Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted and smoked products. This chapter is a core chapter in international trade of aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing. Customs supervision needs to focus on species, state, depth of processing and compliance with endangered species regulations (such as CITES). Heading 0302 covers fresh or chilled fish, but excludes fish fillets and other fish meat (0304), whole smoked fish (0305) and live fish (0301). This heading emphasizes that the product retains the whole form of the fish and has only undergone preservation treatment (such as ice-chilling), without further processing such as slicing or mincing. It is one of the most common headings in the trade of fresh aquatic products. The first 2 digits 03 represent Chapter 3, "Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates." Digits 3-4, 02, represent the heading "Fresh or chilled fish, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304." Digits 5-6, 11, represent the subheading "Fresh or chilled trout," where trout specifically refers to fish of the genus Salmo or Oncorhynchus in the family Salmonidae, including rainbow trout, brown trout, etc. This subheading is not further subdivided by species; all fresh or chilled trout are classified under this code. The product is fresh or chilled trout, not sliced, minced or otherwise processed, and retains the whole fish body, so it is classified under 0302 rather than 0304 (fish fillets). At the same time, trout belongs to the Salmonidae family but is not salmon (chum salmon, etc.), so it is not classified under 0302.13 (fresh or chilled salmon). The difference from 0301 live fish is that the product state is fresh or chilled, not live.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted and smoked products. This chapter is a core chapter in international trade of aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing. Customs supervision needs to focus on species, state, depth of processing and compliance with endangered species regulations (such as CITES).
Heading
Heading 0302 covers fresh or chilled fish, but excludes fish fillets and other fish meat (0304), whole smoked fish (0305) and live fish (0301). This heading emphasizes that the product retains the whole form of the fish and has only undergone preservation treatment (such as ice-chilling), without further processing such as slicing or mincing. It is one of the most common headings in the trade of fresh aquatic products.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 03 represent Chapter 3, "Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates." Digits 3-4, 02, represent the heading "Fresh or chilled fish, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304." Digits 5-6, 11, represent the subheading "Fresh or chilled trout," where trout specifically refers to fish of the genus Salmo or Oncorhynchus in the family Salmonidae, including rainbow trout, brown trout, etc. This subheading is not further subdivided by species; all fresh or chilled trout are classified under this code.
Classification Basis
The product is fresh or chilled trout, not sliced, minced or otherwise processed, and retains the whole fish body, so it is classified under 0302 rather than 0304 (fish fillets). At the same time, trout belongs to the Salmonidae family but is not salmon (chum salmon, etc.), so it is not classified under 0302.13 (fresh or chilled salmon). The difference from 0301 live fish is that the product state is fresh or chilled, not live.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should state "fresh trout" or "chilled trout," and indicate the Latin scientific name (such as Oncorhynchus mykiss). Method of production or preservation: Explain the preservation method of the product, such as "ice-chilled" or "chilled"; the temperature range is usually 0-4°C. State: Describe the form of the fish body, such as "whole" or "headed and gutted," but the fish body must remain basically intact. Latin scientific name: Provide the accurate Latin scientific name of the species for endangered species verification and inspection and quarantine. Whether wild: Indicate "wild" or "farmed," which affects tariff quotas and inspection and quarantine requirements. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none." Specification: Declare by weight or length, such as "500-800 grams each." Product name: Fresh trout (rainbow trout); Method of production or preservation: Ice-chilled; State: Whole, gutted; Latin scientific name: Oncorhynchus mykiss; Whether wild: Farmed; Brand: None; Specification: 500-800 grams each; Origin: Norway. Mistakenly classifying chilled trout fillets under 0302; they should actually be classified under 0304. Failure to provide the Latin scientific name, making it impossible for customs to determine whether it is an endangered species. Mistakenly declaring trout as salmon, resulting in an incorrect code under 0302.13.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should state "fresh trout" or "chilled trout," and indicate the Latin scientific name (such as Oncorhynchus mykiss).
⚠️ Writing only "trout" without indicating the state, or mistakenly writing it as "salmon."
Method of production or preservation
Explain the preservation method of the product, such as "ice-chilled" or "chilled"; the temperature range is usually 0-4°C.
⚠️ Filling in vague terms such as "frozen" or "preserved."
State
Describe the form of the fish body, such as "whole" or "headed and gutted," but the fish body must remain basically intact.
⚠️ Filling in "fillet" or "cut pieces," resulting in incorrect classification.
Latin scientific name
Provide the accurate Latin scientific name of the species for endangered species verification and inspection and quarantine.
⚠️ Using common names or misspellings, such as writing rainbow trout as Salmo gairdneri.
Whether wild
Indicate "wild" or "farmed," which affects tariff quotas and inspection and quarantine requirements.
⚠️ Not clearly stating it, causing customs doubts.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none."
⚠️ Omitting the brand or filling it in incompletely.
Specification
Declare by weight or length, such as "500-800 grams each."
⚠️ Unclear specification description, such as "large" or "small."
Example： Product name: Fresh trout (rainbow trout); Method of production or preservation: Ice-chilled; State: Whole, gutted; Latin scientific name: Oncorhynchus mykiss; Whether wild: Farmed; Brand: None; Specification: 500-800 grams each; Origin: Norway.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying chilled trout fillets under 0302; they should actually be classified under 0304.
Failure to provide the Latin scientific name, making it impossible for customs to determine whether it is an endangered species.
Mistakenly declaring trout as salmon, resulting in an incorrect code under 0302.13.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and HS notes. First confirm that the product is fresh or chilled and has not been sliced, minced or otherwise processed; second confirm that the fish species is trout (Salmonidae, trout genus), not salmon or another fish species; finally confirm that the fish body is whole, not fillets or fish meat. If it is frozen trout, it should be classified under 0303; if it is fillets, under 0304; if it is live fish, under 0301. 0301.91 Live trout: The state is live, whereas 0302 is fresh or chilled. Live fish must be transported alive and are usually used for aquaculture or ornamental purposes. 0302.13 Fresh or chilled salmon: The fish species is different. Salmon refers to the genus Oncorhynchus, while trout refers to the trout genus. The two are similar in appearance but different in scientific name, and must be strictly distinguished during classification. 0303.14 Frozen trout: The preservation state is frozen, whereas 0302 is fresh or chilled. The core temperature of frozen fish is below -18°C. 0304.41 Fresh or chilled trout fillets: The processing state is fillets, already sliced, whereas 0302 is whole or gutted but not sliced. Is the product fresh or chilled? Is the fish species trout (verified by Latin scientific name)? Is the fish body kept whole and not sliced? Is it not live fish? Is it not frozen?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and HS notes. First confirm that the product is fresh or chilled and has not been sliced, minced or otherwise processed; second confirm that the fish species is trout (Salmonidae, trout genus), not salmon or another fish species; finally confirm that the fish body is whole, not fillets or fish meat. If it is frozen trout, it should be classified under 0303; if it is fillets, under 0304; if it is live fish, under 0301.
Confused Codes：
0301.91 - Live trout
The state is live, whereas 0302 is fresh or chilled. Live fish must be transported alive and are usually used for aquaculture or ornamental purposes.
0302.13 - Fresh or chilled salmon
The fish species is different. Salmon refers to the genus Oncorhynchus, while trout refers to the trout genus. The two are similar in appearance but different in scientific name, and must be strictly distinguished during classification.
0303.14 - Frozen trout
The preservation state is frozen, whereas 0302 is fresh or chilled. The core temperature of frozen fish is below -18°C.
0304.41 - Fresh or chilled trout fillets
The processing state is fillets, already sliced, whereas 0302 is whole or gutted but not sliced.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the product fresh or chilled?
✓ Is the fish species trout (verified by Latin scientific name)?
✓ Is the fish body kept whole and not sliced?
✓ Is it not live fish?
✓ Is it not frozen?
❓ FAQ
How do I look up the HS code for fresh trout? First confirm that the product is fresh or chilled whole trout, then follow the HS structure: Chapter 03 → heading 0302 → subheading 0302.11. It can be verified through the General Administration of Customs tariff query system or the WTO tariff database. What is the difference between the codes for fresh trout and frozen trout? Fresh or chilled trout is classified under 0302.11, and frozen trout under 0303.14. The main difference is the preservation state: fresh or chilled is usually 0-4°C, while frozen is below -18°C. How are the codes for trout and salmon distinguished? Trout is classified under 0302.11, and salmon under 0302.13. The distinction is based on the Latin scientific name: trout belongs to the genus Oncorhynchus (such as rainbow trout) or Salmo (such as brown trout), while salmon refers to specific species within the genus Oncorhynchus (such as chum salmon). What special documents are required to declare fresh trout? Usually a certificate of origin, inspection and quarantine certificate, and health certificate are required. If it is an endangered species, a CITES certificate is required. Farmed trout also requires registration information for the farm. How do I check the import tariff rate for fresh trout? Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement. You can consult the Chinese General Administration of Customs' Import and Export Tariff or query through the Single Window. Most-favored-nation rates, agreement rates, etc. must be determined according to the origin. What are the consequences of mistakenly classifying fresh trout under 0302.13? It may lead to tariff differences, customs inspection and administrative penalties. If endangered species are involved, it may also violate the law. It is recommended to declare the Latin scientific name accurately to avoid classification errors. What should be noted when selling fresh trout through cross-border e-commerce? It is necessary to ensure that the product meets the inspection and quarantine requirements of the importing country and to provide complete information when declaring. Personal mail or low-value goods may be subject to different supervision methods; it is recommended to consult a customs broker. How do rules of origin for fresh trout affect classification? Origin does not affect the HS code, but it affects tariff rates and the application of trade agreements. A certificate of origin must be provided to enjoy preferential tariff rates. Classification is still based on the characteristics of the product itself.
Q: How do I look up the HS code for fresh trout?
A: First confirm that the product is fresh or chilled whole trout, then follow the HS structure: Chapter 03 → heading 0302 → subheading 0302.11. It can be verified through the General Administration of Customs tariff query system or the WTO tariff database.
Q: What is the difference between the codes for fresh trout and frozen trout?
A: Fresh or chilled trout is classified under 0302.11, and frozen trout under 0303.14. The main difference is the preservation state: fresh or chilled is usually 0-4°C, while frozen is below -18°C.
Q: How are the codes for trout and salmon distinguished?
A: Trout is classified under 0302.11, and salmon under 0302.13. The distinction is based on the Latin scientific name: trout belongs to the genus Oncorhynchus (such as rainbow trout) or Salmo (such as brown trout), while salmon refers to specific species within the genus Oncorhynchus (such as chum salmon).
Q: What special documents are required to declare fresh trout?
A: Usually a certificate of origin, inspection and quarantine certificate, and health certificate are required. If it is an endangered species, a CITES certificate is required. Farmed trout also requires registration information for the farm.
Q: How do I check the import tariff rate for fresh trout?
A: Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement. You can consult the Chinese General Administration of Customs' Import and Export Tariff or query through the Single Window. Most-favored-nation rates, agreement rates, etc. must be determined according to the origin.
Q: What are the consequences of mistakenly classifying fresh trout under 0302.13?
A: It may lead to tariff differences, customs inspection and administrative penalties. If endangered species are involved, it may also violate the law. It is recommended to declare the Latin scientific name accurately to avoid classification errors.
Q: What should be noted when selling fresh trout through cross-border e-commerce?
A: It is necessary to ensure that the product meets the inspection and quarantine requirements of the importing country and to provide complete information when declaring. Personal mail or low-value goods may be subject to different supervision methods; it is recommended to consult a customs broker.
Q: How do rules of origin for fresh trout affect classification?
A: Origin does not affect the HS code, but it affects tariff rates and the application of trade agreements. A certificate of origin must be provided to enjoy preferential tariff rates. Classification is still based on the characteristics of the product itself.
⚠️ 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.