Product classification
HS code for Salted anchovies: 0305.63
Fish, salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, anchovies (Engrails spp.).
Classification of salted anchovies under HS 0305.63
Salted anchovies are classified under HS code 0305.63. Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System covers fish and crustaceans, and heading 0305 is dedicated to fish that has been dried, salted, or in brine, as well as smoked fish. Subheading 0305.63 specifically identifies anchovies (Engraulis spp.) that have been preserved through salting or immersion in brine but have not been dried or smoked. This classification requires that the fish remain in a state where they are preserved by salt, typically for further processing or direct consumption after rinsing. The fish can be whole, headed, or filleted, provided the preservation method is strictly salting or brining. If the anchovies are preserved in oil or vinegar, or are hermetically sealed in cans for retail sale, they move out of Chapter 3 and into Chapter 16.
- Covers
- Anchovies in brine
- Salt-cured anchovies (not dried)
- Salted anchovy fillets in bulk containers
- Whole salted anchovies
- Anchovies preserved in salt for industrial use
- Also under 0305.63
- Ortiz Anchovies
- Agostino Recca Anchovies
- Don Bocarte Anchovies
- Callipo Anchovies.
Codes often confused with 0305.63
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 1604.16, which covers prepared or preserved anchovies. If the anchovies are in olive oil, tomato sauce, or are canned/jarred as a finished shelf-stable product, they belong in 1604.16. Another error is using 0302.43 (fresh/chilled) or 0303.89 (frozen) if the salt is only used for temporary preservation during transport rather than as a permanent curing method. Dried anchovies are classified under 0305.54.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030563 (the code used for salted anchovies), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030563 (the code used for salted anchovies) in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Albania, with about 29% 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 030563, not only salted anchovies.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Morocco $20M 26% of world exports
- 2 Spain $20M 25% of world exports
- 3 Italy $15M 19% of world exports
World total: $79M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Albania* ~$24M 29% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Italy $19M 24% of world imports
- 3 Morocco $13M 16% of world imports
World total: $82M 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 salted anchovies
Brazil classifies salted anchovies under NCM 0305.63.00: HS 0305.63 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about salted anchovies
What is the HS code for Salted anchovies?
The HS code for Salted anchovies is 030563 (Fish; salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, anchovies (Engrails spp.)). The HS code for anchovies that are salted or in brine (but not dried or smoked) is 0305.63.
How do I classify Salted anchovies for customs?
Salted anchovies is classified under HS code 030563 — Fish; salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, anchovies (Engrails spp.). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are anchovies in oil classified under 0305.63?
No, anchovies preserved in oil are considered "prepared or preserved" and are classified under HS code 1604.16.
Which countries are the top exporters of salted anchovies (HS 030563)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030563 (the code used for salted anchovies) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($20M, 26% of world exports), Spain ($20M) and Italy ($15M). World exports came to about $79M, 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 salted anchovies (HS 030563)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030563 (the code used for salted anchovies) in UN Comtrade data were Albania (about $24M, 29% of world imports), Italy ($19M) and Morocco ($13M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Salted anchovies the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030563 for Salted 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 salted anchovies in Brazil?
In Brazil, salted anchovies (HS 030563) is classified under NCM 0305.63.00.