HTS US: 0306.XX.XXXX
Description
This heading covers a variety of fish and seafood products that are preserved and presented in three primary states:
- Frozen: Fish that has been rapidly frozen and stored at temperatures below -18°C (0°F) to maintain quality and prevent spoilage.
- Dried: Fish that has been dehydrated to remove moisture, thereby prolonging shelf life and enhancing flavor.
- Salted: Fish that has been preserved using salt, which acts as a natural preservative and enhances taste.
These products can include whole fish, fillets, and other specific cuts.
Code Hierarchy
- Section I:
- Live Animals; Animal Products (Chapters 01-05)
- Chapter 03: Fish and Crustaceans, Molluscs and Other Aquatic Invertebrates
- Heading 0306: Fish, frozen, dried, salted or in brine.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
0306.XX.XXXX– The final digits specify the exact type and preparation of the fish.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The 4-digit HS heading 0306 is divided into specific 6-digit and 10-digit codes based on the form and preparation of the fish.
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0306.11 | Fish, frozen, whole | Includes whole fish that are frozen to maintain freshness. |
0306.11.0000 |
Frozen whole fish | Examples include frozen salmon, trout, and cod. |
| 0306.12 | Fish, frozen, fillets | Filleted fish that are frozen for preservation. |
0306.12.0000 |
Frozen fish fillets | Examples include frozen haddock and sole fillets. |
| 0306.19 | Other frozen fish (e.g., cuts) | Includes other forms of frozen fish not specified above. |
0306.19.1000 |
Other frozen fish products | Examples include frozen fish steaks and other cuts. |
| 0306.21 | Fish, dried | Dried fish products that are shelf-stable. |
0306.21.0000 |
Dried fish | Examples include dried cod and dried anchovies. |
| 0306.22 | Fish, salted or in brine | Salt-preserved fish for longer storage. |
0306.22.0000 |
Salted fish | Examples include salted herring and anchovies in brine. |
| 0306.29 | Other fish, dried, salted, or in brine | Includes other fish preparations not specified. |
0306.29.1000 |
Other fish products | Various other forms of preserved fish. |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To avoid misclassification, note these exclusions:
- Canned fish products
- (e.g., tuna in cans) are classified in Chapter 16.
- Fresh fish that has not been preserved is classified under 0302.
- Fish meal and other by-products are classified differently under Chapter 23.
Notes
- USDA/FSIS Regulations:
- The importation of frozen, dried, or salted fish into the United States is regulated by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), ensuring compliance with health standards.
- Duty Rates: Duty rates vary depending on the specific 10-digit HTS code. Some fish products may be subject to tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), which can affect the duty applied based on quantity.
- Country of Origin Labeling (COOL): Accurate labeling of the country of origin is required for fish products.
Declaration Example
Product:
A shipment of frozen, filleted cod from Norway.
US HTS Code:
0306.12.0000(Frozen fish fillets)Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)
General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (May be subject to TRQ)
Additional Requirements: USDA/FSIS import inspection and health certificate.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 0304: Fish fillets and other fish meat.
- HTS 1604: Prepared or preserved fish.
- HTS 2301: Fish meal and other fish by-products.
