Product classification
HS code for Salted tilapia: 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 tilapia under HS 0305.64
HS code 030564 is a specific classification for salted or brined fish belonging to several freshwater groups, including tilapias (Oreochromis spp.), catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), carp (Cyprinus spp., Carassius spp., Ctenopharyngodon idellus, etc.), eels (Anguilla spp.), Nile perch (Lates niloticus), and snakeheads (Channa spp.). This code is used for fish that are preserved in salt but are not dried or smoked. Tilapia and catfish are among the most widely farmed fish globally, and salting is a common preservation method in regions where cold chain infrastructure is limited. The classification ensures that these specific freshwater species are tracked separately from marine species. The fish must remain in a moist state; if the moisture is removed through air drying or heat, the product would shift to a different subheading. This code applies to whole fish or pieces, but excludes fillets, which are classified based on their specific processing and species elsewhere in Chapter 3.
- Covers
- Salted tilapia (Oreochromis species)
- Salted catfish (Pangasius or Ictalurus species)
- Salted carp and eels in brine
- Salted Nile perch pieces
- Salted snakeheads (Channa species)
- 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. The most frequent misclassification for these species is HS code 030569, which is the residual category for "other" salted fish. Because 030564 specifically names tilapia, catfish, and carp, it must be used instead of the general code. Another error involves 030531, which is the code for fillets of tilapia, catfish, and carp. If the fish is filleted, it must be classified under 030531 even if it is salted. Additionally, if these fish are dried, they should be classified under 030554. Importers must be careful to identify the exact species to avoid using the incorrect subheading within the 0305 group.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030564 (the code used for salted tilapia), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030564 (the code used for salted tilapia) 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 tilapia.
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 tilapia
Brazil classifies salted tilapia 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 tilapia
What is the HS code for Salted tilapia?
The HS code for Salted tilapia 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 tilapia (not dried or smoked) is 030564.
How do I classify Salted tilapia for customs?
Salted tilapia 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.
Does this code include salted catfish fillets?
No, salted fillets of catfish are classified under HS code 030531. Code 030564 is for whole fish or pieces with bones.
Which countries are the top exporters of salted tilapia (HS 030564)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030564 (the code used for salted tilapia) 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 tilapia (HS 030564)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030564 (the code used for salted tilapia) 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 tilapia the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030564 for Salted tilapia 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 tilapia in Brazil?
In Brazil, salted tilapia (HS 030564) is classified under NCM 0305.64.00.