Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh or chilled, frozen, dried, salted or smoked forms. 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 according to biological classification and degree of processing, such as 0301 live fish, 0302 fresh or chilled fish, 0303 frozen fish, etc. Shark fins, as shark products, are classified in this chapter according to their fresh or chilled state. Heading 0302 specifically covers fresh or chilled fish, but excludes fish fillets and other fish meat (0304), fish livers and roes (0305), etc. This heading includes whole fish, headed fish, fish pieces, etc., but they must remain in a fresh or chilled state. Shark fins, as part of a shark, fall within the scope of 0302 if fresh or chilled. Note that shark fins usually refer to shark fins, but if they have been cut, dried or otherwise processed, they may be classified under other headings. Code 030281 is a six-digit subheading: the first two 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, '81', represent subheading 030281, specifically fresh or chilled shark fins. Among these, '81' is one of the subheadings under heading 0302 divided by fish species, specifically for shark fins. Note that shark fins in the HS classification usually refer to the fins of sharks, but if mixed with other parts, they must be classified according to the essential character. This commodity is fresh or chilled shark fins that have not been frozen, dried, salted or smoked, and have not been cut into fillets or other fish meat forms, so it is classified under 0302 rather than 0303 (frozen fish) or 0305 (dried, salted or smoked fish). At the same time, shark fins, as part of a shark, if the whole shark is fresh or chilled should be classified under other subheadings of 0302, but fresh or chilled shark fins alone are clearly classified under 030281.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh or chilled, frozen, dried, salted or smoked forms. 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 according to biological classification and degree of processing, such as 0301 live fish, 0302 fresh or chilled fish, 0303 frozen fish, etc. Shark fins, as shark products, are classified in this chapter according to their fresh or chilled state.
Heading
Heading 0302 specifically covers fresh or chilled fish, but excludes fish fillets and other fish meat (0304), fish livers and roes (0305), etc. This heading includes whole fish, headed fish, fish pieces, etc., but they must remain in a fresh or chilled state. Shark fins, as part of a shark, fall within the scope of 0302 if fresh or chilled. Note that shark fins usually refer to shark fins, but if they have been cut, dried or otherwise processed, they may be classified under other headings.
Digit Breakdown
Code 030281 is a six-digit subheading: the first two 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, '81', represent subheading 030281, specifically fresh or chilled shark fins. Among these, '81' is one of the subheadings under heading 0302 divided by fish species, specifically for shark fins. Note that shark fins in the HS classification usually refer to the fins of sharks, but if mixed with other parts, they must be classified according to the essential character.
Classification Basis
This commodity is fresh or chilled shark fins that have not been frozen, dried, salted or smoked, and have not been cut into fillets or other fish meat forms, so it is classified under 0302 rather than 0303 (frozen fish) or 0305 (dried, salted or smoked fish). At the same time, shark fins, as part of a shark, if the whole shark is fresh or chilled should be classified under other subheadings of 0302, but fresh or chilled shark fins alone are clearly classified under 030281.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as 'fresh or chilled shark fins', and the shark species should be indicated (such as requiem sharks, dogfish sharks, etc.). State: Clearly indicate that the commodity is in a fresh or chilled state, such as 'fresh' or 'chilled', and indicate the storage temperature (such as 0-4°C). Processing method: Describe whether it has been cut, deboned, skinned, etc., but its essential characteristics must not be changed. Shark species: Provide the Latin scientific name or common name of the shark, used to confirm whether it belongs to an endangered species (such as a CITES Appendix species). Specifications: Describe by weight or size, such as 'each fin weighs 200 grams', 'length 30 cm', etc. Packaging method: Explain the packaging materials and form, such as 'vacuum-packed in plastic bags', 'foam box with ice', etc. Use: Explain the use after import, such as 'for food', 'processing raw material', etc. Product name: fresh shark fins (Carcharhinidae); State: chilled, temperature 0-4°C; Processing method: uncut, whole fins; Shark species: Carcharhinus limbatus (blacktip shark); Specifications: each fin weighs about 300 grams, length 25 cm; Packaging method: foam box with ice, 10 kg per box; Use: for food. Failing to indicate the shark species, making it impossible to determine whether endangered species controls are involved. Mistakenly declaring chilled shark fins as frozen, incorrectly classifying them under 0303 instead of 0302. Unclear description of processing method; if cut into pieces, they may be classified under 0304 fish fillets.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as 'fresh or chilled shark fins', and the shark species should be indicated (such as requiem sharks, dogfish sharks, etc.).
⚠️ Writing only 'shark fins' without indicating the fresh or chilled state, or mistakenly writing 'frozen shark fins'.
State
Clearly indicate that the commodity is in a fresh or chilled state, such as 'fresh' or 'chilled', and indicate the storage temperature (such as 0-4°C).
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring chilled as frozen, or failing to indicate the temperature, leading to classification disputes.
Processing method
Describe whether it has been cut, deboned, skinned, etc., but its essential characteristics must not be changed.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring cut shark fins as whole fins, or failing to state the degree of cutting.
Shark species
Provide the Latin scientific name or common name of the shark, used to confirm whether it belongs to an endangered species (such as a CITES Appendix species).
⚠️ Failing to provide species information, making it impossible to determine whether an import/export permit for endangered species is required.
Specifications
Describe by weight or size, such as 'each fin weighs 200 grams', 'length 30 cm', etc.
⚠️ Vague specification descriptions, such as 'large fin' or 'small fin', lacking quantitative data.
Packaging method
Explain the packaging materials and form, such as 'vacuum-packed in plastic bags', 'foam box with ice', etc.
⚠️ Failing to indicate whether ice preservation is used, affecting the determination of state.
Use
Explain the use after import, such as 'for food', 'processing raw material', etc.
⚠️ False declaration of use, such as declaring food use as feed use.
Example： Product name: fresh shark fins (Carcharhinidae); State: chilled, temperature 0-4°C; Processing method: uncut, whole fins; Shark species: Carcharhinus limbatus (blacktip shark); Specifications: each fin weighs about 300 grams, length 25 cm; Packaging method: foam box with ice, 10 kg per box; Use: for food.
Common Mistakes：
Failing to indicate the shark species, making it impossible to determine whether endangered species controls are involved.
Mistakenly declaring chilled shark fins as frozen, incorrectly classifying them under 0303 instead of 0302.
Unclear description of processing method; if cut into pieces, they may be classified under 0304 fish fillets.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. 030281 applies only to fresh or chilled shark fins, and the essential characteristics of shark fins must be maintained. If they have been frozen, dried, salted, smoked or otherwise processed, they are classified under 0303, 0305, etc. If cut into slices or pieces, they may be classified under 0304. In addition, it is necessary to consider whether the shark belongs to an endangered species; where CITES controls are involved, an import/export permit must be provided. 030292 Fresh or chilled sharks: 030292 is whole fresh or chilled sharks, including head, body, fins, etc.; while 030281 refers only to fresh or chilled shark fins, which are part of a shark. If a whole shark is imported, it should be classified under 030292. 030381 Frozen shark fins: 030381 is frozen shark fins, in a frozen state; 030281 is fresh or chilled, with different temperature conditions. Frozen requires freezing treatment, while fresh or chilled only maintains a low temperature without freezing. 030571 Dried, salted or brined shark fins: 030571 is shark fins that have been dried, salted or brined, and their fresh or chilled state has been changed; 030281 is only fresh or chilled, without these processes. 030451 Fresh or chilled shark meat: 030451 is shark meat (fillets or other fish meat), while 030281 is shark fins. The parts are different: shark fins are fins, while fish meat is muscle tissue. Confirm whether the commodity state is fresh or chilled, rather than frozen or dried. Confirm whether the commodity is shark fins, rather than a whole shark or other parts. Confirm whether the shark species is an endangered species and whether a CITES certificate is required. Confirm that the processing method has not caused the commodity to be classified under 0304 or 0305. Confirm that the declaration elements are complete, especially state, species and processing method.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. 030281 applies only to fresh or chilled shark fins, and the essential characteristics of shark fins must be maintained. If they have been frozen, dried, salted, smoked or otherwise processed, they are classified under 0303, 0305, etc. If cut into slices or pieces, they may be classified under 0304. In addition, it is necessary to consider whether the shark belongs to an endangered species; where CITES controls are involved, an import/export permit must be provided.
Confused Codes：
030292 - Fresh or chilled sharks
030292 is whole fresh or chilled sharks, including head, body, fins, etc.; while 030281 refers only to fresh or chilled shark fins, which are part of a shark. If a whole shark is imported, it should be classified under 030292.
030381 - Frozen shark fins
030381 is frozen shark fins, in a frozen state; 030281 is fresh or chilled, with different temperature conditions. Frozen requires freezing treatment, while fresh or chilled only maintains a low temperature without freezing.
030571 - Dried, salted or brined shark fins
030571 is shark fins that have been dried, salted or brined, and their fresh or chilled state has been changed; 030281 is only fresh or chilled, without these processes.
030451 - Fresh or chilled shark meat
030451 is shark meat (fillets or other fish meat), while 030281 is shark fins. The parts are different: shark fins are fins, while fish meat is muscle tissue.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the commodity state is fresh or chilled, rather than frozen or dried.
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is shark fins, rather than a whole shark or other parts.
✓ Confirm whether the shark species is an endangered species and whether a CITES certificate is required.
✓ Confirm that the processing method has not caused the commodity to be classified under 0304 or 0305.
✓ Confirm that the declaration elements are complete, especially state, species and processing method.
❓ FAQ
How can it be determined whether shark fins belong to 030281? First confirm that the commodity is shark fins and that the state is fresh or chilled (not frozen, dried, etc.). Next, check whether they have been cut into slices or pieces. If they are only whole fins or simply cut but still retain the fin shape, they are classified under 030281. If cut into fillet form, they may be classified under 0304. What is the main difference between 030281 and 030381? The main difference lies in the commodity state: 030281 is fresh or chilled, and 030381 is frozen. Frozen requires freezing treatment, usually at a temperature below -18°C; fresh or chilled only maintains a low temperature (0-4°C) without freezing. When declaring, temperature records or state certificates must be provided. What special documents are required to import fresh shark fins? If the shark belongs to a CITES Appendix species, a CITES import/export permit must be provided. In addition, a certificate of origin, health quarantine certificate, packing list, invoice, contract, etc. are required. Some countries also require fishing certificates or proof of legal origin. Why must the shark species be indicated in the declaration elements for shark fins? Because different shark species may be subject to different controls, such as CITES Appendix species requiring additional certificates. Indicating the species helps customs determine whether endangered species are involved, avoiding penalties or return shipments due to false declaration. If shark fins have been salted but not dried, which code should they be classified under? Salted shark fins should be classified under 030571 (dried, salted or brined shark fins), not 030281. 030281 applies only to fresh or chilled; any salting treatment will change the classification. What are the packaging requirements for fresh shark fins? Packaging should ensure that the commodity remains fresh or chilled, usually using foam boxes with ice or refrigerated containers. The packaging must indicate the product name, state, temperature requirements, etc. If ice preservation is used, care should be taken that ice water does not directly contact the commodity, so as not to affect quality. How can the tariff rate for 030281 be checked? It can be checked on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or by using the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement, such as MFN rates and agreement rates. It is recommended to use a customs code query tool and enter 030281 to obtain the latest tariff rate. What are the consequences of mistakenly declaring frozen shark fins as 030281? It may lead to classification errors, affecting tariff collection and regulatory conditions. Customs may require supplementary duties, impose fines, or even affect enterprise credit due to false declaration. If endangered species are involved, legal liability may also arise.
Q: How can it be determined whether shark fins belong to 030281?
A: First confirm that the commodity is shark fins and that the state is fresh or chilled (not frozen, dried, etc.). Next, check whether they have been cut into slices or pieces. If they are only whole fins or simply cut but still retain the fin shape, they are classified under 030281. If cut into fillet form, they may be classified under 0304.
Q: What is the main difference between 030281 and 030381?
A: The main difference lies in the commodity state: 030281 is fresh or chilled, and 030381 is frozen. Frozen requires freezing treatment, usually at a temperature below -18°C; fresh or chilled only maintains a low temperature (0-4°C) without freezing. When declaring, temperature records or state certificates must be provided.
Q: What special documents are required to import fresh shark fins?
A: If the shark belongs to a CITES Appendix species, a CITES import/export permit must be provided. In addition, a certificate of origin, health quarantine certificate, packing list, invoice, contract, etc. are required. Some countries also require fishing certificates or proof of legal origin.
Q: Why must the shark species be indicated in the declaration elements for shark fins?
A: Because different shark species may be subject to different controls, such as CITES Appendix species requiring additional certificates. Indicating the species helps customs determine whether endangered species are involved, avoiding penalties or return shipments due to false declaration.
Q: If shark fins have been salted but not dried, which code should they be classified under?
A: Salted shark fins should be classified under 030571 (dried, salted or brined shark fins), not 030281. 030281 applies only to fresh or chilled; any salting treatment will change the classification.
Q: What are the packaging requirements for fresh shark fins?
A: Packaging should ensure that the commodity remains fresh or chilled, usually using foam boxes with ice or refrigerated containers. The packaging must indicate the product name, state, temperature requirements, etc. If ice preservation is used, care should be taken that ice water does not directly contact the commodity, so as not to affect quality.
Q: How can the tariff rate for 030281 be checked?
A: It can be checked on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or by using the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement, such as MFN rates and agreement rates. It is recommended to use a customs code query tool and enter 030281 to obtain the latest tariff rate.
Q: What are the consequences of mistakenly declaring frozen shark fins as 030281?
A: It may lead to classification errors, affecting tariff collection and regulatory conditions. Customs may require supplementary duties, impose fines, or even affect enterprise credit due to false declaration. If endangered species are involved, legal liability may also arise.
⚠️ 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.