Product classification
HS code for Salted fish fillets: 0305.39
Fish fillets, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.3.
Classification of salted fish fillets under HS 0305.39
Salted fish fillets are classified under HS code 0305.39. This code is part of Heading 0305, which encompasses fish that is dried, salted, in brine, or smoked. Specifically, the 0305.3 series is dedicated to fish fillets that have undergone these preservation methods but have not been smoked. Subheading 0305.39 acts as the "other" category for fillets of fish species not specifically named in subheadings 0305.31 (tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads) or 0305.32 (cod). The classification depends on the product being a fillet—a strip of meat cut parallel to the backbone—rather than a whole fish or a block. The use of salt or brine as a preservative is the defining characteristic here, distinguishing these from fresh or frozen fillets found in headings 0302, 0303, or 0304. This classification is vital for ensuring that processed fish parts are taxed and regulated differently than whole fish.
- Covers
- Salted snapper fillets
- Dried salted grouper fillets
- Salted mackerel fillets (not smoked)
- Fillets of sea bass preserved in brine
- Dried salted pollock fillets (if not 0305.32)
- Also under 0305.39
- Dried salted mackerel in Asian markets
- brined anchovy fillets for culinary use
- traditional dried herring in Northern Europe
- cured barracuda fillets.
Codes often confused with 0305.39
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for salted fish fillets is HS code 0304.89, which covers frozen fish fillets. If a fillet is both salted and frozen, the salt content and its role as a preservative determine the code; if the salt is sufficient to preserve the fish without freezing, it belongs in 0305.39. Another common mistake is using 0305.49 for smoked fillets. If the fillets have been subjected to smoke, they must be classified under the smoked fish subheadings, regardless of their salt content.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030539 (the code used for salted fish fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030539 (the code used for salted fish fillets) in UN Comtrade data was Albania, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 32% 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 030539, not only salted fish fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Albania* ~$31M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Tunisia* ~$19M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Poland $18M 12% of world exports
World total: $153M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $55M 32% of world imports
- 2 Spain $28M 16% of world imports
- 3 Germany $17M 10% of world imports
World total: $174M 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 fish fillets
Brazil classifies salted fish fillets under NCM 0305.39.00: HS 0305.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about salted fish fillets
What is the HS code for Salted fish fillets?
The HS code for Salted fish fillets is 030539 (Fish fillets; dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.3). The HS code for salted fish fillets (not elsewhere specified) is 0305.39.
How do I classify Salted fish fillets for customs?
Salted fish fillets is classified under HS code 030539 — Fish fillets; dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.3. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 0305.39 include salted cod fillets?
No, salted cod fillets are specifically classified under HS code 0305.32. Code 0305.39 is for other species like snapper or grouper.
Which countries are the top exporters of salted fish fillets (HS 030539)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030539 (the code used for salted fish fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Albania (about $31M, 20% of world exports), Tunisia (about $19M) and Poland ($18M). World exports came to about $153M, 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 fish fillets (HS 030539)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030539 (the code used for salted fish fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($55M, 32% of world imports), Spain ($28M) and Germany ($17M). World imports came to about $174M, 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 fish fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030539 for Salted fish fillets 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 fish fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, salted fish fillets (HS 030539) is classified under NCM 0305.39.00.