Product classification
HS code for Smoked herring fillets: 0305.42
Fish, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), includes fillets, but excludes edible fish offal.
Classification of smoked herring fillets under HS 0305.42
Smoked herring fillets are classified under HS code 0305.42. This classification is part of Chapter 3 (Fish and Crustaceans) and heading 0305 (Fish, dried, salted or in brine; smoked fish). Subheading 0305.42 is species-specific, covering herrings of the varieties Clupea harengus and Clupea pallasii. The code includes fillets, which are the longitudinal slices of fish meat, provided they have been smoked. The smoking process can occur before or during cooking, and the product remains under this code. This classification is determined by the biological species of the fish and the processing method. According to the Harmonized System's General Rules of Interpretation, specific descriptions take precedence over general ones; therefore, because herring is specifically named in 0305.42, it cannot be classified under the general smoked fish code 0305.49. The product must not be further prepared (e.g., in vinegar or oil) to stay within this chapter.
- Covers
- Smoked Clupea harengus fillets
- Smoked Clupea pallasii fillets
- Kippered herring fillets (smoked)
- Cold-smoked herring fillets
- Bloaters (if filleted and smoked)
- Also under 0305.42
- John West Smoked Herring Fillets
- Brunswick Smoked Herring Fillets
- Stabbur-Makrell Smoked Herring
- King Oscar Smoked Herring
- Matjes Smoked Herring
Codes often confused with 0305.42
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for smoked herring fillets is HS code 1604.12. Code 1604.12 is for prepared or preserved herring, such as those sold in cans, jars, or vacuum packs with oil, sauces, or marinades. If the herring is simply smoked and filleted, it belongs in 0305.42. Another error is using 0305.49, the \"other\" smoked fish category. Because herring has its own dedicated subheading (0305.42), using the residual category 0305.49 is a violation of the hierarchical structure of the Harmonized System.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030542 (the code used for smoked herring fillets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030542 (the code used for smoked herring fillets) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Dominican Republic, with 48% 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 030542, not only smoked herring fillets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $49M 67% of world exports
- 2 China $14M 19% of world exports
- 3 Lithuania $2.3M 3.1% of world exports
World total: $73M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Dominican Republic $44M 48% of world imports
- 2 France $16M 17% of world imports
- 3 United States $11M 12% of world imports
World total: $91M 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 code for smoked herring fillets
Brazil classifies smoked herring fillets under NCM 0305.42.00: HS 0305.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about smoked herring fillets
What is the HS code for Smoked herring fillets?
The HS code for Smoked herring fillets is 030542 (Fish; smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), includes fillets, but excludes edible fish offal). The specific HS code for smoked herring fillets (Clupea harengus and Clupea pallasii) is 0305.42.
How do I classify Smoked herring fillets for customs?
Smoked herring fillets is classified under HS code 030542 — Fish; smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking, herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), includes fillets, but excludes edible fish offal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to herring in tomato sauce?
No, herring in sauce is considered a preparation and is classified under HS code 1604.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of smoked herring fillets (HS 030542)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030542 (the code used for smoked herring fillets) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($49M, 67% of world exports), China ($14M) and Lithuania ($2.3M). World exports came to about $73M, 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 herring fillets (HS 030542)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030542 (the code used for smoked herring fillets) in UN Comtrade data were the Dominican Republic ($44M, 48% of world imports), France ($16M) and the United States ($11M). World imports came to about $91M, 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 herring fillets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030542 for Smoked herring 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 smoked herring fillets in Brazil?
In Brazil, smoked herring fillets (HS 030542) is classified under NCM 0305.42.00.