Product classification
HS code for Fish maws: 0305.72
Fish, edible offal, fish heads, tails and maws.
Classification of fish maws under HS 0305.72
HS Code 030572 specifically covers fish maws, which are the swim bladders of fish, when they are presented in a dried, salted, or in-brine state. Fish maws are considered edible offal and are highly prized in various Asian cuisines for their texture and perceived health benefits. Heading 0305 covers fish that is dried, salted, or in brine, as well as smoked fish. The classification of maws under 030572 is determined by the preservation method; the drying process is the most common form for international trade. This code was specifically introduced to provide better granularity for these high-value items, which were previously grouped with other fish waste or offal. The product must be fit for human consumption to remain within this heading; otherwise, it would fall into Chapter 5.
- Covers
- Dried sturgeon maws
- Salted croaker maws
- Dried catfish swim bladders
- Fish maws in brine
- Dried sea bass maws
- 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. Fish maws are often misclassified under HS code 051191, which covers fish waste or non-edible fish products. However, since maws are intended for human consumption, 030572 is the correct code. Another confusion arises with HS code 1604 if the maws have been cooked or prepared as a ready-to-eat dish. Fresh or chilled maws should be classified under 030299, and frozen maws under 030399, as 030572 is strictly for dried, salted, or brined versions.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030572 (the code used for fish maws), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030572 (the code used for fish maws) 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 maws.
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 maws
Brazil classifies fish maws 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 maws
What is the HS code for Fish maws?
The HS code for Fish maws is 030572 (Fish; edible offal, fish heads, tails and maws). The HS code for dried, salted, or brined fish maws is 030572.
How do I classify Fish maws for customs?
Fish maws is classified under HS code 030572 — Fish; edible offal, fish heads, tails and maws. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are fresh fish maws classified under 030572?
No, 030572 is only for dried, salted, or brined maws. Fresh or chilled maws are typically classified under the general edible offal codes in heading 0302.
Which countries are the top exporters of fish maws (HS 030572)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030572 (the code used for fish maws) 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 maws (HS 030572)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030572 (the code used for fish maws) 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 maws the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030572 for Fish maws 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 maws in Brazil?
In Brazil, fish maws (HS 030572) is classified under NCM 0305.72.00.