Product classification
HS code for Frozen sprats: 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 sprats under HS 0303.53
Frozen sprats are classified under HS code 0303.53. This code is part of Chapter 3, which covers fish and aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0303 is reserved for fish, frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. The subheading 0303.53 specifically groups sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), and brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus). To qualify for this code, the sprats must be whole or headed and gutted, but not filleted. The freezing process must be the primary method of preservation. If the fish were fresh or chilled, they would fall under 0302. If they were processed into fillets, they would move to 0304. This classification is essential for international trade statistics and the application of customs duties, as small pelagic fish like sprats are often subject to specific quotas or sanitary regulations. The classification is based on the biological genus and species, and the presentation of the fish. Sprats are often traded in bulk for both human consumption and industrial use, but the HS code remains the same provided they are edible and frozen. Proper documentation must specify the scientific name Sprattus sprattus to avoid confusion with other small fish species that may have different duty rates or import restrictions.
- Covers
- Whole frozen sprats
- Headed and gutted (H&G) frozen sprats
- Frozen brisling
- Frozen sprats for human consumption
- Bulk frozen sprats for processing
- 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. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 0304.99, which is used if the sprats are presented as minced meat or fillets. Another frequent error is using 1604.13, which is reserved for sardines and sprats that have been prepared or preserved, such as those in oil or tomato sauce in cans. Furthermore, frozen sprats are sometimes confused with frozen anchovies, which are classified under 0303.59. It is critical to distinguish between these species as they fall under different subheadings within the 0303 group.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030353 (the code used for frozen sprats), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030353 (the code used for frozen sprats) 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 sprats.
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 sprats
Brazil classifies frozen sprats 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 sprats
What is the HS code for Frozen sprats?
The HS code for Frozen sprats 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 sprats is 0303.53.
How do I classify Frozen sprats for customs?
Frozen sprats 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 canned sprats covered under this code?
No, canned sprats are considered prepared or preserved and are classified under HS code 1604.13.
Which countries are the top exporters of frozen sprats (HS 030353)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030353 (the code used for frozen sprats) 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 sprats (HS 030353)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030353 (the code used for frozen sprats) 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 sprats the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030353 for Frozen 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 frozen sprats in Brazil?
In Brazil, frozen sprats (HS 030353) is classified under NCM 0303.53.00.