Product classification
HS code for Salted dried fish: 0305.59
Fish, dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5.
Classification of salted dried fish under HS 0305.59
Salted dried fish is classified under HS code 0305.59, which serves as a residual category for dried fish within the Harmonized System. Heading 0305 covers fish that is dried, salted, or in brine, as well as smoked fish. The subheading 0305.5 covers dried fish that has not been smoked. While specific subheadings like 0305.51 exist for cod and 0305.54 for herrings, 0305.59 is used for "other" species not elsewhere specified (n.e.c.). The inclusion of salt during the drying process does not change this classification, as the code explicitly covers fish that is "dried, whether or not salted." This classification is critical for trade statistics as it distinguishes simple preserved fish from more complex preparations found in Chapter 16. To fall under this code, the fish must be dried to a point where it is shelf-stable, distinguishing it from "salted fish" that is still moist, which would fall under 0305.6.
- Covers
- Dried salted mackerel (not elsewhere specified)
- Dried salted croaker or yellow croaker
- Dried salted ribbonfish or hairtail
- Dried salted shark fins (if not in other specific codes)
- Dried salted fish heads and tails (if not offal)
- Also under 0305.59
- Various bulk dried fish suppliers
- regional specialty food producers
- pet food ingredient suppliers
- Asian and African market distributors
Codes often confused with 0305.59
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0305.69, which is for fish that is salted or in brine but NOT dried. If the fish has been dried to reduce its weight and increase shelf life, 0305.59 is the correct choice. Additionally, importers often confuse this with 1604.19, which covers prepared or preserved fish. If the fish is merely dried and salted without being cooked, canned, or marinated in oil/sauce, it must remain in Chapter 3 under 0305.59.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030559 (the code used for salted dried fish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030559 (the code used for salted dried fish) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 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 030559, not only salted dried fish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$138M 34% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $86M 21% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $25M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $401M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $107M 29% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $35M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Jamaica $24M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $367M 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 dried fish
Brazil classifies salted dried fish under NCM 0305.59.00: HS 0305.59 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about salted dried fish
What is the HS code for Salted dried fish?
The HS code for Salted dried fish is 030559 (Fish; dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5). The HS code for salted dried fish (not specifically named elsewhere) is 0305.59.
How do I classify Salted dried fish for customs?
Salted dried fish is classified under HS code 030559 — Fish; dried, whether or not salted but not smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.5. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is dried salted cod included in 0305.59?
No, dried salted cod is specifically classified under HS code 0305.51. Code 0305.59 is only for species not listed in the 0305.51-0305.54 range.
Which countries are the top exporters of salted dried fish (HS 030559)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030559 (the code used for salted dried fish) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $138M, 34% of world exports), China ($86M) and Thailand ($25M). World exports came to about $401M, 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 dried fish (HS 030559)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030559 (the code used for salted dried fish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($107M, 29% of world imports), Malaysia ($35M) and Jamaica ($24M). World imports came to about $367M, 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 dried fish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030559 for Salted dried fish 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 dried fish in Brazil?
In Brazil, salted dried fish (HS 030559) is classified under NCM 0305.59.00.