Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, smoked, salted and other preservation methods. This chapter is a core chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing. Within the chapter, it is further subdivided by species, preservation state and processing depth, aiming to distinguish different biological categories and trade forms, facilitating customs supervision, statistics and tariff setting. Heading 0302 specifically refers to fresh or chilled fish, excluding frozen fish (0303), fish fillets (0304), dried, smoked or salted fish (0305), etc. This heading emphasizes whole fish that have not undergone deep processing and are preserved only by low temperature, typically used in fresh trade and food service supply chains. It is further subdivided by fish species, such as salmon, cod, sea bass, etc., reflecting species economic value and regulatory differences. The first 2 digits 03 represent Chapter 03 'Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates'. Digits 3-4, 02, represent the heading 'fresh or chilled fish', distinguished from 0303 frozen fish, 0304 fish fillets, etc. Digits 5-6, 84, are the subheading, specifically referring to 'sea bass', including multiple sea bass species. The complete code 030284 is fresh or chilled sea bass, at the six-digit subheading level, used for international trade statistics and tariff application. This commodity is fresh or chilled sea bass, not frozen, dried, smoked or salted, nor made into fillets or minced meat, therefore classified under 0302 rather than 0303, 0304 or 0305. Meanwhile, sea bass has a specific subheading 030284 under 0302, which takes precedence over classification under other fresh fish subheadings (such as 030289), so this code is determined.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, smoked, salted and other preservation methods. This chapter is a core chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing. Within the chapter, it is further subdivided by species, preservation state and processing depth, aiming to distinguish different biological categories and trade forms, facilitating customs supervision, statistics and tariff setting.
Heading
Heading 0302 specifically refers to fresh or chilled fish, excluding frozen fish (0303), fish fillets (0304), dried, smoked or salted fish (0305), etc. This heading emphasizes whole fish that have not undergone deep processing and are preserved only by low temperature, typically used in fresh trade and food service supply chains. It is further subdivided by fish species, such as salmon, cod, sea bass, etc., reflecting species economic value and regulatory differences.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 03 represent Chapter 03 'Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates'. Digits 3-4, 02, represent the heading 'fresh or chilled fish', distinguished from 0303 frozen fish, 0304 fish fillets, etc. Digits 5-6, 84, are the subheading, specifically referring to 'sea bass', including multiple sea bass species. The complete code 030284 is fresh or chilled sea bass, at the six-digit subheading level, used for international trade statistics and tariff application.
Classification Basis
This commodity is fresh or chilled sea bass, not frozen, dried, smoked or salted, nor made into fillets or minced meat, therefore classified under 0302 rather than 0303, 0304 or 0305. Meanwhile, sea bass has a specific subheading 030284 under 0302, which takes precedence over classification under other fresh fish subheadings (such as 030289), so this code is determined.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use standard Chinese or English, such as 'fresh sea bass' or 'chilled sea bass', avoiding colloquial names or brand names. Latin Scientific Name: Provide the Latin scientific name of the sea bass, such as Lateolabrax japonicus or Dicentrarchus labrax, for accurate customs classification. State: Clearly specify the preservation state: fresh or chilled. Fresh means not frozen, chilled means preserved at around 0°C. Specifications: Grade by weight per fish or body length, such as '500-800 grams per fish', for customs statistics and price verification. Packaging Method: Describe inner and outer packaging, such as 'foam box with ice, 10 kg per box'. Wild-Caught or Farmed: Indicate whether the source is wild-caught or artificially farmed, affecting tariffs and regulatory conditions. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'. Production Date: Indicate the fishing or processing date to ensure it is within the shelf life. Product Name: Fresh sea bass; Latin Scientific Name: Lateolabrax japonicus; State: Chilled; Specifications: 600-1000 grams per fish; Packaging: Foam box with ice, 10 kg per box; Source: Farmed; Brand: None; Production Date: 2025-03-15. Remarks: Full cold chain transportation, temperature 0-4°C. Mistakenly classifying chilled sea bass under frozen fish code 0303, leading to incorrect tax rates and regulatory conditions. Not providing the Latin scientific name, only using common names for declaration, which may be questioned by customs for classification. Confusing the definitions of 'fresh' and 'chilled'; fresh fish typically means not chilled, while chilled fish requires full low-temperature control.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use standard Chinese or English, such as 'fresh sea bass' or 'chilled sea bass', avoiding colloquial names or brand names.
⚠️ Mistakenly writing 'sea bass' or 'freshwater bass' without distinguishing the species, or simply writing 'fish' which is too general.
Latin Scientific Name
Provide the Latin scientific name of the sea bass, such as Lateolabrax japonicus or Dicentrarchus labrax, for accurate customs classification.
⚠️ Only providing the Chinese name or English common name without the scientific name, leading to classification disputes.
State
Clearly specify the preservation state: fresh or chilled. Fresh means not frozen, chilled means preserved at around 0°C.
⚠️ Declaring frozen sea bass as chilled, or confusing 'ice-fresh' with 'frozen'.
Specifications
Grade by weight per fish or body length, such as '500-800 grams per fish', for customs statistics and price verification.
⚠️ Only writing 'large, medium, small' without quantitative data.
Packaging Method
Describe inner and outer packaging, such as 'foam box with ice, 10 kg per box'.
⚠️ Not specifying the ice-fresh preservation method, or packaging description inconsistent with the actual product.
Wild-Caught or Farmed
Indicate whether the source is wild-caught or artificially farmed, affecting tariffs and regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Generally writing 'sea-caught' but actually farmed, leading to document inconsistency.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'.
⚠️ Neglecting brand declaration, or filling in a brand inconsistent with the actual product.
Production Date
Indicate the fishing or processing date to ensure it is within the shelf life.
⚠️ Non-standard date format, or inconsistent with the health certificate.
Example： Product Name: Fresh sea bass; Latin Scientific Name: Lateolabrax japonicus; State: Chilled; Specifications: 600-1000 grams per fish; Packaging: Foam box with ice, 10 kg per box; Source: Farmed; Brand: None; Production Date: 2025-03-15. Remarks: Full cold chain transportation, temperature 0-4°C.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying chilled sea bass under frozen fish code 0303, leading to incorrect tax rates and regulatory conditions.
Not providing the Latin scientific name, only using common names for declaration, which may be questioned by customs for classification.
Confusing the definitions of 'fresh' and 'chilled'; fresh fish typically means not chilled, while chilled fish requires full low-temperature control.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and customs tariff. First, determine the preservation state: fresh or chilled, excluding frozen, dried, smoked, etc. Second, confirm the species: sea bass belongs to the order Perciformes, and has a specific subheading 030284 under 0302. If it is fillets or minced meat, it is classified under 0304; if frozen, under 0303. In addition, reference should be made to classification decisions and advance rulings issued by the General Administration of Customs to ensure species accuracy. 030289 Other fresh or chilled fish: 030289 is a residual subheading for fresh or chilled fish not elsewhere specified. Sea bass already has a specific subheading 030284, so it should not be classified under 030289. 030384 Frozen sea bass: 030384 is frozen sea bass, with a preservation state of frozen (below -18°C), while 030284 is fresh or chilled, with different temperature control. 030449 Fresh or chilled sea bass fillets: 030449 is fresh or chilled sea bass fillets, which have been sliced and processed, while 030284 is whole fish, not sliced. 030543 Dried or smoked sea bass: 030543 is dried or smoked sea bass, which has undergone dehydration or smoking treatment, while 030284 has not undergone such processing. 030289 Other fresh or chilled fish: Same as 030289, but note that if the sea bass species is not listed under 030284, it may be classified under this code. Confirm the commodity is in fresh or chilled state, not frozen, dried, smoked or salted. Confirm the fish is whole, not deboned, sliced or made into fillets. Confirm the species is sea bass and belongs to the species listed under subheading 030284. Verify the Latin scientific name is consistent with customs classification decisions. Check that packaging and transportation temperature meet chilled requirements.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and customs tariff. First, determine the preservation state: fresh or chilled, excluding frozen, dried, smoked, etc. Second, confirm the species: sea bass belongs to the order Perciformes, and has a specific subheading 030284 under 0302. If it is fillets or minced meat, it is classified under 0304; if frozen, under 0303. In addition, reference should be made to classification decisions and advance rulings issued by the General Administration of Customs to ensure species accuracy.
Confused Codes：
030289 - Other fresh or chilled fish
030289 is a residual subheading for fresh or chilled fish not elsewhere specified. Sea bass already has a specific subheading 030284, so it should not be classified under 030289.
030384 - Frozen sea bass
030384 is frozen sea bass, with a preservation state of frozen (below -18°C), while 030284 is fresh or chilled, with different temperature control.
030449 - Fresh or chilled sea bass fillets
030449 is fresh or chilled sea bass fillets, which have been sliced and processed, while 030284 is whole fish, not sliced.
030543 - Dried or smoked sea bass
030543 is dried or smoked sea bass, which has undergone dehydration or smoking treatment, while 030284 has not undergone such processing.
030289 - Other fresh or chilled fish
Same as 030289, but note that if the sea bass species is not listed under 030284, it may be classified under this code.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the commodity is in fresh or chilled state, not frozen, dried, smoked or salted.
✓ Confirm the fish is whole, not deboned, sliced or made into fillets.
✓ Confirm the species is sea bass and belongs to the species listed under subheading 030284.
✓ Verify the Latin scientific name is consistent with customs classification decisions.
✓ Check that packaging and transportation temperature meet chilled requirements.
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the tariff rate for HS code 030284? You can check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, value-added tax and consumption tax by entering code 030284 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff inquiry platforms. Note that rates may be adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest announcements. What is the main difference between fresh sea bass and frozen sea bass when declaring? The main difference lies in the preservation state and code: fresh or chilled is classified under 030284, frozen under 030384. Temperature records must be provided during declaration; fresh fish typically require 0-4°C cold chain, frozen fish require below -18°C. Regulatory conditions and tariff rates may also differ. If the sea bass is farmed, what should be noted during declaration? It is necessary to indicate 'farmed' in the declaration elements and provide farm registration information, inspection and quarantine certificates, etc. Some countries may have additional requirements for farmed aquatic products, such as drug residue testing reports. Which sea bass species are included under subheading 030284? Mainly including Lateolabrax japonicus (Japanese sea bass), Dicentrarchus labrax (European sea bass), etc. Specific species should refer to customs classification decisions; it is recommended to provide the Latin scientific name to avoid disputes. What are the consequences of mistakenly declaring chilled sea bass as frozen sea bass? It may lead to classification errors, affecting tariff collection and regulatory conditions, and may even be deemed as false declaration, facing administrative penalties. Enterprises should declare the preservation state truthfully and keep temperature records for inspection. How to determine the HS code for cross-border e-commerce sales of fresh sea bass? Cross-border e-commerce must also follow HS classification rules. If it is fresh or chilled whole sea bass, classify under 030284; if frozen or processed, classify under the corresponding code. It is recommended to consult a customs broker or use the customs advance ruling service. Is it necessary to provide the Latin scientific name during declaration? Yes, the Latin scientific name is key to accurate classification. Customs may require the scientific name to confirm the species and avoid misclassification under other subheadings. If unable to provide, it may cause customs clearance delays. How to distinguish between 030284 and 030289 in classification? 030284 specifically refers to sea bass, while 030289 is other fresh or chilled fish. If the species is clearly sea bass, it should be classified under 030284 first. If it is another unspecified fish species, classify under 030289.
Q: How to inquire about the tariff rate for HS code 030284?
A: You can check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, value-added tax and consumption tax by entering code 030284 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff inquiry platforms. Note that rates may be adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest announcements.
Q: What is the main difference between fresh sea bass and frozen sea bass when declaring?
A: The main difference lies in the preservation state and code: fresh or chilled is classified under 030284, frozen under 030384. Temperature records must be provided during declaration; fresh fish typically require 0-4°C cold chain, frozen fish require below -18°C. Regulatory conditions and tariff rates may also differ.
Q: If the sea bass is farmed, what should be noted during declaration?
A: It is necessary to indicate 'farmed' in the declaration elements and provide farm registration information, inspection and quarantine certificates, etc. Some countries may have additional requirements for farmed aquatic products, such as drug residue testing reports.
Q: Which sea bass species are included under subheading 030284?
A: Mainly including Lateolabrax japonicus (Japanese sea bass), Dicentrarchus labrax (European sea bass), etc. Specific species should refer to customs classification decisions; it is recommended to provide the Latin scientific name to avoid disputes.
Q: What are the consequences of mistakenly declaring chilled sea bass as frozen sea bass?
A: It may lead to classification errors, affecting tariff collection and regulatory conditions, and may even be deemed as false declaration, facing administrative penalties. Enterprises should declare the preservation state truthfully and keep temperature records for inspection.
Q: How to determine the HS code for cross-border e-commerce sales of fresh sea bass?
A: Cross-border e-commerce must also follow HS classification rules. If it is fresh or chilled whole sea bass, classify under 030284; if frozen or processed, classify under the corresponding code. It is recommended to consult a customs broker or use the customs advance ruling service.
Q: Is it necessary to provide the Latin scientific name during declaration?
A: Yes, the Latin scientific name is key to accurate classification. Customs may require the scientific name to confirm the species and avoid misclassification under other subheadings. If unable to provide, it may cause customs clearance delays.
Q: How to distinguish between 030284 and 030289 in classification?
A: 030284 specifically refers to sea bass, while 030289 is other fresh or chilled fish. If the species is clearly sea bass, it should be classified under 030284 first. If it is another unspecified fish species, classify under 030289.
⚠️ 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.