Product classification
HS code for Salted herring: 0305.61
Fish, salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, herrings (Clupea harengas, Clupea pallasii).
Classification of salted herring under HS 0305.61
Salted herring is classified under HS code 030561, which specifically covers species of the genus Clupea, namely Clupea harengus and Clupea pallasii. This classification is strictly for herring that has been preserved using salt or brine and has not been subjected to drying or smoking. Herring is a highly oily fish, and salting is a traditional method used to stabilize the fats and prevent rancidity. The fish can be traded in various forms, such as whole, headed, or gutted, but the presence of the bone is usually a defining characteristic for this code as opposed to fillets. The salt concentration must be sufficient to act as a preservative. This code is essential for monitoring the trade of one of the world's most significant commercial fish species and ensures that specific health and quality standards for salted pelagic fish are met during customs clearance.
- Covers
- Salted Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)
- Salted Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii)
- Herring in brine (whole or pieces)
- Headed and gutted salted herring
- Gibbed herring preserved in salt
- Also under 0305.61
- King Oscar (salted herring)
- Roland Foods (pickled herring)
- various Scandinavian and Dutch brands
- German fishmongers
Codes often confused with 0305.61
Common mistake. A common error is classifying salted herring under 030541, which is the code for smoked herring (including kippers). If the herring has been smoked, even if it is also salted, the smoking process takes precedence in the HS hierarchy. Another misclassification involves 0304, which covers fresh or chilled fillets, or 030539 for salted fillets. If the herring is filleted, it cannot stay in 030561. Additionally, pickled herring (prepared with vinegar or sugar) is often incorrectly placed here; however, if the preservation involves more than just salt or brine, it may fall under Chapter 16 (160412) as a prepared or preserved fish product.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030561 (the code used for salted herring), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030561 (the code used for salted herring) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% 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 030561, not only salted herring.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $8.4M 33% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $3.6M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $3.1M 12% of world exports
World total: $26M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $7.1M 24% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $3.6M 12% of world imports
- 3 Ukraine* ~$2.9M 9.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $30M 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 herring
Brazil classifies salted herring under NCM 0305.61.00: HS 0305.61 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about salted herring
What is the HS code for Salted herring?
The HS code for Salted herring is 030561 (Fish; salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, herrings (Clupea harengas, Clupea pallasii)). The HS code for salted herring (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), not dried or smoked, is 030561.
How do I classify Salted herring for customs?
Salted herring is classified under HS code 030561 — Fish; salted or in brine, not dried or smoked, other than edible fish offal, herrings (Clupea harengas, Clupea pallasii). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is pickled herring classified under 030561?
Generally, no. If the herring is preserved in vinegar or contains other ingredients like sugar and spices, it is classified under HS code 160412 as prepared or preserved herring.
Which countries are the top exporters of salted herring (HS 030561)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030561 (the code used for salted herring) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($8.4M, 33% of world exports), Denmark ($3.6M) and Germany ($3.1M). World exports came to about $26M, 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 herring (HS 030561)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030561 (the code used for salted herring) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($7.1M, 24% of world imports), the Netherlands ($3.6M) and Ukraine (about $2.9M). World imports came to about $30M, 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 herring the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030561 for Salted herring 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 herring in Brazil?
In Brazil, salted herring (HS 030561) is classified under NCM 0305.61.00.