Product classification
HS code for Fresh sprats: 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 sprats under HS 0302.43
Fresh sprats (Sprattus sprattus) are classified under HS code 030243. This code is part of Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Specifically, heading 0302 refers to fish that are fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Subheading 030243 groups sprats together with sardines, sardinella, and brisling. The classification is determined by the biological species and the preservation method. Sprats are small pelagic fish, and for customs purposes, they must be presented whole or headed/gutted but not filleted to remain within this heading. Chilling refers to the process of reducing the temperature of the fish to near 0°C (32°F) without freezing it. This code is essential for monitoring trade in small forage fish, which are vital for both human consumption and the production of fishmeal, though this specific code focuses on the fresh food market.
- Covers
- Fresh whole sprats (Sprattus sprattus)
- Chilled sprats, gutted or headed
- Fresh brisling (a common name for sprats)
- Fresh sardines (Sardina pilchardus)
- Fresh sardinella (Sardinella spp.)
- Also under 0302.43
- Moroccan Sardines
- Portuguese Sardines
- California Sardines
- Baltic Sprats
Codes often confused with 0302.43
Common mistake. Sprats are often confused with HS code 030353, which is the classification for frozen sprats and sardines. The physical state (fresh vs. frozen) is the primary differentiator. Additionally, if the sprats are processed into fillets, they must be moved to heading 0304. If they are dried, salted, or smoked, they fall under heading 0305. Prepared or preserved sprats (such as those in oil or tomato sauce in cans) are classified under HS code 160413.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030243 (the code used for fresh sprats), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030243 (the code used for fresh sprats) 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 sprats.
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 sprats
Brazil classifies fresh sprats 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 sprats
What is the HS code for Fresh sprats?
The HS code for Fresh sprats 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 sprats, along with sardines and sardinella, is 030243.
How do I classify Fresh sprats for customs?
Fresh sprats 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 sprats covered under this code?
No, canned sprats are considered prepared or preserved fish and are classified under HS code 160413.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh sprats (HS 030243)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030243 (the code used for fresh sprats) 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 sprats (HS 030243)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030243 (the code used for fresh sprats) 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 sprats the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030243 for Fresh sprats 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 sprats in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh sprats (HS 030243) is classified under NCM 0302.43.00.