Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other various preservation methods. This chapter is the core chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture, and processing. Within the chapter, headings are divided by major categories of aquatic organisms, such as 0301 live fish, 0302 fresh or chilled fish, 0303 frozen fish, etc., and distinguish between wild-caught and farmed, and different species. Heading 0302 covers fresh or chilled fish, but excludes fish fillets and other fish meat (classified under 0304), fish livers and roes (classified under 0305 or 0306). This heading is subdivided by fish species, such as 0302.1 salmon, 0302.2 flatfish, 0302.3 tuna, etc. Fresh or chilled means not subjected to freezing, drying, smoking or other processing, and typically needs to be stored at 0-4°C to maintain freshness. First 2 digits 03 = chapter, indicating fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. Digits 3-4: 02 = heading, indicating fresh or chilled fish, but excluding fish fillets and other fish meat. Digits 5-6: 74 = subheading, indicating eels (Anguilla spp.), including all species of the genus Anguilla. The complete code 030274 refers to fresh or chilled eels, whether wild-caught or farmed, as long as they meet the fresh or chilled condition, they are classified under this code. This commodity is fresh or chilled eel, not subjected to freezing, drying, smoking or other processing, and not sliced, therefore classified under 0302 rather than 0303 (frozen fish) or 0304 (fresh or chilled fish fillets). Meanwhile, eel belongs to a specific species, and under 0302 is further subdivided to subheading 030274, distinguishing it from 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 various preservation methods. This chapter is the core chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture, and processing. Within the chapter, headings are divided by major categories of aquatic organisms, such as 0301 live fish, 0302 fresh or chilled fish, 0303 frozen fish, etc., and distinguish between wild-caught and farmed, and different species.
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 0305 or 0306). This heading is subdivided by fish species, such as 0302.1 salmon, 0302.2 flatfish, 0302.3 tuna, etc. Fresh or chilled means not subjected to freezing, drying, smoking or other processing, and typically needs to be stored at 0-4°C to maintain freshness.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 03 = chapter, indicating fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. Digits 3-4: 02 = heading, indicating fresh or chilled fish, but excluding fish fillets and other fish meat. Digits 5-6: 74 = subheading, indicating eels (Anguilla spp.), including all species of the genus Anguilla. The complete code 030274 refers to fresh or chilled eels, whether wild-caught or farmed, as long as they meet the fresh or chilled condition, they are classified under this code.
Classification Basis
This commodity is fresh or chilled eel, not subjected to freezing, drying, smoking or other processing, and not sliced, therefore classified under 0302 rather than 0303 (frozen fish) or 0304 (fresh or chilled fish fillets). Meanwhile, eel belongs to a specific species, and under 0302 is further subdivided to subheading 030274, distinguishing it from other fresh or chilled fish.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, should state 'fresh eel' or 'chilled eel', and distinguish between farmed or wild-caught. Latin Scientific Name: Fill in the Latin scientific name of the eel, such as Anguilla japonica (Japanese eel), Anguilla anguilla (European eel), etc. State: Clearly state fresh or chilled, such as 'fresh' or 'chilled', and indicate the storage temperature (e.g., 0-4°C). Source: Indicate wild-caught or farmed; for farmed, provide farm information. Specification: Grade by weight per piece or body length, such as '100-200g/piece'. Packaging Method: Such as 'boxed, 10 kg per box', and indicate whether ice is included. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'. Product Name: Fresh eel; Latin Scientific Name: Anguilla japonica; State: Fresh, storage temperature 0-4°C; Source: Farmed; Specification: 150-200g/piece; Packaging Method: Boxed, 10 kg per box, with 2 kg ice; Brand: None. Misreporting chilled eel as frozen, leading to incorrect classification under 0303. Failure to declare Latin scientific name, making it impossible to determine the specific subheading. Confusing farmed with wild-caught, affecting tariffs and quarantine requirements.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, should state 'fresh eel' or 'chilled eel', and distinguish between farmed or wild-caught.
⚠️ Only writing 'eel', without stating fresh or chilled status.
Latin Scientific Name
Fill in the Latin scientific name of the eel, such as Anguilla japonica (Japanese eel), Anguilla anguilla (European eel), etc.
⚠️ Spelling errors or failure to fill in the specific species name.
State
Clearly state fresh or chilled, such as 'fresh' or 'chilled', and indicate the storage temperature (e.g., 0-4°C).
⚠️ Confusing fresh with frozen, incorrectly writing 'frozen'.
Source
Indicate wild-caught or farmed; for farmed, provide farm information.
⚠️ Failure to distinguish between wild-caught and farmed, affecting tariffs and regulatory requirements.
Specification
Grade by weight per piece or body length, such as '100-200g/piece'.
⚠️ Vague specification description, such as 'mixed sizes'.
Packaging Method
Such as 'boxed, 10 kg per box', and indicate whether ice is included.
⚠️ Failure to indicate ice content, leading to net weight disputes.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'.
⚠️ Neglecting brand declaration, leading to infringement risks.
Example： Product Name: Fresh eel; Latin Scientific Name: Anguilla japonica; State: Fresh, storage temperature 0-4°C; Source: Farmed; Specification: 150-200g/piece; Packaging Method: Boxed, 10 kg per box, with 2 kg ice; Brand: None.
Common Mistakes：
Misreporting chilled eel as frozen, leading to incorrect classification under 0303.
Failure to declare Latin scientific name, making it impossible to determine the specific subheading.
Confusing farmed with wild-caught, affecting tariffs and quarantine requirements.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the actual state and species of the commodity. Fresh or chilled eel must not have been frozen, dried, smoked or otherwise processed, and must not be sliced. Meanwhile, eel belongs to the genus Anguilla (Anguilla spp.), and under heading 0302 is further subdivided to 030274. If frozen, it is classified under 0303; if filleted, under 0304; if live eel, under 0301. 030192 Live eel: Live eel is classified under 0301, while fresh or chilled is classified under 0302. The key difference is the living state. 030326 Frozen eel: Frozen eel is classified under 0303, fresh or chilled under 0302. The key difference is the storage temperature and processing method. 030431 Fresh or chilled eel fillets: Fillets are classified under 0304, whole or gutted but unsliced eel under 0302. The key difference is whether it is sliced. 030549 Smoked eel: Smoked eel is classified under 0305, fresh or chilled under 0302. The key difference is the smoking process. Is it clearly in fresh or chilled state? Is it unsliced, unfrozen, and unsmoked? Has the Latin scientific name been provided? Has the distinction between wild-caught and farmed been made? Do the packaging and storage temperature meet fresh/chilled conditions?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the actual state and species of the commodity. Fresh or chilled eel must not have been frozen, dried, smoked or otherwise processed, and must not be sliced. Meanwhile, eel belongs to the genus Anguilla (Anguilla spp.), and under heading 0302 is further subdivided to 030274. If frozen, it is classified under 0303; if filleted, under 0304; if live eel, under 0301.
Confused Codes：
030192 - Live eel
Live eel is classified under 0301, while fresh or chilled is classified under 0302. The key difference is the living state.
030326 - Frozen eel
Frozen eel is classified under 0303, fresh or chilled under 0302. The key difference is the storage temperature and processing method.
030431 - Fresh or chilled eel fillets
Fillets are classified under 0304, whole or gutted but unsliced eel under 0302. The key difference is whether it is sliced.
030549 - Smoked eel
Smoked eel is classified under 0305, fresh or chilled under 0302. The key difference is the smoking process.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clearly in fresh or chilled state?
✓ Is it unsliced, unfrozen, and unsmoked?
✓ Has the Latin scientific name been provided?
✓ Has the distinction between wild-caught and farmed been made?
✓ Do the packaging and storage temperature meet fresh/chilled conditions?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the tariff rate for HS code 030274? You can check the latest tariff rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Note that tariff rates may change due to trade agreements, country of origin and other factors; it is recommended to refer to the latest official publication. What is the difference in HS codes between fresh eel and frozen eel? Fresh or chilled eel is classified under 030274, frozen eel under 030326. The two may differ in preservation state, transportation conditions and tariff treatment, and must be accurately distinguished during declaration. Is it necessary to provide the Latin scientific name when declaring? Yes, the Latin scientific name is key to determining the subheading. Different eel species may involve endangered species controls, such as European eel (Anguilla anguilla) which is regulated under CITES and requires additional permits. Is there a difference in classification between farmed eel and wild-caught eel? There is no difference in classification; both are classified under 030274, but the source must be indicated during declaration. Some countries have different quarantine and labeling requirements for farmed and wild-caught aquatic products. If fresh eel is transported with ice, how should the net weight be declared? The net weight should deduct the weight of the ice, declaring only the weight of the eel itself. If ice is included, the ice weight must be indicated in the packaging method to avoid customs queries. Does 030274 include eel fillets? No. Fresh or chilled eel fillets are classified under 030431. 030274 only includes whole, head-off and gutted but unsliced eel. What regulatory documents are required for importing fresh eel? Typically required are the entry animal and plant quarantine permit, official quarantine certificate from the exporting country, certificate of origin, etc. If endangered species are involved, a CITES permit is also required. Specific requirements are subject to the latest customs regulations. How to avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors? It is recommended to verify the commodity state, species, and processing method before declaration, referring to the 'Customs Tariff and Commodity Classification Notes' and customs classification decisions. If necessary, pre-classification can be applied for.
Q: How to inquire about the tariff rate for HS code 030274?
A: You can check the latest tariff rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Note that tariff rates may change due to trade agreements, country of origin and other factors; it is recommended to refer to the latest official publication.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between fresh eel and frozen eel?
A: Fresh or chilled eel is classified under 030274, frozen eel under 030326. The two may differ in preservation state, transportation conditions and tariff treatment, and must be accurately distinguished during declaration.
Q: Is it necessary to provide the Latin scientific name when declaring?
A: Yes, the Latin scientific name is key to determining the subheading. Different eel species may involve endangered species controls, such as European eel (Anguilla anguilla) which is regulated under CITES and requires additional permits.
Q: Is there a difference in classification between farmed eel and wild-caught eel?
A: There is no difference in classification; both are classified under 030274, but the source must be indicated during declaration. Some countries have different quarantine and labeling requirements for farmed and wild-caught aquatic products.
Q: If fresh eel is transported with ice, how should the net weight be declared?
A: The net weight should deduct the weight of the ice, declaring only the weight of the eel itself. If ice is included, the ice weight must be indicated in the packaging method to avoid customs queries.
Q: Does 030274 include eel fillets?
A: No. Fresh or chilled eel fillets are classified under 030431. 030274 only includes whole, head-off and gutted but unsliced eel.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing fresh eel?
A: Typically required are the entry animal and plant quarantine permit, official quarantine certificate from the exporting country, certificate of origin, etc. If endangered species are involved, a CITES permit is also required. Specific requirements are subject to the latest customs regulations.
Q: How to avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors?
A: It is recommended to verify the commodity state, species, and processing method before declaration, referring to the 'Customs Tariff and Commodity Classification Notes' and customs classification decisions. If necessary, pre-classification can be applied for.
⚠️ 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.