jerky?
If the tilapia jerky is simply dried and salted fish, it stays in 0305.52. However, if it has been marinated with sugar, spices, and other flavorings and cooked during the drying process, it is likely classified under 1604.19 as a prepared fish product.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried tilapia (HS 030552)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030552 (the code used for dried tilapia) 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 tilapia (HS 030552)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030552 (the code used for dried tilapia) 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 tilapia the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030552 for Dried tilapia 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 tilapia in Brazil?
In Brazil, dried tilapia (HS 030552) is classified under NCM 0305.52.00.