Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other processed products, but excluding cooked or preserved products (classified under Chapter 16). This chapter is the core chapter for trade in aquatic products, involving fishing, aquaculture, processing and other stages. Heading 0302 covers fresh or chilled fish, but excludes fish fillets and other fish meat (classified under 0304), fish livers and roes (classified under 0303 or 0305), and whole or cut smoked fish (classified under 0305). This heading mainly covers fresh or chilled whole fish for human consumption, whether or not headed or gutted, but the fish must remain whole. The first 2 digits 03 represent Chapter 3 (fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates). Digits 3-4, 02, represent heading 0302 (fresh or chilled fish, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of 0304). Digits 5-6, 65, represent subheading 030265, specifically fresh or chilled dogfish and other sharks. Among these, dogfish usually refers to small sharks, while other sharks include various large sharks. This subheading was separated from the former 0302.65 (fresh or chilled dogfish and other sharks) during the 2017 HS revision; previously it may have been classified under 0302.69. The goods are fresh or chilled dogfish and other sharks, not smoked, dried, salted or frozen, and not cut into fillets or minced meat, so they are classified under 0302 rather than 0303 (frozen fish) or 0304 (fish fillets). At the same time, sharks are fish, and dogfish and other sharks are specifically named under 0302, so they are not classified under 0302.69 (other fresh or chilled fish).
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other processed products, but excluding cooked or preserved products (classified under Chapter 16). This chapter is the core chapter for trade in aquatic products, involving fishing, aquaculture, processing and other stages.
Heading
Heading 0302 covers fresh or chilled fish, but excludes fish fillets and other fish meat (classified under 0304), fish livers and roes (classified under 0303 or 0305), and whole or cut smoked fish (classified under 0305). This heading mainly covers fresh or chilled whole fish for human consumption, whether or not headed or gutted, but the fish must remain whole.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 03 represent Chapter 3 (fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates). Digits 3-4, 02, represent heading 0302 (fresh or chilled fish, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of 0304). Digits 5-6, 65, represent subheading 030265, specifically fresh or chilled dogfish and other sharks. Among these, dogfish usually refers to small sharks, while other sharks include various large sharks. This subheading was separated from the former 0302.65 (fresh or chilled dogfish and other sharks) during the 2017 HS revision; previously it may have been classified under 0302.69.
Classification Basis
The goods are fresh or chilled dogfish and other sharks, not smoked, dried, salted or frozen, and not cut into fillets or minced meat, so they are classified under 0302 rather than 0303 (frozen fish) or 0304 (fish fillets). At the same time, sharks are fish, and dogfish and other sharks are specifically named under 0302, so they are not classified under 0302.69 (other fresh or chilled fish).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Fill in the Chinese and foreign-language names of the goods, specifically to the species, such as "dogfish" or "requiem shark", avoiding the general term "shark". Method of production or preservation: State "fresh" or "chilled", and indicate whether headed, gutted, skinned or otherwise processed, such as "fresh, whole, not gutted". State: Describe the overall state of the fish, such as whole, headed, gutted, sliced, etc., but note that slicing may be classified under 0304. Latin scientific name: Provide the Latin scientific name of the shark, which helps customs accurately identify the species, especially when endangered species are involved. Fishing or farming method: State whether wild-caught or artificially farmed, and the fishing area (such as FAO fishing area). Brand type: Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations, such as no brand, domestic independent brand, foreign brand, etc. Specifications: Fill in the weight or size range of each fish, such as "5-10 kg each". Product name: Fresh dogfish (Squalus acanthias); Method of production or preservation: Fresh, whole, not gutted; State: Whole; Latin scientific name: Squalus acanthias; Fishing method: Wild-caught, FAO Area 27; Brand type: No brand; Specifications: 2-5 kg each. Incorrectly declaring chilled shark as frozen, resulting in classification under 0303 rather than 0302. Failing to provide the Latin scientific name, making it impossible to determine whether it is an endangered shark species. Declaring shark liver, shark fin, etc. separately; these should be classified under other codes.
Product name
Fill in the Chinese and foreign-language names of the goods, specifically to the species, such as "dogfish" or "requiem shark", avoiding the general term "shark".
⚠️ Writing only "shark" without distinguishing the specific species, or incorrectly writing processed product names such as "shark fin" or "shark meat".
Method of production or preservation
State "fresh" or "chilled", and indicate whether headed, gutted, skinned or otherwise processed, such as "fresh, whole, not gutted".
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "frozen" or "dried", resulting in misclassification.
State
Describe the overall state of the fish, such as whole, headed, gutted, sliced, etc., but note that slicing may be classified under 0304.
⚠️ Declaring boneless fillets as whole fish, incorrectly classified under 0302.
Latin scientific name
Provide the Latin scientific name of the shark, which helps customs accurately identify the species, especially when endangered species are involved.
⚠️ Failing to provide the scientific name or misspelling it, making it impossible to determine whether it is an endangered species.
Fishing or farming method
State whether wild-caught or artificially farmed, and the fishing area (such as FAO fishing area).
⚠️ Omitting the fishing area, affecting subsequent supervision and statistics.
Brand type
Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations, such as no brand, domestic independent brand, foreign brand, etc.
⚠️ Confusing brand types, or failing to declare the brand truthfully.
Specifications
Fill in the weight or size range of each fish, such as "5-10 kg each".
⚠️ Incomplete specifications, causing customs to question the declaration.
Example： Product name: Fresh dogfish (Squalus acanthias); Method of production or preservation: Fresh, whole, not gutted; State: Whole; Latin scientific name: Squalus acanthias; Fishing method: Wild-caught, FAO Area 27; Brand type: No brand; Specifications: 2-5 kg each.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly declaring chilled shark as frozen, resulting in classification under 0303 rather than 0302.
Failing to provide the Latin scientific name, making it impossible to determine whether it is an endangered shark species.
Declaring shark liver, shark fin, etc. separately; these should be classified under other codes.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. First, the goods must be fish of Chapter 3. Second, they must be fresh or chilled, not frozen, dried, salted or smoked. Third, they must be whole fish or only simply processed by heading, gutting, etc., not further processed into fillets, minced meat, etc. Fourth, dogfish and other sharks are specifically named under 0302, so they are preferentially classified under 030265 rather than 030269 (other fresh or chilled fish). 0303.65 Frozen dogfish and other sharks: Different state: 0303 is frozen, 0302 is fresh or chilled. If the shark has been frozen, it is classified under 0303.65. 0304.49 Other fresh or chilled fish fillets and other fish meat: Different degree of processing: 0304 is fillets or minced meat, which have changed physical form; 0302 is whole fish or simply gutted. 0302.69 Other fresh or chilled fish: Different species: 0302.69 is other fish not specifically named, while 0302.65 specifically refers to dogfish and other sharks. 0305.71 Smoked shark: Different processing method: 0305 is smoked, including smoked shark, while 0302 is fresh or chilled. Is it confirmed to be fresh or chilled? Is it still whole or only simply gutted? Does it belong to dogfish or other shark species? Is the Latin scientific name provided to exclude endangered species? Has it not been smoked, dried, salted or frozen?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. First, the goods must be fish of Chapter 3. Second, they must be fresh or chilled, not frozen, dried, salted or smoked. Third, they must be whole fish or only simply processed by heading, gutting, etc., not further processed into fillets, minced meat, etc. Fourth, dogfish and other sharks are specifically named under 0302, so they are preferentially classified under 030265 rather than 030269 (other fresh or chilled fish).
Confused Codes：
0303.65 - Frozen dogfish and other sharks
Different state: 0303 is frozen, 0302 is fresh or chilled. If the shark has been frozen, it is classified under 0303.65.
0304.49 - Other fresh or chilled fish fillets and other fish meat
Different degree of processing: 0304 is fillets or minced meat, which have changed physical form; 0302 is whole fish or simply gutted.
0302.69 - Other fresh or chilled fish
Different species: 0302.69 is other fish not specifically named, while 0302.65 specifically refers to dogfish and other sharks.
0305.71 - Smoked shark
Different processing method: 0305 is smoked, including smoked shark, while 0302 is fresh or chilled.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it confirmed to be fresh or chilled?
✓ Is it still whole or only simply gutted?
✓ Does it belong to dogfish or other shark species?
✓ Is the Latin scientific name provided to exclude endangered species?
✓ Has it not been smoked, dried, salted or frozen?
❓ FAQ
How can one determine whether shark is fresh or chilled? Fresh means just caught without cooling treatment; chilled means kept at around 0°C. Both are classified under 0302, but this must be clearly stated at declaration. If the temperature is below 0°C but not frozen, it is still regarded as chilled; if frozen, it is classified under 0303. Under which code should shark liver be classified? Shark liver is classified under 0302.91 (fresh or chilled fish livers and roes) or 0303.91 (frozen fish livers and roes), depending on the preservation state. Shark liver is not classified under 0302.65. How should endangered shark species be declared? If the shark belongs to a CITES Appendix species (such as whale shark, basking shark, etc.), a CITES import/export permit must be provided, and the Latin scientific name must be declared. Customs will verify whether it is an endangered species and may require additional documents. What is the main difference between 030265 and 030269? 030265 specifically refers to dogfish and other sharks, while 030269 is other fresh or chilled fish. If it cannot be determined to be a shark, or if it belongs to other fish, it is classified under 030269. Species information must be provided at declaration. Is fresh shark still classified under 030265 after heading and gutting? Yes. Simple processing such as heading, gutting and tailing does not affect classification; as long as it is not cut into fillets or minced meat, it remains classified under 030265. However, if cut into fillets, it is classified under 0304. How can one check the tariff rate for 030265? You may consult the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or check through the General Administration of Customs website or the single window. Tariff rates may vary depending on trade agreements, origin, etc.; the latest tariff schedule should prevail. What inspection and quarantine requirements are needed for importing fresh shark? It must comply with the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of Imported and Exported Aquatic Products, provide certificate of origin, health certificate, fishing certificate, etc., and apply for an entry animal and plant quarantine permit. For details, consult the local customs office.
Q: How can one determine whether shark is fresh or chilled?
A: Fresh means just caught without cooling treatment; chilled means kept at around 0°C. Both are classified under 0302, but this must be clearly stated at declaration. If the temperature is below 0°C but not frozen, it is still regarded as chilled; if frozen, it is classified under 0303.
Q: Under which code should shark liver be classified?
A: Shark liver is classified under 0302.91 (fresh or chilled fish livers and roes) or 0303.91 (frozen fish livers and roes), depending on the preservation state. Shark liver is not classified under 0302.65.
Q: How should endangered shark species be declared?
A: If the shark belongs to a CITES Appendix species (such as whale shark, basking shark, etc.), a CITES import/export permit must be provided, and the Latin scientific name must be declared. Customs will verify whether it is an endangered species and may require additional documents.
Q: What is the main difference between 030265 and 030269?
A: 030265 specifically refers to dogfish and other sharks, while 030269 is other fresh or chilled fish. If it cannot be determined to be a shark, or if it belongs to other fish, it is classified under 030269. Species information must be provided at declaration.
Q: Is fresh shark still classified under 030265 after heading and gutting?
A: Yes. Simple processing such as heading, gutting and tailing does not affect classification; as long as it is not cut into fillets or minced meat, it remains classified under 030265. However, if cut into fillets, it is classified under 0304.
Q: How can one check the tariff rate for 030265?
A: You may consult the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or check through the General Administration of Customs website or the single window. Tariff rates may vary depending on trade agreements, origin, etc.; the latest tariff schedule should prevail.
Q: What inspection and quarantine requirements are needed for importing fresh shark?
A: It must comply with the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of Imported and Exported Aquatic Products, provide certificate of origin, health certificate, fishing certificate, etc., and apply for an entry animal and plant quarantine permit. For details, consult the local customs office.
⚠️ 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.