Product classification
HS code for Salted eel: 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 eel under HS 0305.64
Salted eel is classified under HS code 0305.64. This classification is determined by the state of the fish and the method of preservation. Heading 0305 is reserved for fish that has been processed for preservation but remains within the scope of Chapter 3. Subheading 0305.6 covers fish that is salted or in brine but has not been dried or smoked. Specifically, 0305.64 is the designated code for eels (Anguilla spp.). To qualify for this code, the eel must be preserved primarily by salt or brine. If the eel were to be smoked, it would move to 0305.49, and if it were dried, it would fall under 0305.59. The distinction ensures that the level of processing is accurately captured for customs and regulatory purposes. This code is used for eels that are typically traded in barrels or large containers in a brine solution, intended for further culinary use or retail packaging that does not involve heat-treatment or saucing.
- Covers
- Salted freshwater eels (Anguilla spp.)
- Eels preserved in a saturated brine solution
- Salted marine eels (if Anguilla spp.)
- Eel pieces, salted but not dried or smoked
- Whole eels, gutted and salted for preservation
- 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 eel is often misclassified under 0305.49, which is the code for smoked fish, including smoked eels. Because many eel products are smoked, customs agents may default to the smoking code; however, if the product is only salted, 0305.64 is mandatory. Another error involves 1604.17, which is for prepared or preserved eel. If the eel is cooked, jellied, or canned in oil, it belongs in 1604.17. Salted eel in Chapter 3 must be raw and preserved only by the salt/brine.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030564 (the code used for salted eel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030564 (the code used for salted eel) 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 eel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$52K 32% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $45K 27% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$29K 18% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $164K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $227K 40% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $206K 37% of world imports
- 3 Italy $42K 7.6% of world imports
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 eel
Brazil classifies salted eel 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 eel
What is the HS code for Salted eel?
The HS code for Salted eel 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 eel (Anguilla spp.) that is not dried or smoked is 0305.64.
How do I classify Salted eel for customs?
Salted eel 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.
Can salted eel be classified in Chapter 16?
Yes, if the salted eel is further prepared, such as being cooked or canned in a sauce, it moves to HS code 1604.17.
Which countries are the top exporters of salted eel (HS 030564)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030564 (the code used for salted eel) 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 eel (HS 030564)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030564 (the code used for salted eel) 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 eel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030564 for Salted eel 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 eel in Brazil?
In Brazil, salted eel (HS 030564) is classified under NCM 0305.64.00.