Product classification
HS code for Fresh anchovies: 0302.42
Fish, fresh or chilled, anchovies (Engraulis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh anchovies under HS 0302.42
Fresh anchovies are classified under HS code 0302.42. This code is part of Chapter 3 (Fish and crustaceans) and Heading 0302, which covers fish, fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. The subheading 0302.42 is specific to anchovies of the genus Engraulis. These are small, oily forage fish that are widely traded for both direct human consumption and industrial use. The classification requires the product to be in a fresh or chilled state, typically preserved on ice or in refrigerated containers at temperatures near freezing. If the anchovies are processed beyond simple chilling—such as being dried, salted, or smoked—they are excluded from this heading and moved to heading 0305. Similarly, if they are prepared or preserved in oil or cans, they fall under heading 1604. The 0302.42 code is used to monitor the trade of fresh anchovies, which is vital for managing pelagic fish stocks and ensuring that health and safety standards for fresh seafood are met during cross-border transit.
- Covers
- Fresh European anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus)
- Chilled Japanese anchovies (Engraulis japonicus)
- Fresh whole anchovies on ice
- Chilled gutted anchovies
- Fresh Argentine anchovies (Engraulis anchoita)
- Also under 0302.42
- Cantabrian Anchovies
- Peruvian Anchoveta
- Moroccan Anchovies
- Italian Anchovies
Codes often confused with 0302.42
Common mistake. Anchovies are often misclassified when they have been preserved. Salted or brined anchovies, which are very common, should be classified under 0305.63, not 0302.42. Canned anchovies or those preserved in oil are classified under 1604.16. Furthermore, other small pelagic fish like herrings (0302.41) or sardines (0302.43) are frequently confused with anchovies due to their similar size and appearance. It is crucial to identify the genus Engraulis to correctly apply the 0302.42 code. Frozen anchovies are also excluded and fall under 0303.59.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030242 (the code used for fresh anchovies), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030242 (the code used for fresh anchovies) in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 39% 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 030242, not only fresh anchovies.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Portugal $27M 33% of world exports
- 2 Spain $22M 27% of world exports
- 3 Italy $18M 22% of world exports
World total: $82M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $28M 39% of world imports
- 2 Italy $15M 22% of world imports
- 3 Morocco $6.5M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $71M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 fresh anchovies
Brazil splits HS 0302.42 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0302.42.10Fresh or chilled Argentine anchovy
- 0302.42.90Other fresh or chilled anchovies
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh anchovies
What is the HS code for Fresh anchovies?
The HS code for Fresh anchovies is 030242 (Fish; fresh or chilled, anchovies (Engraulis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled anchovies (Engraulis spp.) is 0302.42.
How do I classify Fresh anchovies for customs?
Fresh anchovies is classified under HS code 030242 — Fish; fresh or chilled, anchovies (Engraulis spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What code is used for anchovies in olive oil?
Anchovies prepared or preserved in oil are classified under HS code 1604.16, as they are considered a prepared fish product.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh anchovies (HS 030242)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030242 (the code used for fresh anchovies) in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($27M, 33% of world exports), Spain ($22M) and Italy ($18M). World exports came to about $82M, 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 fresh anchovies (HS 030242)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030242 (the code used for fresh anchovies) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($28M, 39% of world imports), Italy ($15M) and Morocco ($6.5M). World imports came to about $71M, 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 Fresh anchovies the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030242 for Fresh anchovies 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 fresh anchovies in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030242 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for fresh anchovies depends on the product's details: 0302.42.10 (Fresh or chilled Argentine anchovy), 0302.42.90 (Other fresh or chilled anchovies).