Product classification
HS code for Smoked herring: 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 under HS 0305.42
Smoked herring is classified under HS code 0305.42. This classification is specific to the genus Clupea, specifically the species Clupea harengus and Clupea pallasii. The Harmonized System distinguishes between different species of smoked fish to allow for precise trade monitoring and tariff application. Under Heading 0305, which deals with fish preserved through drying, salting, or smoking, subheading 0305.42 is reserved exclusively for these herring species. The code encompasses the fish whether it is whole, headed, or in fillets. A critical aspect of this classification is that the fish may be cooked before or during the smoking process without losing its classification under Chapter 3. However, if the herring is preserved in airtight containers (such as canned kippers in oil) or undergoes further preparation such as being breaded or seasoned with complex sauces, it may move to Chapter 16. For standard smoked herring, including traditional kippers that have only been smoked and salted, 0305.42 remains the primary code for international trade.
- Covers
- Smoked Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)
- Smoked Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii)
- Smoked herring fillets
- Kippers (smoked and salted only)
- Whole smoked herring
- Headed and gutted smoked herring
- 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 occurs with HS code 1604.12, which covers herring that is prepared or preserved. If the herring is canned, marinated in vinegar, or packed in oil, it must be classified under 1604.12 rather than 0305.42. Another point of confusion is 0305.49, which is for other smoked fish; however, because herring has its own specific subheading (0305.42), the residual code 0305.49 should not be used.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030542 (the code used for smoked herring), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030542 (the code used for smoked herring) 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.
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
Brazil classifies smoked herring 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
What is the HS code for Smoked herring?
The HS code for Smoked herring 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 (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii) is 0305.42.
How do I classify Smoked herring for customs?
Smoked herring 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.
Are smoked herring fillets included in this code?
Yes, HS code 0305.42 specifically includes smoked herring fillets.
Which countries are the top exporters of smoked herring (HS 030542)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030542 (the code used for smoked herring) 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 (HS 030542)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030542 (the code used for smoked herring) 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030542 for Smoked 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 smoked herring in Brazil?
In Brazil, smoked herring (HS 030542) is classified under NCM 0305.42.00.