Product classification
HS code for Frozen sardines: 0303.53
Fish, frozen, 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 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Classification of frozen sardines under HS 0303.53
Frozen sardines are classified under HS code 0303.53. This code is part of the 0303 heading, which encompasses frozen fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Subheading 0303.53 is a specific provision for sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), and brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus). Classification is determined by the biological species and the state of preservation. To qualify for this code, the fish must be frozen and presented whole or minimally processed (such as gutted or headed). The inclusion of multiple genera like Sardina, Sardinops, and Sardinella, along with sprats, under a single subheading simplifies the classification of these small pelagic fish which are often traded in bulk for both human consumption and bait. The Harmonized System groups these species together due to their similar commercial use and biological characteristics. If these fish were processed into fillets, they would be moved to heading 0304, and if they were canned, they would fall under Chapter 16.
- Covers
- Frozen Sardina pilchardus
- Frozen Sardinops species
- Frozen Sardinella species
- Frozen brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus)
- Frozen whole sardines for bait
- Also under 0303.53
- Pescanova Frozen Sardines
- Australis Seafoods Frozen Sardinella
- COPEINCA Frozen Sprats
- Conservera Gallega Frozen Sardines
- King Oscar Frozen Sprats
Codes often confused with 0303.53
Common mistake. Frozen sardines are often confused with HS code 1604.13, which is for prepared or preserved sardines (typically canned in oil or sauce). They may also be misclassified under 0302.43 if they are fresh or chilled rather than frozen. Sprats are sometimes incorrectly placed in general fish categories instead of 0303.53.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030353 (the code used for frozen sardines), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030353 (the code used for frozen sardines) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 11% of world imports. Mauritania did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 23% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 030353, not only frozen sardines.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $139M 19% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$73M 10% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Mauritania* ~$68M 9.4% of world exports · partner records ↗
Mauritania did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 23% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $722M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $81M 11% of world imports
- 2 Côte d'Ivoire $79M 11% of world imports
- 3 Spain $58M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $725M 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 frozen sardines
Brazil classifies frozen sardines under NCM 0303.53.00: HS 0303.53 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about frozen sardines
What is the HS code for Frozen sardines?
The HS code for Frozen sardines is 030353 (Fish; frozen, 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 0303.91 to 0303.99). The HS code for frozen sardines, sardinella, and sprats is 0303.53.
How do I classify Frozen sardines for customs?
Frozen sardines is classified under HS code 030353 — Fish; frozen, 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 0303.91 to 0303.99. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are sprats classified differently than sardines?
No, under the current Harmonized System, sprats (Sprattus sprattus) are classified under the same subheading as sardines, which is 0303.53.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen sardines (HS 030353)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030353 (the code used for frozen sardines) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($139M, 19% of world exports), Russia (about $73M) and Mauritania (about $68M). World exports came to about $722M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mauritania did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 23% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of frozen sardines (HS 030353)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030353 (the code used for frozen sardines) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($81M, 11% of world imports), Côte d'Ivoire ($79M) and Spain ($58M). World imports came to about $725M, 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 Frozen sardines the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030353 for Frozen 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 frozen sardines in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen sardines (HS 030353) is classified under NCM 0303.53.00.