Product classification
HS code for Fish roe: 0305.20
Fish, livers, roes and milt of fish, dried, smoked, salted or in brine.
Classification of fish roe under HS 0305.20
The classification of fish roe under HS code 0305.20 is determined by the specific state of the product and the preservation methods employed. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System encompasses fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Within this chapter, heading 0305 is reserved for fish that has been dried, salted, or in brine, as well as smoked fish, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process. Subheading 0305.20 specifically identifies livers, roes, and milt of fish that have undergone these specific preservation processes. To qualify for this code, the roe must not be prepared or preserved in a manner that would classify it as caviar or caviar substitutes, which are found in Chapter 16. The classification relies on General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 0305.20 explicitly mentions dried, salted, or brined roes, it takes precedence over more general categories. The processing must be sufficient to ensure preservation but must not involve the addition of other ingredients like oils, sauces, or extensive seasonings that would transform the product into a prepared foodstuff. This code is essential for traders dealing in traditional preserved seafood products that are not yet fully processed into gourmet caviar.
- Covers
- Salted salmon roe intended for further processing
- Dried cod roe used in traditional Mediterranean or Asian cuisine
- Smoked herring roe
- Fish milt preserved in brine
- Livers of fish, dried or salted
- 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. Fish roe is frequently misclassified under HS code 1604.31 or 1604.32. These codes are specifically for caviar and caviar substitutes that have been prepared or preserved beyond simple salting or drying, such as being seasoned, flavored, or packaged for retail as a finished delicacy. Additionally, fresh or chilled roe should be classified under 0302.91, while frozen roe falls under 0303.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030520 (the code used for fish roe), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030520 (the code used for 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 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 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 fish roe
What is the HS code for Fish roe?
The HS code for Fish roe is 030520 (Fish; livers, roes and milt of fish, dried, smoked, salted or in brine). The HS code for fish roe that has been dried, salted, smoked, or kept in brine is 0305.20. If the roe is fresh, chilled, or frozen, different subheadings in Chapter 03 apply.
How do I classify Fish roe for customs?
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.
What is the difference between 0305.20 and 1604.31?
Code 0305.20 is for roe preserved by basic methods like salting or drying, whereas 1604.31 is specifically for Sturgeon caviar that has been fully prepared as a food product.
Which countries are the top exporters of fish roe (HS 030520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030520 (the code used for 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 fish roe (HS 030520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030520 (the code used for 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 Fish roe the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030520 for 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 fish roe in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030520 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for 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).