Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh or chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other preservation methods. This chapter is divided into multiple headings, such as 0301 live fish, 0302 fresh or chilled fish, 0303 frozen fish, etc. The chapter notes provide that certain aquatic mammals are classified under Chapter 01, while ornamental fish, etc. are explicitly classified under this chapter. Heading 0301 covers all live fish, including live ornamental fish, live fish for human consumption, fry, etc. Under this heading, it is further subdivided by use and species: 030111 is freshwater ornamental fish, 030119 is other live ornamental fish (i.e., live ornamental fish other than freshwater ornamental fish, such as marine ornamental fish), 030191 is trout, etc. Heading 0301 includes only live fish, not dead fish or processed fish. The first 2 digits 03 indicate Chapter 03, "Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates." The 3rd-4th digits 01 indicate heading 0301, "Live fish." The 5th-6th digits 19 indicate subheading 030119, "Other live ornamental fish," i.e., live ornamental fish other than those in subheading 030111 (freshwater ornamental fish), mainly including marine ornamental fish and other unlisted live ornamental fish. Therefore, the full meaning of 030119 is: the subheading for other live ornamental fish under the live fish heading of Chapter 03. This product is live ornamental fish and is not freshwater ornamental fish (such as marine ornamental fish), so it is classified under 030119. If it were freshwater ornamental fish, it would be classified under 030111; if it were live fish for human consumption, it would be classified under other subheadings of 0301 (such as 030191, etc.); if it were dead fish or fresh or chilled fish, it would be classified under 0302. Therefore, it is determined based on use (ornamental) and water source (marine/other).
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh or chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other preservation methods. This chapter is divided into multiple headings, such as 0301 live fish, 0302 fresh or chilled fish, 0303 frozen fish, etc. The chapter notes provide that certain aquatic mammals are classified under Chapter 01, while ornamental fish, etc. are explicitly classified under this chapter.
Heading
Heading 0301 covers all live fish, including live ornamental fish, live fish for human consumption, fry, etc. Under this heading, it is further subdivided by use and species: 030111 is freshwater ornamental fish, 030119 is other live ornamental fish (i.e., live ornamental fish other than freshwater ornamental fish, such as marine ornamental fish), 030191 is trout, etc. Heading 0301 includes only live fish, not dead fish or processed fish.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 03 indicate Chapter 03, "Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates." The 3rd-4th digits 01 indicate heading 0301, "Live fish." The 5th-6th digits 19 indicate subheading 030119, "Other live ornamental fish," i.e., live ornamental fish other than those in subheading 030111 (freshwater ornamental fish), mainly including marine ornamental fish and other unlisted live ornamental fish. Therefore, the full meaning of 030119 is: the subheading for other live ornamental fish under the live fish heading of Chapter 03.
Classification Basis
This product is live ornamental fish and is not freshwater ornamental fish (such as marine ornamental fish), so it is classified under 030119. If it were freshwater ornamental fish, it would be classified under 030111; if it were live fish for human consumption, it would be classified under other subheadings of 0301 (such as 030191, etc.); if it were dead fish or fresh or chilled fish, it would be classified under 0302. Therefore, it is determined based on use (ornamental) and water source (marine/other).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared commodity, which should be specific to the species, such as "marine ornamental fish (clownfish)." Use: Clearly declare as ornamental use, not for human consumption, farming, or bait use. State: Declare as live fish, not fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried products. Species: Provide the Latin scientific name or specific species name, such as "Amphiprion ocellaris." Water source: Indicate whether it is freshwater, seawater, or brackish water, used to distinguish 030111 from 030119. Packaging specifications: Explain the packaging method, such as oxygenated plastic bags, foam boxes, etc., and the quantity per box. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, enter "none." Customs declaration example:
Product name: Marine ornamental fish (clownfish)
Use: Ornamental
State: Live
Species: Amphiprion ocellaris
Water source: Seawater
Packaging specifications: Oxygenated plastic bags, 50 fish per box
Brand: None
HS code: 03011900
Remarks: Official quarantine certificate of the exporting country attached. Failure to distinguish freshwater from marine ornamental fish, mistakenly classifying marine fish under 030111. Mistakenly declaring live ornamental fish as live fish for human consumption, resulting in classification under other subheadings of 0301. Ignoring the declaration of state, confusing live fish with fresh or chilled fish, and incorrectly classifying under 0302.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared commodity, which should be specific to the species, such as "marine ornamental fish (clownfish)."
⚠️ Only writing "ornamental fish" or "live fish," without distinguishing freshwater/marine.
Use
Clearly declare as ornamental use, not for human consumption, farming, or bait use.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring as "for human consumption" or "for farming," leading to incorrect classification.
State
Declare as live fish, not fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried products.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring live fish as "fresh" or "chilled."
Species
Provide the Latin scientific name or specific species name, such as "Amphiprion ocellaris."
⚠️ Providing only a common name, which cannot accurately correspond to the species.
Water source
Indicate whether it is freshwater, seawater, or brackish water, used to distinguish 030111 from 030119.
⚠️ Failure to indicate the water source, leading to disputes over subheading classification.
Packaging specifications
Explain the packaging method, such as oxygenated plastic bags, foam boxes, etc., and the quantity per box.
⚠️ Omitting packaging information, affecting inspection and quarantine.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, enter "none."
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with the actual product, or failure to declare the brand.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product name: Marine ornamental fish (clownfish)
Use: Ornamental
State: Live
Species: Amphiprion ocellaris
Water source: Seawater
Packaging specifications: Oxygenated plastic bags, 50 fish per box
Brand: None
HS code: 03011900
Remarks: Official quarantine certificate of the exporting country attached.
Common Mistakes:
Failure to distinguish freshwater from marine ornamental fish, mistakenly classifying marine fish under 030111.
Mistakenly declaring live ornamental fish as live fish for human consumption, resulting in classification under other subheadings of 0301.
Ignoring the declaration of state, confusing live fish with fresh or chilled fish, and incorrectly classifying under 0302.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the commodity is live fish; 2) the use is ornamental; 3) it is not freshwater ornamental fish. According to HS notes, 030111 specifically refers to freshwater ornamental fish, while 030119 covers other live ornamental fish, mainly marine ornamental fish. If it is live fish for human consumption, it is classified under other subheadings of 0301 (such as 030191, etc.). If it is dead fish or fresh or chilled fish, it is classified under 0302. Therefore, the three conditions of live, ornamental, and non-freshwater must all be met simultaneously. 030111 Freshwater ornamental fish: 030111 is limited to freshwater ornamental fish, such as goldfish and koi; 030119 is marine or other ornamental fish, and the two are distinguished by water source. 030191 Trout (live fish for human consumption): 030191 is live trout for human consumption, with use for human consumption; 030119 is for ornamental use, with a different use. 030192 Eels (live fish for human consumption): 030192 is live eels for human consumption, not ornamental; 030119 is for ornamental use and is usually marine fish. 030199 Other live fish for human consumption: 030199 is other live fish for human consumption, with use for human consumption; 030119 is for ornamental use, and use is the core difference. 030289 Other fresh or chilled fish: 030289 is fresh or chilled fish, not live fish; 030119 is live fish, with a different state. Is it confirmed to be live fish? Is the use ornamental? Is it not freshwater ornamental fish? Is the species clear? Is a quarantine certificate required?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the commodity is live fish; 2) the use is ornamental; 3) it is not freshwater ornamental fish. According to HS notes, 030111 specifically refers to freshwater ornamental fish, while 030119 covers other live ornamental fish, mainly marine ornamental fish. If it is live fish for human consumption, it is classified under other subheadings of 0301 (such as 030191, etc.). If it is dead fish or fresh or chilled fish, it is classified under 0302. Therefore, the three conditions of live, ornamental, and non-freshwater must all be met simultaneously.
Confused Codes:
030111 - Freshwater ornamental fish
030111 is limited to freshwater ornamental fish, such as goldfish and koi; 030119 is marine or other ornamental fish, and the two are distinguished by water source.
030191 - Trout (live fish for human consumption)
030191 is live trout for human consumption, with use for human consumption; 030119 is for ornamental use, with a different use.
030192 - Eels (live fish for human consumption)
030192 is live eels for human consumption, not ornamental; 030119 is for ornamental use and is usually marine fish.
030199 - Other live fish for human consumption
030199 is other live fish for human consumption, with use for human consumption; 030119 is for ornamental use, and use is the core difference.
030289 - Other fresh or chilled fish
030289 is fresh or chilled fish, not live fish; 030119 is live fish, with a different state.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it confirmed to be live fish?
✓ Is the use ornamental?
✓ Is it not freshwater ornamental fish?
✓ Is the species clear?
✓ Is a quarantine certificate required?
❓ FAQ
How can one determine whether ornamental fish are freshwater or marine? It can be determined by species name, appearance characteristics, and source. Common freshwater ornamental fish include goldfish, koi, and guppies; marine ornamental fish include clownfish, blue tangs, and coral reef fish. If uncertain, consult a professional institution or refer to a species database. Are the tariff rates for 030119 and 030111 different? The tariff rates for the two may differ. The specific rates must be checked in the latest "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China." It is recommended to check real-time rates through the General Administration of Customs website or a professional customs declaration system; specific values are not provided here. What documents are required for exporting live ornamental fish? Usually required are the export customs declaration form, invoice, packing list, contract, export animal and plant quarantine certificate (if applicable), permit for export of endangered species (if CITES species are involved), etc. The specific requirements shall be subject to those of the customs and quarantine authorities. How should ornamental fish be classified if they are hybrid varieties? They are still classified as live ornamental fish, and according to water source are classified under 030111 or 030119. Hybrid varieties do not affect subheading classification, but species information must be provided at the time of declaration. Can goods under 030119 enjoy preferential tariff rates under free trade agreements? It is necessary to check the tariff reduction list of the relevant free trade agreement (such as RCEP, China-ASEAN, etc.). If the code is on the list and the rules of origin are met, a preferential rate may be applied for. It is recommended to check the specific annexes of the agreement. What are the consequences of mistakenly declaring marine ornamental fish as 030111? It may lead to incorrect classification, affecting the application of tariff rates and regulatory conditions, and may even result in customs penalties. It should be declared truthfully, and if necessary, advance classification ruling may be applied for. How can one check the regulatory conditions for 030119? You can refer to the regulatory conditions column corresponding to this code in the "Customs Import and Export Tariff," or check through the "China Customs Import and Export Commodity Classification System." Common regulatory conditions include A/B (inbound/outbound goods clearance form), etc. Do live ornamental fish require species identification? If endangered species are involved (such as CITES Appendix species), a species identification certificate is required. Ordinary ornamental fish usually do not require it, but customs may require a species description. It is recommended to confirm with the customs broker in advance.
Q: How can one determine whether ornamental fish are freshwater or marine?
A: It can be determined by species name, appearance characteristics, and source. Common freshwater ornamental fish include goldfish, koi, and guppies; marine ornamental fish include clownfish, blue tangs, and coral reef fish. If uncertain, consult a professional institution or refer to a species database.
Q: Are the tariff rates for 030119 and 030111 different?
A: The tariff rates for the two may differ. The specific rates must be checked in the latest "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China." It is recommended to check real-time rates through the General Administration of Customs website or a professional customs declaration system; specific values are not provided here.
Q: What documents are required for exporting live ornamental fish?
A: Usually required are the export customs declaration form, invoice, packing list, contract, export animal and plant quarantine certificate (if applicable), permit for export of endangered species (if CITES species are involved), etc. The specific requirements shall be subject to those of the customs and quarantine authorities.
Q: How should ornamental fish be classified if they are hybrid varieties?
A: They are still classified as live ornamental fish, and according to water source are classified under 030111 or 030119. Hybrid varieties do not affect subheading classification, but species information must be provided at the time of declaration.
Q: Can goods under 030119 enjoy preferential tariff rates under free trade agreements?
A: It is necessary to check the tariff reduction list of the relevant free trade agreement (such as RCEP, China-ASEAN, etc.). If the code is on the list and the rules of origin are met, a preferential rate may be applied for. It is recommended to check the specific annexes of the agreement.
Q: What are the consequences of mistakenly declaring marine ornamental fish as 030111?
A: It may lead to incorrect classification, affecting the application of tariff rates and regulatory conditions, and may even result in customs penalties. It should be declared truthfully, and if necessary, advance classification ruling may be applied for.
Q: How can one check the regulatory conditions for 030119?
A: You can refer to the regulatory conditions column corresponding to this code in the "Customs Import and Export Tariff," or check through the "China Customs Import and Export Commodity Classification System." Common regulatory conditions include A/B (inbound/outbound goods clearance form), etc.
Q: Do live ornamental fish require species identification?
A: If endangered species are involved (such as CITES Appendix species), a species identification certificate is required. Ordinary ornamental fish usually do not require it, but customs may require a species description. It is recommended to confirm with the customs broker in advance.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.