Product classification
HS code for Salted fish: 0305.69
Fish, salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.6.
Classification of salted fish under HS 0305.69
HS code 030569 is a residual category within the Harmonized System that covers fish that have been salted or preserved in brine but do not belong to the specific species listed in subheadings 0305.61 through 0305.64. This includes a vast array of marine and freshwater species that are processed using traditional salting methods to extend shelf life. The classification requires that the fish are not dried, smoked, or filleted. The salting process must be the primary means of preservation, distinguishing these products from fresh fish that may have been lightly seasoned. This code is vital for the trade of regional fish specialties and less common commercial species. Importers must ensure that the species is not specifically named elsewhere in the 0305.6 group before using this catch-all code. The physical state of the fish—whether it is whole, headed, or gutted—is relevant, but the species identification is the primary driver for this specific classification.
- Covers
- Salted mackerel (Scomber scombrus)
- Salted anchovies in brine (not fillets)
- Salted hake and pollock
- Salted sardines and sardinellas
- Various salted freshwater fish not elsewhere specified
- Also under 0305.69
- Matjes Herring (salted)
- Pickled Mackerel
- Salted Sardines from Portugal
- Brined Pollock Fillets.
Codes often confused with 0305.69
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs when specific species are placed in 030569 instead of their dedicated codes, such as 030561 (herring) or 030562 (cod). Another common mistake is confusing salted fish with fish fillets classified under 030539. If the fish has been filleted, it moves out of the 0305.6 series entirely. Furthermore, if the fish has been both salted and dried, it should be classified under the 0305.5 series (dried fish). Importers often fail to distinguish between fish in brine (030569) and fish prepared or preserved in airtight containers like cans (Chapter 16), which have different duty structures.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030569 (the code used for salted fish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030569 (the code used for salted fish) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 19% 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 030569, not only salted fish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $19M 17% of world exports
- 2 Canada $14M 13% of world exports
- 3 Iceland $12M 11% of world exports
World total: $110M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $25M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $18M 14% of world imports
- 3 Uganda $13M 9.8% of world imports
World total: $127M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 codes for salted fish
Brazil splits HS 0305.69 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0305.69.10Salted or brined saithe, ling and tusk
- 0305.69.90Other salted or brined fish
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about salted fish
What is the HS code for Salted fish?
The HS code for Salted fish is 030569 (Fish; salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.6).
How do I classify Salted fish for customs?
Salted fish is classified under HS code 030569 — Fish; salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, n.e.c. in item no. 0305.6. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for salted fish not elsewhere specified?
The HS code for salted fish or fish in brine that is not specifically named in other subheadings is 030569.
Can I use this code for salted salmon?
No, salted salmon is typically classified under 030569 if not dried or smoked, but you must check if specific species-level codes apply in your local tariff schedule, though 030569 is the standard international residual code for salted salmon.
Which countries are the top exporters of salted fish (HS 030569)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030569 (the code used for salted fish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($19M, 17% of world exports), Canada ($14M) and Iceland ($12M). World exports came to about $110M, 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 (HS 030569)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030569 (the code used for salted fish) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($25M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($18M) and Uganda ($13M). World imports came to about $127M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030569 for Salted 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 fish in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 030569 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for salted fish depends on the product's details: 0305.69.10 (Salted or brined saithe, ling and tusk), 0305.69.90 (Other salted or brined fish).