HTS US: 0309.XX.XXXX
Description
This heading covers all fish fillets and other fish meat, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen, including:
- Fresh: Fish meat that has not been preserved, typically kept at a temperature just above freezing for a limited duration.
- Chilled: Fish meat that has been cooled to a temperature around 0°C (32°F) but not frozen.
- Frozen: Fish meat that has been brought to and maintained at a temperature of -18°C (0°F) or lower for preservation.
The fish meat may include various species and can be presented as whole fillets or as cuts.
Code Hierarchy
- Section I:
- Live Animals; Animal Products (Chapters 01-05)
- Chapter 03: Fish and Crustaceans, Molluscs and Other Aquatic Invertebrates
- Heading 0309: Fish fillets and other fish meat, fresh, chilled or frozen.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
0309.XX.XXXX– The final digits specify the exact species and preparation method.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The 4-digit HS heading 0309 is broken down into specific 6-digit and 10-digit codes based on the species and state of the fish meat.
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0309.10 | Fish fillets, fresh or chilled | Includes whole fillets of various fish species. |
0309.10.0000 |
Fresh or chilled fish fillets | |
| 0309.20 | Fish fillets, frozen | Frozen fillets ready for consumption. |
0309.20.0000 |
Frozen fish fillets | |
| 0309.90 | Other fish meat, fresh, chilled or frozen | Includes cuts and other fish products not classified as fillets. |
0309.90.1000 |
Fresh or chilled other fish meat | |
0309.90.2000 |
Frozen other fish meat |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To avoid misclassification, note these exclusions:
- Prepared or preserved fish products
- (e.g., canned fish) are classified in Chapter 16.
- Fish meal or fish flour falls under Chapter 23.
- Fish roe (e.g., caviar) is classified under a different heading, 0304.
- Fish intended for bait has its own classification.
Notes
- USDA/FSIS Regulations:
- The importation of fresh, chilled, or frozen fish into the United States is subject to USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regulations. Fish must be sourced from approved countries and establishments.
- Duty Rates: Duty rates vary significantly depending on the specific 10-digit HTS code. Many fish products are subject to tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), applying lower rates to a certain quantity and higher rates to over-quota imports.
- Country of Origin Labeling (COOL): Accurate labeling of the country of origin is mandatory for fish products.
Declaration Example
Product:
A shipment of frozen salmon fillets from Norway.
US HTS Code:
0309.20.0000(Frozen fish fillets)Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)
General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (Subject to TRQ; may vary based on trade agreements)
Additional Requirements: USDA/FSIS import inspection and health certificate.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 0304: Fish roe (caviar).
- HTS 1604: Prepared or preserved fish.
- HTS 0303: Fish, frozen (other than fillets).
