HTS US: 0303.XX.XXXX
Description
This heading covers various species of fish and seafood that have been dried, salted, or preserved in brine. The products can be presented in several forms:
- Dried: Fish that has been dehydrated to remove moisture, enhancing shelf life.
- Salted: Fish that has been cured with salt, either through direct salting or brining.
- In Brine: Fish preserved in a saline solution, which helps in flavor enhancement and preservation.
The fish can be whole or in fillets and can be processed or unprocessed.
Code Hierarchy
- Section I:
- Live Animals; Animal Products (Chapters 01-05)
- Chapter 03: Fish and Crustaceans, Molluscs and Other Aquatic Invertebrates
- Heading 0303: Fish, dried, salted or in brine.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
0303.XX.XXXX– The final digits specify the exact species and preparation method.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The 4-digit HS heading 0303 is broken down into specific 6-digit and 10-digit codes based on the type of fish and method of preservation.
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0303.11 | Fish, dried, whether or not salted | Includes all dried fish products, with or without salt. |
0303.11.0000 |
Dried fish, unprocessed | Whole or filleted dried fish, not cured. |
| 0303.12 | Fish, salted but not dried | Salted fish products that retain moisture. |
0303.12.0000 |
Salted fish, whole | Whole fish cured with salt. |
| 0303.19 | Other fish, preserved (in brine) | Includes fish preserved in brine, not classified elsewhere. |
0303.19.1000 |
Fish preserved in brine, whole | Whole fish in saline solution. |
0303.19.9000 |
Other preserved fish, not specified | Includes various forms of processed preserved fish. |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To avoid misclassification, note these exclusions:
- Fresh fish
- is classified under Heading 0302.
- Canned or otherwise prepared fish (e.g., tuna in oil) falls under Chapter 16.
- Fish meal or fish flour is classified under Heading 2301.
- Fish roe (e.g., caviar) is classified under 0304.
Notes
- USDA/FSIS Regulations:
- The importation of dried, salted, or brined fish into the United States is subject to inspection by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). All fish products must adhere to U.S. safety standards.
- Duty Rates: Duty rates vary significantly depending on the specific 10-digit HTS code. Many fish products are subject to tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), meaning a low duty rate applies to a certain quantity, and a higher rate applies to over-quota imports. Rates can be specific (e.g., cents per kilogram) or ad valorem (a percentage of the value).
- Country of Origin Labeling (COOL): Accurate country-of-origin labeling is required for fish products.
Declaration Example
- Product:
- A shipment of salted cod from Norway.
- US HTS Code:
0303.12.0000(Salted fish, whole) - Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)
- General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (Often subject to TRQ; may be free under trade agreements)
- Additional Requirements: USDA/FSIS import inspection and health certificate.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 0302:
- Fresh or chilled fish.
- HTS 0304: Fish roe (caviar and other fish eggs).
- HTS 1604: Prepared or preserved fish.
- HTS 2301: Fish meal or fish flour.
