Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, chilled, frozen, dried, salted and other preservation states. This chapter is the core chapter for trade in aquatic products, involving fishing, aquaculture, processing and other stages. The first two digits of the HS code are 03, and customs authorities worldwide classify and regulate aquatic products based on this chapter. Heading 0301 specifically covers live fish, including ornamental fish, food fish and other live fish, including freshwater and marine fish. Under this heading, further subdivision is made according to species and use, such as 0301.1 for ornamental fish and 0301.9 for other live fish. Live eels, as live food fish, are classified under 0301.92, reflecting a separate subheading for a specific economically important fish species. Code 030192 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 3 (fish, crustaceans, etc.); digits 3-4 "01" represent heading 0301 (live fish); digits 5-6 "92" represent the subheading, where "9" indicates other live fish (non-ornamental) and "2" specifically refers to eels (Anguilla spp.). Therefore, 030192 precisely refers to live eels, regardless of whether they are farmed or wild-caught, and they are classified under this code. Live eels are live fish and are not for ornamental use, so they are classified under 0301.92 rather than 0301.11 (ornamental fish) or 0301.93 (cyprinids). At the same time, live eels have not undergone any processing or preservation treatment, so they are not classified under 0302 (fresh or chilled fish) or 0303 (frozen fish). This code is specifically established for species of the genus Anguilla to ensure the accuracy of trade statistics and regulation.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, chilled, frozen, dried, salted and other preservation states. This chapter is the core chapter for trade in aquatic products, involving fishing, aquaculture, processing and other stages. The first two digits of the HS code are 03, and customs authorities worldwide classify and regulate aquatic products based on this chapter.
Heading
Heading 0301 specifically covers live fish, including ornamental fish, food fish and other live fish, including freshwater and marine fish. Under this heading, further subdivision is made according to species and use, such as 0301.1 for ornamental fish and 0301.9 for other live fish. Live eels, as live food fish, are classified under 0301.92, reflecting a separate subheading for a specific economically important fish species.
Digit Breakdown
Code 030192 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 3 (fish, crustaceans, etc.); digits 3-4 "01" represent heading 0301 (live fish); digits 5-6 "92" represent the subheading, where "9" indicates other live fish (non-ornamental) and "2" specifically refers to eels (Anguilla spp.). Therefore, 030192 precisely refers to live eels, regardless of whether they are farmed or wild-caught, and they are classified under this code.
Classification Basis
Live eels are live fish and are not for ornamental use, so they are classified under 0301.92 rather than 0301.11 (ornamental fish) or 0301.93 (cyprinids). At the same time, live eels have not undergone any processing or preservation treatment, so they are not classified under 0302 (fresh or chilled fish) or 0303 (frozen fish). This code is specifically established for species of the genus Anguilla to ensure the accuracy of trade statistics and regulation.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should state "live eel" and indicate the scientific name (such as Anguilla japonica) or common name, avoiding vague generic terms. State: Clearly indicate that it is live, has not undergone freezing, chilling, drying or other processing, and retains vital characteristics. Use: State the use, such as for food, aquaculture, ornamental, etc. Live eels are usually for food or aquaculture use. Specification: Grade by weight or body length, such as "100-200 grams per fish", to facilitate customs statistics and value assessment. Latin scientific name: Provide the Latin scientific name of the genus Anguilla, such as Anguilla anguilla, Anguilla japonica, etc., to ensure species accuracy. Source: Indicate wild or artificially farmed; relevant certificates are required when endangered species management is involved. Packaging method: Describe the packaging type, such as oxygenated plastic bags, water tanks, etc., to ensure transportation meets live animal requirements. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Live eel (Japanese eel)
State: Live, packed in oxygenated plastic bags
Use: For food
Specification: 150-200 grams per fish
Latin scientific name: Anguilla japonica
Source: Artificially farmed
Packaging method: Oxygenated plastic bags, 10 kg per bag
Remarks: Attached farm certificate and inspection and quarantine certificate. Mistakenly declaring chilled or frozen eels as live eels, resulting in incorrect classification and penalties. Failure to provide the Latin scientific name and declaring only with a common name may lead to species identification disputes. Ignoring declaration of source (wild/farmed) may violate CITES provisions when endangered species are involved.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should state "live eel" and indicate the scientific name (such as Anguilla japonica) or common name, avoiding vague generic terms.
⚠️ Writing only "live fish" or "eel" without distinguishing live from fresh or chilled, resulting in incorrect classification.
State
Clearly indicate that it is live, has not undergone freezing, chilling, drying or other processing, and retains vital characteristics.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring chilled eels as live eels, when they should actually be classified under 0302.
Use
State the use, such as for food, aquaculture, ornamental, etc. Live eels are usually for food or aquaculture use.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring ornamental eels as for food, affecting regulatory conditions.
Specification
Grade by weight or body length, such as "100-200 grams per fish", to facilitate customs statistics and value assessment.
⚠️ Vague specification descriptions, such as "mixed sizes", may trigger inspection doubts.
Latin scientific name
Provide the Latin scientific name of the genus Anguilla, such as Anguilla anguilla, Anguilla japonica, etc., to ensure species accuracy.
⚠️ Misspelling the scientific name or using outdated taxonomy, leading to classification disputes.
Source
Indicate wild or artificially farmed; relevant certificates are required when endangered species management is involved.
⚠️ Failure to distinguish wild from farmed, which may violate CITES or domestic regulations.
Packaging method
Describe the packaging type, such as oxygenated plastic bags, water tanks, etc., to ensure transportation meets live animal requirements.
⚠️ False packaging description, such as actually being chilled but declared as oxygenated live.
Example： Customs declaration example:
Product name: Live eel (Japanese eel)
State: Live, packed in oxygenated plastic bags
Use: For food
Specification: 150-200 grams per fish
Latin scientific name: Anguilla japonica
Source: Artificially farmed
Packaging method: Oxygenated plastic bags, 10 kg per bag
Remarks: Attached farm certificate and inspection and quarantine certificate.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly declaring chilled or frozen eels as live eels, resulting in incorrect classification and penalties.
Failure to provide the Latin scientific name and declaring only with a common name may lead to species identification disputes.
Ignoring declaration of source (wild/farmed) may violate CITES provisions when endangered species are involved.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the hierarchical structure of the HS code and the attributes of the goods. First, live eels belong to Chapter 3 (fish and aquatic animals); second, heading 0301 applies only to live fish; third, subheading 0301.92 explicitly covers live fish of the genus Anguilla (Anguilla spp.). Therefore, as long as the commodity is a live Anguilla species, regardless of specification or use, it is classified under 030192. If it is another live fish, it is classified under 0301.99. 030199 Other live fish: 030199 covers other live fish besides specific subheadings such as ornamental fish, eels, cyprinids, etc., such as live perch and live grouper. Live eels are not classified under this code because they have a dedicated subheading 030192. 030192 Live eels: This code specifically refers to live Anguilla species. Fresh or chilled eels should be classified under 0302.73, frozen eels under 0303.73, and prepared eels under 1604.17. 030273 Fresh or chilled eels: 030273 applies to fresh or chilled eels, not live. The key difference is whether vital characteristics are retained: live ones are classified under 030192, chilled ones under 030273. 030373 Frozen eels: 030373 applies to frozen eels, which have undergone freezing treatment and no longer have vital characteristics. Live eels and frozen eels are completely different in state and preservation method. 030192 Live eels: Difference from 0301.11 ornamental fish: ornamental fish are classified under 0301.11, while live eels are usually for food or aquaculture. Different uses lead to different subheadings. Confirm whether the commodity is live and has vital characteristics. Confirm whether it belongs to the genus Anguilla (Anguilla spp.). Confirm whether the use is non-ornamental. Verify whether the Latin scientific name is accurate. Check whether it has undergone any freezing or chilling treatment.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the hierarchical structure of the HS code and the attributes of the goods. First, live eels belong to Chapter 3 (fish and aquatic animals); second, heading 0301 applies only to live fish; third, subheading 0301.92 explicitly covers live fish of the genus Anguilla (Anguilla spp.). Therefore, as long as the commodity is a live Anguilla species, regardless of specification or use, it is classified under 030192. If it is another live fish, it is classified under 0301.99.
Confused Codes：
030199 - Other live fish
030199 covers other live fish besides specific subheadings such as ornamental fish, eels, cyprinids, etc., such as live perch and live grouper. Live eels are not classified under this code because they have a dedicated subheading 030192.
030192 - Live eels
This code specifically refers to live Anguilla species. Fresh or chilled eels should be classified under 0302.73, frozen eels under 0303.73, and prepared eels under 1604.17.
030273 - Fresh or chilled eels
030273 applies to fresh or chilled eels, not live. The key difference is whether vital characteristics are retained: live ones are classified under 030192, chilled ones under 030273.
030373 - Frozen eels
030373 applies to frozen eels, which have undergone freezing treatment and no longer have vital characteristics. Live eels and frozen eels are completely different in state and preservation method.
030192 - Live eels
Difference from 0301.11 ornamental fish: ornamental fish are classified under 0301.11, while live eels are usually for food or aquaculture. Different uses lead to different subheadings.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is live and has vital characteristics.
✓ Confirm whether it belongs to the genus Anguilla (Anguilla spp.).
✓ Confirm whether the use is non-ornamental.
✓ Verify whether the Latin scientific name is accurate.
✓ Check whether it has undergone any freezing or chilling treatment.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between live eels and chilled eels? Live eels are classified under 030192, and chilled eels under 030273. The key difference lies in the state of the commodity: live eels retain vital characteristics, while chilled eels have been refrigerated but not frozen and no longer have life. When declaring, the state must be accurately described to avoid classification errors. How can I check the import tariff rate for live eels? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement and country of origin. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the customs administration or international trade databases, or consult a professional customs broker. Note that rates change, and the actual rate at the time of declaration shall prevail. What inspection and quarantine certificates are required for exporting live eels? Usually, an inspection and quarantine certificate, health certificate issued by the official authorities of the exporting country, and farm registration certificate are required. If endangered species are involved, a CITES permit is also required. For specific requirements, please consult the local customs authority. When declaring live eels, is the Latin scientific name mandatory? Yes, the Latin scientific name helps ensure accurate classification, especially to distinguish different Anguilla species. If it cannot be provided, it may lead to customs doubts and prolong customs clearance. It is recommended to prepare an authoritative species identification report in advance. Can live eels be classified under 030199? No. 030199 is for other live fish, while live eels have a dedicated subheading 030192. According to HS classification rules, a subheading with a specific name takes precedence over a general subheading, so they must be classified under 030192. For cross-border e-commerce sales of live eels, how should the HS code be filled in? For cross-border e-commerce declarations, 030192 is still used. Note that the platform may require additional certificates, such as inspection and quarantine certificates. It is recommended to confirm the compliance of live transport with the logistics provider and accurately fill in the declaration elements. How are live eels and ornamental eels distinguished in coding? Ornamental eels are classified under 030111 (freshwater ornamental fish) or 030119 (other ornamental fish), while live eels (for food or aquaculture) are classified under 030192. The difference lies in the use, which must be clearly stated when declaring. If live eels die during transportation, how should they be declared? If they are dead upon arrival, they should be classified under the corresponding code according to their actual state, such as chilled under 030273 and frozen under 030373. False declaration may lead to penalties, so it is recommended to truthfully explain the situation to customs.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between live eels and chilled eels?
A: Live eels are classified under 030192, and chilled eels under 030273. The key difference lies in the state of the commodity: live eels retain vital characteristics, while chilled eels have been refrigerated but not frozen and no longer have life. When declaring, the state must be accurately described to avoid classification errors.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for live eels?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement and country of origin. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the customs administration or international trade databases, or consult a professional customs broker. Note that rates change, and the actual rate at the time of declaration shall prevail.
Q: What inspection and quarantine certificates are required for exporting live eels?
A: Usually, an inspection and quarantine certificate, health certificate issued by the official authorities of the exporting country, and farm registration certificate are required. If endangered species are involved, a CITES permit is also required. For specific requirements, please consult the local customs authority.
Q: When declaring live eels, is the Latin scientific name mandatory?
A: Yes, the Latin scientific name helps ensure accurate classification, especially to distinguish different Anguilla species. If it cannot be provided, it may lead to customs doubts and prolong customs clearance. It is recommended to prepare an authoritative species identification report in advance.
Q: Can live eels be classified under 030199?
A: No. 030199 is for other live fish, while live eels have a dedicated subheading 030192. According to HS classification rules, a subheading with a specific name takes precedence over a general subheading, so they must be classified under 030192.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of live eels, how should the HS code be filled in?
A: For cross-border e-commerce declarations, 030192 is still used. Note that the platform may require additional certificates, such as inspection and quarantine certificates. It is recommended to confirm the compliance of live transport with the logistics provider and accurately fill in the declaration elements.
Q: How are live eels and ornamental eels distinguished in coding?
A: Ornamental eels are classified under 030111 (freshwater ornamental fish) or 030119 (other ornamental fish), while live eels (for food or aquaculture) are classified under 030192. The difference lies in the use, which must be clearly stated when declaring.
Q: If live eels die during transportation, how should they be declared?
A: If they are dead upon arrival, they should be classified under the corresponding code according to their actual state, such as chilled under 030273 and frozen under 030373. False declaration may lead to penalties, so it is recommended to truthfully explain the situation to customs.
⚠️ 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.