Product classification
HS code for Smoked salmon: 0305.41
Fish, smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking, salmon, Pacific (Oncorhynchus nerka, gorbuscha, keta, tschawytscha, kisutch, masou, rhodurus), Atlantic (Salmo salar) and Danube (Hucho hucho), includes fillets, but excludes edible fish offal.
Classification of smoked salmon under HS 0305.41
Smoked salmon is classified under HS code 0305.41. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 3 covers fish and crustaceans, and heading 0305 specifically addresses fish that is dried, salted, in brine, or smoked. Subheading 0305.41 is dedicated to specific salmonids: Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, Oncorhynchus keta, Oncorhynchus tschawytscha, Oncorhynchus kisutch, Oncorhynchus masou, and Oncorhynchus rhodurus), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and Danube salmon (Hucho hucho). The classification includes fillets, which are the fleshy longitudinal sections of the fish. A key aspect of this code is that the fish may be cooked before or during the smoking process without losing its classification in Chapter 3. This is an exception to the general rule that cooked fish belongs in Chapter 16. The smoking process must be sufficient to provide preservation or a distinct smoked character. If the salmon is merely flavored with liquid smoke but not actually smoked, it may face different classification challenges. Furthermore, this code excludes edible fish offal, such as heads, tails, or milt, which are classified under 0305.71 through 0305.79.
- Covers
- Cold-smoked Atlantic salmon fillets
- Hot-smoked Pacific salmon (e.g., Sockeye, Chinook)
- Whole smoked Danube salmon
- Sliced smoked salmon sides vacuum-packed
- Smoked salmon trimmings (excluding offal)
- Also under 0305.41
- Nova Scotia Smoked Salmon
- Scottish Smoked Salmon
- Fjord Smoked Salmon
- Ducktrap River of Maine Smoked Salmon
- Acme Smoked Fish
- John West Smoked Salmon.
Codes often confused with 0305.41
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying smoked salmon under heading 1604, which covers prepared or preserved fish. While 1604.11 specifically mentions salmon, it is intended for products that have been prepared in ways other than smoking, such as being canned, jarred in oil, or made into pastes. If the salmon is simply smoked and vacuum-packed, 0305.41 is the correct code. Another confusion arises with 0302 (fresh) or 0303 (frozen) if the user assumes the smoking is a secondary flavor rather than the preservation method. Additionally, lox is often confused with smoked salmon; however, traditional lox is only brined and not smoked, potentially placing it under 0305.69.
Top exporters and importers of HS 030541 (the code used for smoked salmon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 030541 (the code used for smoked salmon) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% 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 030541, not only smoked salmon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Poland $1.1B 47% of world exports
- 2 Germany $211M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $208M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $513M 22% of world imports
- 2 Italy $391M 17% of world imports
- 3 United States $277M 12% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 salmon
Brazil classifies smoked salmon under NCM 0305.41.00: HS 0305.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about smoked salmon
What is the HS code for Smoked salmon?
The HS code for Smoked salmon is 030541 (Fish; smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking, salmon, Pacific (Oncorhynchus nerka, gorbuscha, keta, tschawytscha, kisutch, masou, rhodurus), Atlantic (Salmo salar) and Danube (Hucho hucho), includes fillets, but excludes edible fish offal). The primary HS code for smoked Pacific, Atlantic, and Danube salmon is 0305.41.
How do I classify Smoked salmon for customs?
Smoked salmon is classified under HS code 030541 — Fish; smoked, whether or not cooked before or during smoking, salmon, Pacific (Oncorhynchus nerka, gorbuscha, keta, tschawytscha, kisutch, masou, rhodurus), Atlantic (Salmo salar) and Danube (Hucho hucho), includes fillets, but excludes edible fish offal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is smoked salmon in a can classified here?
No, if the smoked salmon is preserved in an airtight container like a can or jar, it is generally classified under HS code 1604.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of smoked salmon (HS 030541)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 030541 (the code used for smoked salmon) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($1.1B, 47% of world exports), Germany ($211M) and the Netherlands ($208M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 salmon (HS 030541)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 030541 (the code used for smoked salmon) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($513M, 22% of world imports), Italy ($391M) and the United States ($277M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 salmon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 030541 for Smoked salmon 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 salmon in Brazil?
In Brazil, smoked salmon (HS 030541) is classified under NCM 0305.41.00.