Product classification
HS code for Smoked catfish: 0305.44
Fish, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads, includes fillets, but excludes edible fish offal.
Classification of smoked catfish under HS 0305.44
The classification of smoked catfish under HS code 0305.44 is determined by the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure. Chapter 3 covers fish and crustaceans, and heading 0305 specifically addresses fish that has been processed for preservation through drying, salting, or smoking. Subheading 0305.44 is a specific category that groups together several freshwater species, including catfish, tilapias, and eels, when they have been smoked. This classification applies regardless of whether the fish is presented whole, headed, gutted, or as fillets. The smoking process may involve pre-cooking or cooking during the smoking itself, which is still covered under this code. However, the fish must not be further prepared or preserved by methods such as canning or being submerged in oil, as those processes would shift the classification to Chapter 16. The primary intent of 0305.44 is to capture fish products where smoking is the principal preservation and flavoring method.
- Covers
- Smoked whole catfish
- Smoked catfish fillets
- Hot-smoked catfish
- Cold-smoked catfish
- Dried and smoked catfish pieces
- Also under 0305.44
- Eel River Smoked Eel
- Catfish Charlie Smoked Catfish
- Aqua Star Smoked Tilapia
- Vietnamese Smoked Eel
- African Smoked Catfish
Codes often confused with 0305.44
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying smoked catfish under HS code 0303.24, which is reserved for frozen catfish. While smoked catfish may be sold frozen for transport, the processing method (smoking) takes precedence over the temperature state (frozen) in the HS hierarchy. Another common mistake is using HS code 1604.19. Chapter 16 covers prepared or preserved fish, such as fish that has been marinated, breaded, or canned. If the catfish is simply smoked and vacuum-sealed, it remains in 0305.44. However, if it is prepared as a ready-to-eat meal with added vegetables or sauces, 1604.19 would be more appropriate.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030544 (the code used for smoked catfish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030544 (the code used for smoked catfish) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, 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 030544, not only smoked catfish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $3.3M 29% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $2.5M 22% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$1.9M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $11M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $2.1M 19% of world imports
- 2 France $1.8M 16% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $1.7M 15% of world imports
World total: $11M 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 smoked catfish
Brazil classifies smoked catfish under NCM 0305.44.00: HS 0305.44 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about smoked catfish
What is the HS code for Smoked catfish?
The HS code for Smoked catfish is 030544 (Fish; smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads, includes fillets, but excludes edible fish offal). The HS code for smoked catfish, including fillets, is 0305.44.
How do I classify Smoked catfish for customs?
Smoked catfish is classified under HS code 030544 — Fish; smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking, tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads, includes fillets, but excludes edible fish offal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen smoked catfish?
Yes, if the catfish has been smoked, it is classified under 0305.44 even if it is subsequently frozen for shipment or retail display.
Which countries are the top exporters of smoked catfish (HS 030544)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030544 (the code used for smoked catfish) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($3.3M, 29% of world exports), Thailand ($2.5M) and Vietnam (about $1.9M). World exports came to about $11M, 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 smoked catfish (HS 030544)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030544 (the code used for smoked catfish) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($2.1M, 19% of world imports), France ($1.8M) and Belgium ($1.7M). World imports came to about $11M, 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 Smoked catfish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030544 for Smoked catfish 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 smoked catfish in Brazil?
In Brazil, smoked catfish (HS 030544) is classified under NCM 0305.44.00.