Product classification
HS code for Fresh sardines: 0302.43
Fish, fresh or chilled, sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99.
Classification of fresh sardines under HS 0302.43
Fresh sardines, sardinella, and brisling or sprats are classified under HS code 0302.43. This classification falls under Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System, which deals with fish and crustaceans. Heading 0302 is dedicated to fresh or chilled fish, and the 0302.4x series specifically covers small pelagic fish like herrings, anchovies, and sardines. Subheading 0302.43 includes several genera, most notably Sardina, Sardinops, and Sardinella, as well as Sprattus sprattus (brisling or sprats). To be classified here, the fish must be fresh or chilled and presented either whole, headed, or gutted. If the sardines are processed into fillets, they move to heading 0304. If they are preserved in oil or canned, they move to heading 1604. This code is essential for trade monitoring, as sardines are a major commodity in the global fishing industry and are subject to various health certifications and fishing quotas depending on the country of origin.
- Covers
- Fresh Sardina pilchardus (European sardine)
- Chilled Sardinops species (e.g., Pacific sardine)
- Fresh Sardinella species
- Chilled Sprattus sprattus (brisling or sprats)
- Whole fresh sardines for retail or processing
- Also under 0302.43
- Moroccan Sardines
- Portuguese Sardines
- California Sardines
- Baltic Sprats
Codes often confused with 0302.43
Common mistake. Sardines are frequently misclassified under 1604.13 if they are canned or otherwise prepared, which is a very common trade form. Another error is using 0303.53, which is the code for frozen sardines. Importers also sometimes confuse sardines with herrings (0302.41) or anchovies (0302.44) due to their similar appearance; however, the HS system provides distinct codes for each of these small pelagic species based on their biological genus.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030243 (the code used for fresh sardines), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030243 (the code used for fresh sardines) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 19% 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 030243, not only fresh sardines.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $23M 22% of world exports
- 2 Portugal $14M 14% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $13M 13% of world exports
World total: $104M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $18M 19% of world imports
- 2 Portugal $15M 17% of world imports
- 3 France $9.8M 11% of world imports
World total: $91M 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 code for fresh sardines
Brazil classifies fresh sardines under NCM 0302.43.00: HS 0302.43 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh sardines
What is the HS code for Fresh sardines?
The HS code for Fresh sardines is 030243 (Fish; fresh or chilled, sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99). The HS code for fresh or chilled sardines, sardinella, and brisling or sprats is 0302.43.
How do I classify Fresh sardines for customs?
Fresh sardines is classified under HS code 030243 — Fish; fresh or chilled, sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), 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.
Are canned sardines covered under 0302.43?
No, canned sardines are considered prepared or preserved fish and are classified under HS code 1604.13.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh sardines (HS 030243)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030243 (the code used for fresh sardines) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($23M, 22% of world exports), Portugal ($14M) and Sweden ($13M). World exports came to about $104M, 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 sardines (HS 030243)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030243 (the code used for fresh sardines) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($18M, 19% of world imports), Portugal ($15M) and France ($9.8M). World imports came to about $91M, 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 sardines the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030243 for Fresh sardines 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 sardines in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh sardines (HS 030243) is classified under NCM 0302.43.00.