Product classification

HS code for Salted catfish: 0305.64

Fish, salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads.

Classification of salted catfish under HS 0305.64

Salted catfish is classified under HS code 0305.64. This classification is part of Chapter 3, which encompasses fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0305 is specifically for fish that is dried, salted, or in brine, as well as smoked fish. Subheading 0305.64 is a specific category for catfish (including species of the genera Ictalurus, Pangasius, and Silurus) that are salted or in brine but have not been dried or smoked. The classification follows GRI 1 and 6, focusing on the species and the specific preservation method. It is important to note that this code applies to the whole fish or pieces with bones; it does not apply to fillets. The level of salt must be sufficient to preserve the fish, distinguishing it from fresh or chilled fish that may have a negligible amount of salt added during transport.

Covers
  • Whole salted catfish (Pangasius spp.)
  • Catfish pieces in brine (with bone)
  • Salt-cured Ictalurus species
  • Brined catfish trunks
  • Salted catfish heads for human consumption
Also under 0305.64
  • Vietnamese Salted Tilapia
  • African Salted Catfish
  • Chinese Brined Carp
  • Egyptian Salted Nile Perch.

Codes often confused with 0305.64

Common mistake. Salted catfish is often misclassified under HS code 0303.24, which is for frozen catfish. The difference is the method of preservation; 0303 is for freezing, while 0305 is for salting. Another common error is using HS code 0305.31, which is specifically for catfish fillets. If the product has been deboned and presented as a fillet, it must be moved to 0305.31. Additionally, if the catfish is dried as well as salted, it might be confused with other subheadings, though 0305.64 specifically excludes dried or smoked products. Finally, prepared catfish meals or canned catfish fall under Chapter 16, specifically 1604.19, rather than Chapter 3.

0303.24Fish; frozen, catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.9903.03Fish; frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 030403.05Fish, dried, salted or in brine; smoked fish, whether or not cooked before, or during the smoking process0305.31Fish fillets; dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads1604.19Fish preparations; fish prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced), n.e.c. in heading no. 1604

Top exporters and importers of HS 030564 (the code used for salted catfish), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030564 (the code used for salted catfish) in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% 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 030564, not only salted catfish.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Taiwan* ~$52K
  2. 2 China $45K
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$29K

World total: $164K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $227K
  2. 2 Belgium $206K
  3. 3 Italy $42K

World total: $562K 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 catfish

Brazil classifies salted catfish under NCM 0305.64.00: HS 0305.64 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about salted catfish

What is the HS code for Salted catfish?

The HS code for Salted catfish is 030564 (Fish; salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads). The HS code for salted catfish (not dried or smoked, and not fillets) is 0305.64. This includes species like Pangasius and Ictalurus.

How do I classify Salted catfish for customs?

Salted catfish is classified under HS code 030564 — Fish; salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include dried catfish?

No, HS code 0305.64 is specifically for fish that is salted or in brine but NOT dried or smoked. Dried catfish would typically be classified under a different subheading within 0305, depending on the species and presentation.

Which countries are the top exporters of salted catfish (HS 030564)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030564 (the code used for salted catfish) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $52K, 32% of world exports), China ($45K) and Vietnam (about $29K). World exports came to about $164K, 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 catfish (HS 030564)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 030564 (the code used for salted catfish) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($227K, 40% of world imports), Belgium ($206K) and Italy ($42K). World imports came to about $562K, 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 catfish the same in all countries?

The base HS code 030564 for Salted catfish 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 catfish in Brazil?

In Brazil, salted catfish (HS 030564) is classified under NCM 0305.64.00.