What species are included in the frozen sardines and sprats commodity?

The commodity covers frozen sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), and brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus).

How should frozen sardines and sprats be stored to maintain quality?

They should be kept frozen at temperatures below –18 °C throughout transport and storage, with the cold chain maintained to prevent thawing and refreezing.

Can the frozen product be used directly for cooking, or does it require further processing?

Frozen sardines and sprats are supplied as whole fish (excluding fillets) and can be cooked directly after thawing, or further processed into fillets, smoked products, or canned preparations.

Frozen Sardines and Sprats

Frozen sardines and sprats are whole fish that have been caught and immediately frozen to preserve freshness. They include species such as Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp., Sardinella spp., and Sprattus sprattus.

Prices, specifications and international trade for frozen sardines and sprats under HS 030353.

Frozen Sardines and Sprats Price

$1,368USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Frozen Sardines and Sprats Historical Unit Values

Frozen sardines and sprats is quoted in USD/t at MAR. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Frozen Sardines and Sprats Exports and Imports

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Japan led reported frozen sardines and sprats exports in 2025, at $139M.

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Frozen Sardines and Sprats Facts and HS Code

Frozen sardines and sprats belongs to seafood within protein and dairy. Its customs classification covers HS 030353.

Frozen Sardines and Sprats HS Code

Product type	Raw
Form	Frozen
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Seafood — Protein and dairy
HS codes	030353
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	MAR

Production & Handling

Processing steps for frozen sardines and sprats include Catching, Evisceration and cleaning, Quick freezing.

Production and Storage

Perishability	High
Temperature regime	Frozen
Processing steps	Catching Evisceration and cleaning Quick freezing

Uses & Risks

Frozen sardines and sprats is used in Human consumption and Industrial processing.

End Uses

Human consumption
Thawed and prepared as a ready‑to‑eat fish product
Industrial processing
Conversion into fish meal or fish oil

Uses and Related Commodities

Downstream industries	Food service, Animal feed production, Nutraceuticals

Frozen Sardines and Sprats Questions

What species are included in the frozen sardines and sprats commodity?: The commodity covers frozen sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), and brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus).
How should frozen sardines and sprats be stored to maintain quality?: They should be kept frozen at temperatures below –18 °C throughout transport and storage, with the cold chain maintained to prevent thawing and refreezing.
Can the frozen product be used directly for cooking, or does it require further processing?: Frozen sardines and sprats are supplied as whole fish (excluding fillets) and can be cooked directly after thawing, or further processed into fillets, smoked products, or canned preparations.