Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh or chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other processed states. This chapter is a core chapter in international trade of aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing. Within the chapter, headings are divided by animal category and degree of processing: live fish in 0301, fresh or chilled fish in 0302, frozen fish in 0303, fish fillets in 0304, dried, salted or smoked fish in 0305, crustaceans in 0306, and molluscs in 0307. Heading 0301 covers all live fish, including ornamental fish, food fish, fry and fingerlings, whether freshwater or marine species. This heading has several subheadings distinguished by fish species and economic use: 0301.11 for ornamental fish (freshwater), 0301.19 for other live fish (freshwater), 0301.91 for trout, 0301.92 for eels, 0301.93 for carp, 0301.94 for Atlantic salmon, 0301.95 for Pacific salmon, and 0301.99 for other live fish. This heading does not include fish fry (separately listed under 0301.11 or 0301.19, etc.) or live crustaceans and molluscs. The first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 03, i.e. fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. The 3rd-4th digits "01" represent heading 0301, i.e. live fish. The 5th-6th digits "99" represent subheading 0301.99, i.e. other live fish. This subheading is a residual subheading covering all live fish not specified in 0301.11 to 0301.95, including but not limited to: sea bass, grouper, tilapia, catfish, mandarin fish, sturgeon, ornamental fish other than goldfish, and various unspecified marine and freshwater live fish. Note that 0301.99 does not include fish fry (fish fry are usually classified under the corresponding subheading by species, e.g. cyprinid fry under 0301.93, other fry under 0301.99). The goods are live fish and are not specifically named in 0301.11 to 0301.95, therefore classified under 0301.99. If they were ornamental fish (freshwater), they should be classified under 0301.11; if trout, eel, carp, Atlantic salmon or Pacific salmon, they should be classified under 0301.91 to 0301.95 respectively. If fresh or chilled fish, under 0302; if frozen fish, under 0303; if fish fillets, under 0304. The key difference between live fish and fresh or chilled fish is the state of life; live fish must be transported alive.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh or chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other processed states. This chapter is a core chapter in international trade of aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing. Within the chapter, headings are divided by animal category and degree of processing: live fish in 0301, fresh or chilled fish in 0302, frozen fish in 0303, fish fillets in 0304, dried, salted or smoked fish in 0305, crustaceans in 0306, and molluscs in 0307.
Heading
Heading 0301 covers all live fish, including ornamental fish, food fish, fry and fingerlings, whether freshwater or marine species. This heading has several subheadings distinguished by fish species and economic use: 0301.11 for ornamental fish (freshwater), 0301.19 for other live fish (freshwater), 0301.91 for trout, 0301.92 for eels, 0301.93 for carp, 0301.94 for Atlantic salmon, 0301.95 for Pacific salmon, and 0301.99 for other live fish. This heading does not include fish fry (separately listed under 0301.11 or 0301.19, etc.) or live crustaceans and molluscs.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 03, i.e. fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. The 3rd-4th digits "01" represent heading 0301, i.e. live fish. The 5th-6th digits "99" represent subheading 0301.99, i.e. other live fish. This subheading is a residual subheading covering all live fish not specified in 0301.11 to 0301.95, including but not limited to: sea bass, grouper, tilapia, catfish, mandarin fish, sturgeon, ornamental fish other than goldfish, and various unspecified marine and freshwater live fish. Note that 0301.99 does not include fish fry (fish fry are usually classified under the corresponding subheading by species, e.g. cyprinid fry under 0301.93, other fry under 0301.99).
Classification Basis
The goods are live fish and are not specifically named in 0301.11 to 0301.95, therefore classified under 0301.99. If they were ornamental fish (freshwater), they should be classified under 0301.11; if trout, eel, carp, Atlantic salmon or Pacific salmon, they should be classified under 0301.91 to 0301.95 respectively. If fresh or chilled fish, under 0302; if frozen fish, under 0303; if fish fillets, under 0304. The key difference between live fish and fresh or chilled fish is the state of life; live fish must be transported alive.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name (Chinese and foreign language): Fill in the specific species name of the live fish, such as "live sea bass", "live grouper", and attach the Latin scientific name or English common name to ensure consistency with the actual goods. State (live): Clearly declare as live, distinguishing from fresh, chilled, frozen, etc. The transport method must be stated as live transport. Use (food/ornamental/aquaculture/breeding): Declare according to actual use; different uses such as food, ornamental, aquaculture, breeding may affect regulatory conditions and tax rates. Whether fry: Clearly state whether they are fry (juvenile fish). Fry and adult fish are classified differently under some subheadings, and regulatory conditions may differ. Latin scientific name: Provide the accurate Latin scientific name (genus + species) for customs species identification and endangered species verification. Specification (body length/weight): Declare the body length (cm) or weight (g) of each fish for statistics and price review. Packaging method: Live fish are usually packaged in oxygenated plastic bags, live fish transport boxes, water tanks, etc., and must be specifically declared. Brand (if any): If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none". Product name: live sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus); State: live; Use: food; Whether fry: no; Latin scientific name: Lateolabrax japonicus; Specification: body length 20-25 cm/fish; Packaging method: oxygenated plastic bags, 10 fish per bag, placed in foam boxes; Brand: none. Remarks: transport method is air freight, survival rate over 95%. Confusing live fish with fresh or chilled fish; live fish must be alive, fresh or chilled fish are dead but not frozen. Failing to distinguish fry from adult fish; fry may be classified under different subheadings, affecting regulatory conditions. Incorrect or missing Latin scientific name, causing customs inability to accurately identify species, possibly involving endangered species control.
Product name (Chinese and foreign language)
Fill in the specific species name of the live fish, such as "live sea bass", "live grouper", and attach the Latin scientific name or English common name to ensure consistency with the actual goods.
⚠️ Writing only "live fish" is too general, or the Chinese and English names do not match.
State (live)
Clearly declare as live, distinguishing from fresh, chilled, frozen, etc. The transport method must be stated as live transport.
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in as "fresh" or "iced fresh", leading to classification errors.
Use (food/ornamental/aquaculture/breeding)
Declare according to actual use; different uses such as food, ornamental, aquaculture, breeding may affect regulatory conditions and tax rates.
⚠️ Declaring ornamental fish as food fish, or vice versa.
Whether fry
Clearly state whether they are fry (juvenile fish). Fry and adult fish are classified differently under some subheadings, and regulatory conditions may differ.
⚠️ Declaring fry as adult fish, or failing to distinguish fry from adult fish.
Latin scientific name
Provide the accurate Latin scientific name (genus + species) for customs species identification and endangered species verification.
⚠️ Spelling errors or use of outdated scientific names, leading to classification disputes.
Specification (body length/weight)
Declare the body length (cm) or weight (g) of each fish for statistics and price review.
⚠️ Incomplete specifications or incorrect units.
Packaging method
Live fish are usually packaged in oxygenated plastic bags, live fish transport boxes, water tanks, etc., and must be specifically declared.
⚠️ Generally filling in "boxed" without specifying oxygenation or water transport.
Brand (if any)
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Ignoring brand declaration, leading to subsequent intellectual property verification issues.
Example： Product name: live sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus); State: live; Use: food; Whether fry: no; Latin scientific name: Lateolabrax japonicus; Specification: body length 20-25 cm/fish; Packaging method: oxygenated plastic bags, 10 fish per bag, placed in foam boxes; Brand: none. Remarks: transport method is air freight, survival rate over 95%.
Common Mistakes：
Confusing live fish with fresh or chilled fish; live fish must be alive, fresh or chilled fish are dead but not frozen.
Failing to distinguish fry from adult fish; fry may be classified under different subheadings, affecting regulatory conditions.
Incorrect or missing Latin scientific name, causing customs inability to accurately identify species, possibly involving endangered species control.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) the goods must be live fish, i.e. in a living state; 2) they are not species specifically named in 0301.11 to 0301.95; 3) they are not fry (fry are classified under the corresponding subheading by species, or under 0301.99 if indistinguishable). Consideration must also be given to the use of the fish (ornamental, food, aquaculture) and species (freshwater, marine). Customs will verify declaration elements such as Latin scientific name, state, use, and may conduct laboratory identification if necessary. 0301.11 Ornamental fish (freshwater): 0301.11 specifically refers to freshwater ornamental fish, such as goldfish, koi; 0301.99 is other live fish, including food fish and unspecified ornamental fish. The core difference lies in use and species. 0301.93 Carp: 0301.93 refers only to carp (Cyprinus carpio), including fry and adult fish; 0301.99 is other live fish, excluding carp. If it is other cyprinid fish, such as grass carp, silver carp, they are still classified under 0301.99. 0302.99 Other fresh or chilled fish: 0302.99 is other fresh or chilled fish, dead but not frozen; 0301.99 is live fish. The key difference is the state of life; live fish must be transported alive. 0303.99 Other frozen fish: 0303.99 is other frozen fish, dead and frozen; 0301.99 is live fish. Frozen fish and live fish are completely different in transport, storage and classification. 0306.39 Other live crustaceans: 0306.39 is live crustaceans, such as live crabs, live shrimp; 0301.99 is live fish. They belong to different headings, distinguished by animal category. Confirm whether the goods are live and can survive transport. Confirm whether the fish species is specifically named in 0301.11 to 0301.95. Confirm whether they are fry; fry may be classified under different subheadings. Check the Latin scientific name to ensure accuracy. Confirm the use; ornamental fish and food fish may be classified differently.
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) the goods must be live fish, i.e. in a living state; 2) they are not species specifically named in 0301.11 to 0301.95; 3) they are not fry (fry are classified under the corresponding subheading by species, or under 0301.99 if indistinguishable). Consideration must also be given to the use of the fish (ornamental, food, aquaculture) and species (freshwater, marine). Customs will verify declaration elements such as Latin scientific name, state, use, and may conduct laboratory identification if necessary.
Confused Codes：
0301.11 - Ornamental fish (freshwater)
0301.11 specifically refers to freshwater ornamental fish, such as goldfish, koi; 0301.99 is other live fish, including food fish and unspecified ornamental fish. The core difference lies in use and species.
0301.93 - Carp
0301.93 refers only to carp (Cyprinus carpio), including fry and adult fish; 0301.99 is other live fish, excluding carp. If it is other cyprinid fish, such as grass carp, silver carp, they are still classified under 0301.99.
0302.99 - Other fresh or chilled fish
0302.99 is other fresh or chilled fish, dead but not frozen; 0301.99 is live fish. The key difference is the state of life; live fish must be transported alive.
0303.99 - Other frozen fish
0303.99 is other frozen fish, dead and frozen; 0301.99 is live fish. Frozen fish and live fish are completely different in transport, storage and classification.
0306.39 - Other live crustaceans
0306.39 is live crustaceans, such as live crabs, live shrimp; 0301.99 is live fish. They belong to different headings, distinguished by animal category.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the goods are live and can survive transport.
✓ Confirm whether the fish species is specifically named in 0301.11 to 0301.95.
✓ Confirm whether they are fry; fry may be classified under different subheadings.
✓ Check the Latin scientific name to ensure accuracy.
✓ Confirm the use; ornamental fish and food fish may be classified differently.
❓ FAQ
How to query the tax rate for HS code 030199? You can check the latest import tariff, value-added tax, and consumption tax rates by entering code 030199 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional HS code query platforms. Note that tax rates are subject to policy adjustments; it is recommended to refer to the customs system display at the time of declaration. What is the difference in HS codes between live fish and fresh fish? Live fish are classified under 0301, fresh or chilled fish under 0302, frozen fish under 0303. The key difference is the state of life: live fish must be alive, fresh or chilled fish are dead but not frozen, frozen fish are dead and frozen. The state must be accurately described during declaration to avoid classification errors. What regulatory documents are required for importing live fish under 030199? Usually require inbound goods inspection and quarantine certificate, certificate of origin, health certificate, etc. If endangered species are involved, a CITES permit for import/export is also required. Specific regulatory conditions vary by fish species and country of origin; it is recommended to consult customs or a professional customs broker in advance. Are ornamental fish classified under 030199? Freshwater ornamental fish are classified under 030111, marine ornamental fish under 030119. 030199 is other live fish, usually referring to food fish or unspecified live fish. If ornamental fish are not named in 030111 or 030119, they may also be classified under 030199, but this must be determined based on the specific species. How are fry classified? Fry classification depends on species: carp fry under 030193, trout fry under 030191, eel fry under 030192, other fry under 030199. If the species cannot be distinguished, they are usually classified as adult fish. Whether they are fry must be clearly stated during declaration. Can live fish under 030199 be transported by air? Yes, but they must comply with regulations for air transport of live animals, using oxygenated plastic bags, foam boxes, etc., to ensure survival. Inspection and quarantine procedures must also be completed, and relevant certificates provided. Air transport of live fish is usually for high-value food fish or ornamental fish. Is the Latin scientific name mandatory when declaring 030199? Yes, the Latin scientific name is an important basis for customs species identification, especially when endangered species control is involved. If it cannot be provided, it may cause customs clearance delays or returns. It is recommended that the supplier provide the accurate Latin scientific name before declaration. What is the difference between 030199 and 030119? 030119 is marine ornamental fish, 030199 is other live fish (including food fish and unspecified ornamental fish). The core difference lies in use and species: 030119 specifically refers to marine ornamental fish, while 030199 is a residual subheading covering live fish not specifically named.
Q: How to query the tax rate for HS code 030199?
A: You can check the latest import tariff, value-added tax, and consumption tax rates by entering code 030199 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional HS code query platforms. Note that tax rates are subject to policy adjustments; it is recommended to refer to the customs system display at the time of declaration.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between live fish and fresh fish?
A: Live fish are classified under 0301, fresh or chilled fish under 0302, frozen fish under 0303. The key difference is the state of life: live fish must be alive, fresh or chilled fish are dead but not frozen, frozen fish are dead and frozen. The state must be accurately described during declaration to avoid classification errors.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing live fish under 030199?
A: Usually require inbound goods inspection and quarantine certificate, certificate of origin, health certificate, etc. If endangered species are involved, a CITES permit for import/export is also required. Specific regulatory conditions vary by fish species and country of origin; it is recommended to consult customs or a professional customs broker in advance.
Q: Are ornamental fish classified under 030199?
A: Freshwater ornamental fish are classified under 030111, marine ornamental fish under 030119. 030199 is other live fish, usually referring to food fish or unspecified live fish. If ornamental fish are not named in 030111 or 030119, they may also be classified under 030199, but this must be determined based on the specific species.
Q: How are fry classified?
A: Fry classification depends on species: carp fry under 030193, trout fry under 030191, eel fry under 030192, other fry under 030199. If the species cannot be distinguished, they are usually classified as adult fish. Whether they are fry must be clearly stated during declaration.
Q: Can live fish under 030199 be transported by air?
A: Yes, but they must comply with regulations for air transport of live animals, using oxygenated plastic bags, foam boxes, etc., to ensure survival. Inspection and quarantine procedures must also be completed, and relevant certificates provided. Air transport of live fish is usually for high-value food fish or ornamental fish.
Q: Is the Latin scientific name mandatory when declaring 030199?
A: Yes, the Latin scientific name is an important basis for customs species identification, especially when endangered species control is involved. If it cannot be provided, it may cause customs clearance delays or returns. It is recommended that the supplier provide the accurate Latin scientific name before declaration.
Q: What is the difference between 030199 and 030119?
A: 030119 is marine ornamental fish, 030199 is other live fish (including food fish and unspecified ornamental fish). The core difference lies in use and species: 030119 specifically refers to marine ornamental fish, while 030199 is a residual subheading covering live fish not specifically named.
⚠️ 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.