Product classification
HS code for Fish heads: 0305.72
Fish, edible offal, fish heads, tails and maws.
Classification of fish heads under HS 0305.72
HS code 0305.72 is utilized for fish heads, tails, and maws that have been preserved through drying, salting, or smoking. Chapter 3, Heading 0305 covers fish that is processed to extend shelf life beyond simple chilling or freezing. Subheading 0305.72 specifically identifies these anatomical parts when presented in these preserved states. The classification depends on the state of preservation; a fish head that is heavily salted or dried to ensure stability at ambient temperatures is distinct from a fresh head. This code is essential for the trade of specialty seafood products used in traditional culinary applications or for protein extraction. The 'edible offal' designation ensures the product is fit for human consumption, distinguishing it from industrial-grade fish waste. Accurate classification ensures that these by-products are tracked correctly in trade statistics, reflecting their value as food resources.
- Covers
- Dried cod heads
- Salted salmon heads
- Smoked fish tails
- Dried fish maws
- Fish heads in brine
- Also under 0305.72
- Dried Croaker Maws
- Frozen Salmon Heads for soup
- Cod Tails for stock
- Red Snapper Heads for curry.
Codes often confused with 0305.72
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 0302.99 (fresh or chilled heads) or 0303.99 (frozen heads). If the heads are not dried, salted, or smoked, they cannot stay in 0305.72. Additionally, fish maws are sometimes incorrectly placed in 0511.91 if they are intended for industrial use rather than human consumption.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030572 (the code used for fish heads), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030572 (the code used for fish heads) in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 34% 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 030572, not only fish heads.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hong Kong $122M 24% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$82M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Iceland $57M 11% of world exports
World total: $500M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $201M 34% of world imports
- 2 Macao $169M 29% of world imports
- 3 China $135M 23% of world imports
World total: $589M 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 fish heads
Brazil classifies fish heads under NCM 0305.72.00: HS 0305.72 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fish heads
What is the HS code for Fish heads?
The HS code for Fish heads is 030572 (Fish; edible offal, fish heads, tails and maws). For dried, salted, or smoked fish heads, the HS code is 0305.72. Fresh heads are 0302.99 and frozen heads are 0303.99.
How do I classify Fish heads for customs?
Fish heads is classified under HS code 030572 — Fish; edible offal, fish heads, tails and maws. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include fish maws?
Yes, edible fish maws that are dried, salted, in brine, or smoked are specifically included under subheading 0305.72.
Which countries are the top exporters of fish heads (HS 030572)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030572 (the code used for fish heads) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($122M, 24% of world exports), Vietnam (about $82M) and Iceland ($57M). World exports came to about $500M, 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 fish heads (HS 030572)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030572 (the code used for fish heads) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($201M, 34% of world imports), Macao ($169M) and China ($135M). World imports came to about $589M, 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 Fish heads the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030572 for Fish heads 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 fish heads in Brazil?
In Brazil, fish heads (HS 030572) is classified under NCM 0305.72.00.