Frozen Sardinella – Wholesale Supplier & Exporter (Sardinella aurita)
ATC Group supplies frozen round sardinella to importers, wholesalers and distributors in West and Central Africa. We are a trading company: we buy from approved freezing plants and vessels and deliver in full 40ft reefer containers. Round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) is caught in the Eastern Central Atlantic, off West Africa. It is frozen whole in blocks and offered in three length grades, 16+, 20+ and 25+ cm. It is packed in 20 or 30 kg cartons and shipped at -18 °C or below. It is the most economical small pelagic in the range, next to mackerel and horse mackerel. Every offer states the origin, size, glazing, net weight and tonnage. The approval number is indicated on the health certificate.
Key facts
| Species or cut | Round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) |
|---|---|
| Size or weight per piece | 16+, 20+ and 25+ cm |
| Packing and carton weight | 20 kg carton (one 20 kg block or two 10 kg blocks) or 30 kg carton (three 10 kg blocks) |
| Cartons and tonnes per 40ft | Full 40ft reefer; tonnage stated in each offer (about 26 t net on our fish routes, 25–27.5 t depending on product and packing) |
| Origin | Eastern Central Atlantic (FAO 34): mainly Mauritania, Morocco and Senegal; stated in each offer |
| Approval | Plant approval number indicated on the health certificate |
| Shelf life | 24 months at -18 °C |
| Temperature | -18 °C or below |
| Lead time | 10–21 days after receipt of the bank transfer |
| Incoterms | CIF, CFR, FOB |
| Documents | Health certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of origin ; Catch certificate (IUU) where the destination requires it ; Certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading ; Technical sheet (PDF) downloadable on this page ; Pre-shipment inspection by SGS or Bureau Veritas on request, with container temperature record. For Cameroon it is mandatory, and we arrange it for every container. |
| Inspection | SGS or Bureau Veritas on request |
| Minimum order | One full container |
Product photos
What you are buying
- The fish: round sardinella (Sardinella aurita), whole round, not gutted, block frozen. Do not confuse it with flat sardinella (Sardinella maderensis), a different species: our offers always give the Latin name.
- Size grades: 16+, 20+ and 25+ cm. The grade is set in the offer.
- Use: it is the cheapest small pelagic in the range. Buyers turn to it when mackerel is scarce or expensive, if the size suits their market.
- Supply: Mauritania is a key origin for Abidjan and Tema. North-West African small pelagic stocks are under pressure: an FAO CECAF study recommended a 60 % cut in fishing effort on sardinella, horse mackerel and sardine, and in February 2026 the CSRP proposed a September–October pause for sardinella (not yet adopted). Expect more closed seasons.
- What to check: glazing and net weight, pieces per kg, the maximum share of undersized fish per carton, and the production date. They are stated in the offer and in the contract.
Specifications
| Species | Round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) |
|---|---|
| Presentation | Whole round |
| Fishing area | Eastern Central Atlantic, off West Africa (FAO 34) |
| Origin | Eastern Central Atlantic (FAO 34): mainly Mauritania, Morocco and Senegal; stated in each offer |
| Size grades | 16+, 20+ and 25+ cm |
| Freezing | Block frozen |
| Glazing / net weight | Stated in writing in each offer; the net weight excludes the glaze |
| Packing | 20 kg carton (one 20 kg block or two 10 kg blocks) or 30 kg carton (three 10 kg blocks) |
| Container | Full 40ft reefer; tonnage stated in each offer (about 26 t net on our fish routes, 25–27.5 t depending on product and packing) |
| Temperature | -18 °C or below |
| Shelf life | 24 months at -18 °C |
| Approval | Indicated on the health certificate |
| HS code | 0303 53 30 (EU Combined Nomenclature) |
| Lead time | 10–21 days after receipt of the bank transfer |
| Incoterms | CIF, CFR, FOB |
Documents supplied
- Health certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of origin
- Catch certificate (IUU) where the destination requires it
- Certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading
- Technical sheet (PDF) downloadable on this page
- Pre-shipment inspection by SGS or Bureau Veritas on request, with container temperature record. For Cameroon it is mandatory, and we arrange it for every container.
Ordering
The minimum order is one full 40ft container. One container can carry sardinella, mackerel and horse mackerel, each lot with its own documents and labels. Tell us the size, packing and port: we send a firm offer, valid for a few days, because offers follow catches and freight. Payment is agreed for each contract.
Trade terms
Incoterms
CIF / CFR / FOB
Minimum order
One full container load (FCL)
Inspection
Pre-shipment inspection by SGS available at the buyer's request (quality, quantity, temperature).
Markets served
- Senegal: CIF Dakar · Senegal
- Togo: CIF Lomé · Togo
- Côte d'Ivoire: CIF Abidjan · Côte d'Ivoire
- Ghana: CIF Tema · Ghana
- Benin: CIF Cotonou · Benin
- Cameroon: CIF Douala, SGS inspection included · Cameroon
- Guinea: CIF Conakry
- Nigeria: on request, CFR Lagos or Onne (CIF on request), wild-caught fish only. The importer holds the fish import licence and allocation and the NAFDAC authorisation to open Form M; the fish must stay at -18 °C or below. · Nigeria
Related products
Atlantic horse mackerel (kote), frozen mackerel (titus), Atlantic chub mackerel, herring (shawa), yellowtail scad, jack mackerel. Guide
Frequently asked questions
What is round sardinella?
Sardinella aurita, a small pelagic fish of the Eastern Central Atlantic, caught off West Africa. We supply it whole round and block frozen.
Is it the same as flat sardinella?
No. Flat sardinella (Sardinella maderensis) is a different species. Our offers always give the Latin name.
Which sizes do you offer?
16+, 20+ and 25+ cm. The size is set in the offer.
How is sardinella packed?
Block frozen, in 20 kg cartons (one 20 kg block or two 10 kg blocks) or 30 kg cartons (three 10 kg blocks). Glazing and net weight are stated in each offer.
How many tonnes fit in one container?
The tonnage is stated in each offer. On our fish routes to West Africa, a 40ft reefer carries about 26 t net (25–27.5 t depending on product and packing).
What are the shelf life and the HS code?
24 months at -18 °C or below. Code 0303 53 30 in the EU Combined Nomenclature; your forwarder confirms the code for your country.
Will sardinella supply get tighter?
North-West African stocks are under pressure. An FAO CECAF study recommended a 60 % cut in fishing effort, and a September–October pause has been proposed in Mauritania (not yet adopted). Plan your needs and book early.
Do you ship to Nigeria?
Yes, on request, CFR Lagos or Onne (CIF on request), wild-caught fish only, when the importer holds the import licence, its allocation and the NAFDAC authorisation for Form M. We supply the health certificate and the commercial documents.