Chapter 03 is the dedicated chapter in the HS classification for 'Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates', covering all aquatic organisms intended for human consumption, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other different processing states. This chapter divides headings by major biological categories, such as 0301 live fish, 0302 fresh or chilled fish, 0303 frozen fish, etc., and is one of the most important chapters in international trade in aquatic products. Heading 0302 specifically covers 'Fish, fresh or chilled', but excludes fish fillets and other fish meat (0304), fish livers and roes (0303 or 0305), and smoked fish, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process (0305). This heading is further subdivided by fish species, including salmon, trout, flatfish, tuna, herring, cod, etc., as well as the 'other' subheading 030289 for sea fish not elsewhere specified. Code 030289 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits '03' represent Chapter 3, 'Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates'; digits 3-4, '02', represent the heading 'Fish, fresh or chilled', distinguishing it from 0301 live fish, 0303 frozen fish, etc.; digits 5-6, '89', represent the subheading 'Other', i.e., fresh or chilled marine fish not specifically named under 0302. The fifth digit '8' indicates the broad category 'other marine fish', and the sixth digit '9' further subdivides it into 'other'. Therefore, 030289 specifically refers to fresh or chilled marine fish other than the species already named under heading 0302 (such as salmon, cod, tuna, etc.). This commodity is fresh or chilled other marine fish, which has not been frozen, smoked, dried or otherwise processed, nor made into fillets or fish meat, and therefore cannot be classified under 0303 (frozen fish), 0304 (fresh or chilled fish fillets), or 0305 (dried or smoked fish). At the same time, this fish species is not specifically named under heading 0302 (such as 0302.11 salmon, 0302.31 halibut, etc.), so it is classified under the 'other' subheading 030289.
Chapter
Chapter 03 is the dedicated chapter in the HS classification for 'Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates', covering all aquatic organisms intended for human consumption, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other different processing states. This chapter divides headings by major biological categories, such as 0301 live fish, 0302 fresh or chilled fish, 0303 frozen fish, etc., and is one of the most important chapters in international trade in aquatic products.
Heading
Heading 0302 specifically covers 'Fish, fresh or chilled', but excludes fish fillets and other fish meat (0304), fish livers and roes (0303 or 0305), and smoked fish, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process (0305). This heading is further subdivided by fish species, including salmon, trout, flatfish, tuna, herring, cod, etc., as well as the 'other' subheading 030289 for sea fish not elsewhere specified.
Digit Breakdown
Code 030289 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits '03' represent Chapter 3, 'Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates'; digits 3-4, '02', represent the heading 'Fish, fresh or chilled', distinguishing it from 0301 live fish, 0303 frozen fish, etc.; digits 5-6, '89', represent the subheading 'Other', i.e., fresh or chilled marine fish not specifically named under 0302. The fifth digit '8' indicates the broad category 'other marine fish', and the sixth digit '9' further subdivides it into 'other'. Therefore, 030289 specifically refers to fresh or chilled marine fish other than the species already named under heading 0302 (such as salmon, cod, tuna, etc.).
Classification Basis
This commodity is fresh or chilled other marine fish, which has not been frozen, smoked, dried or otherwise processed, nor made into fillets or fish meat, and therefore cannot be classified under 0303 (frozen fish), 0304 (fresh or chilled fish fillets), or 0305 (dried or smoked fish). At the same time, this fish species is not specifically named under heading 0302 (such as 0302.11 salmon, 0302.31 halibut, etc.), so it is classified under the 'other' subheading 030289.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity; standardized Chinese or English trade names such as 'fresh hairtail' or 'chilled pomfret' should be used, and colloquial or local names should be avoided. State (fresh or chilled): Clearly declare whether the goods are 'fresh' or 'chilled'; fresh means not frozen, while chilled means kept at around 0°C but not frozen. Latin scientific name: Provide the Latin scientific name of the fish (genus + species) for accurate customs identification of the species and to ensure correct classification. Whether it is a marine fish: Declare whether the fish is a marine fish, as distinct from freshwater fish (heading 0302 also has freshwater fish subheadings; for example, does 0302.89 include freshwater fish? Note: 030289 refers only to marine fish, while freshwater fish are classified under 0302.89? In fact, does 030289 include both marine and freshwater fish? According to the HS, 030289 is 'other fish, fresh or chilled', including both marine and freshwater fish, but this code description is 'other marine fish', which needs confirmation. According to the 2022 HS, 030289 is 'other fish, fresh or chilled', but subheading notes may distinguish. This answer follows the user's requirement: 030289 is 'other marine fish, fresh or chilled', so marine fish must be declared. Specifications (grams/fish or centimeters): Declare the weight or body length of each fish for customs statistics and possible trade controls. Brand (if any): If the commodity has a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, 'none' may be filled in. Production date/catch date: Declare the catch or production date for food safety and shelf-life management. Storage conditions: State the transport and storage temperature conditions, such as '0-4°C chilled', 'ice-fresh', etc. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Fresh hairtail
State: Fresh
Latin scientific name: Trichiurus lepturus
Whether marine fish: Yes
Specifications: 500-800 g/fish
Brand: None
Production date: 2025-03-01
Storage conditions: 0-4°C ice-fresh
Remarks: Not fillets, not frozen. Mistakenly declaring chilled fish as frozen fish, resulting in incorrect classification under 0303 and possible customs questioning. Failure to provide the Latin scientific name, so customs cannot confirm the fish species and may require supplementation or reclassification. Confusing marine fish with freshwater fish; although 030289 is 'other marine fish', in the actual HS 030289 includes freshwater fish, and confirmation should be made according to the specific subheading notes. Ignoring brand declaration, especially for well-known branded fish products, which may be deemed false declaration. Unclear specification description, such as writing only 'mixed sizes', affecting customs statistics and inspection.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity; standardized Chinese or English trade names such as 'fresh hairtail' or 'chilled pomfret' should be used, and colloquial or local names should be avoided.
⚠️ Filling in only 'fresh fish' or 'chilled fish' is too general and does not specify the exact fish species.
State (fresh or chilled)
Clearly declare whether the goods are 'fresh' or 'chilled'; fresh means not frozen, while chilled means kept at around 0°C but not frozen.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring 'chilled' as 'frozen', resulting in classification under 0303.
Latin scientific name
Provide the Latin scientific name of the fish (genus + species) for accurate customs identification of the species and to ensure correct classification.
⚠️ Failure to provide the Latin scientific name or spelling errors, making it impossible to determine the specific subheading.
Whether it is a marine fish
Declare whether the fish is a marine fish, as distinct from freshwater fish (heading 0302 also has freshwater fish subheadings; for example, does 0302.89 include freshwater fish? Note: 030289 refers only to marine fish, while freshwater fish are classified under 0302.89? In fact, does 030289 include both marine and freshwater fish? According to the HS, 030289 is 'other fish, fresh or chilled', including both marine and freshwater fish, but this code description is 'other marine fish', which needs confirmation. According to the 2022 HS, 030289 is 'other fish, fresh or chilled', but subheading notes may distinguish. This answer follows the user's requirement: 030289 is 'other marine fish, fresh or chilled', so marine fish must be declared.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring freshwater fish as marine fish, or failing to distinguish them, leading to classification disputes.
Specifications (grams/fish or centimeters)
Declare the weight or body length of each fish for customs statistics and possible trade controls.
⚠️ Incomplete specification filling or use of non-legal measurement units.
Brand (if any)
If the commodity has a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, 'none' may be filled in.
⚠️ Ignoring brand declaration, resulting in omission.
Production date/catch date
Declare the catch or production date for food safety and shelf-life management.
⚠️ Incorrect date format or failure to provide it.
Storage conditions
State the transport and storage temperature conditions, such as '0-4°C chilled', 'ice-fresh', etc.
⚠️ Failure to specify temperature conditions, resulting in unclear determination of the state.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product name: Fresh hairtail
State: Fresh
Latin scientific name: Trichiurus lepturus
Whether marine fish: Yes
Specifications: 500-800 g/fish
Brand: None
Production date: 2025-03-01
Storage conditions: 0-4°C ice-fresh
Remarks: Not fillets, not frozen.
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly declaring chilled fish as frozen fish, resulting in incorrect classification under 0303 and possible customs questioning.
Failure to provide the Latin scientific name, so customs cannot confirm the fish species and may require supplementation or reclassification.
Confusing marine fish with freshwater fish; although 030289 is 'other marine fish', in the actual HS 030289 includes freshwater fish, and confirmation should be made according to the specific subheading notes.
Ignoring brand declaration, especially for well-known branded fish products, which may be deemed false declaration.
Unclear specification description, such as writing only 'mixed sizes', affecting customs statistics and inspection.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification criteria: 1) the commodity must be fish (whole or headed and gutted, etc., but not made into fillets); 2) the state is fresh or chilled, not frozen, dried, smoked or otherwise processed; 3) it is a marine fish and is not specifically named under heading 0302 (such as salmon, cod, tuna, etc.). If it is fillets, it is classified under 0304; if it is frozen fish, under 0303; if it is live fish, under 0301. In addition, reference should be made to the Import and Export Tariff and subheading notes to confirm whether it falls under the 'other' subheading. 0302.11 Salmon, fresh or chilled: 030211 specifically refers to salmon (chum salmon, etc.), while 030289 is other marine fish; if the species is salmon, it must be classified under 030211. 0302.31 Halibut, fresh or chilled: 030231 specifically refers to halibut; if it is halibut, it cannot be classified under 030289. 0303.89 Other frozen marine fish: 030389 is other frozen marine fish, and the difference from 030289 lies in the state: fresh/chilled vs frozen. 0304.49 Other fish fillets, fresh or chilled: 030449 is fresh or chilled fish fillets; if the commodity has been cut into fillets, it is classified under 0304 rather than 0302. 0305.59 Other dried marine fish: 030559 is other dried marine fish; if it has undergone drying processing, it is classified under 0305. Confirm that the commodity state is fresh or chilled, not frozen, dried or smoked. Confirm that the commodity is whole fish or simply processed, not made into fillets or fish meat. Confirm that the fish species is not specifically named under heading 0302 (such as not salmon, cod, etc.). Confirm that the Latin scientific name is accurate to avoid species misjudgment. Check the latest customs tariff to confirm whether the subheading has been adjusted.
Basis
Core classification criteria: 1) the commodity must be fish (whole or headed and gutted, etc., but not made into fillets); 2) the state is fresh or chilled, not frozen, dried, smoked or otherwise processed; 3) it is a marine fish and is not specifically named under heading 0302 (such as salmon, cod, tuna, etc.). If it is fillets, it is classified under 0304; if it is frozen fish, under 0303; if it is live fish, under 0301. In addition, reference should be made to the Import and Export Tariff and subheading notes to confirm whether it falls under the 'other' subheading.
Confused Codes:
0302.11 - Salmon, fresh or chilled
030211 specifically refers to salmon (chum salmon, etc.), while 030289 is other marine fish; if the species is salmon, it must be classified under 030211.
0302.31 - Halibut, fresh or chilled
030231 specifically refers to halibut; if it is halibut, it cannot be classified under 030289.
0303.89 - Other frozen marine fish
030389 is other frozen marine fish, and the difference from 030289 lies in the state: fresh/chilled vs frozen.
0304.49 - Other fish fillets, fresh or chilled
030449 is fresh or chilled fish fillets; if the commodity has been cut into fillets, it is classified under 0304 rather than 0302.
0305.59 - Other dried marine fish
030559 is other dried marine fish; if it has undergone drying processing, it is classified under 0305.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm that the commodity state is fresh or chilled, not frozen, dried or smoked.
✓ Confirm that the commodity is whole fish or simply processed, not made into fillets or fish meat.
✓ Confirm that the fish species is not specifically named under heading 0302 (such as not salmon, cod, etc.).
✓ Confirm that the Latin scientific name is accurate to avoid species misjudgment.
✓ Check the latest customs tariff to confirm whether the subheading has been adjusted.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between 030289 and 030389? 030289 is other marine fish, fresh or chilled, and 030389 is other marine fish, frozen. The key difference lies in the preservation state: fresh/chilled (around 0°C, not frozen) is classified under 0302, while frozen (frozen below -18°C) is classified under 0303. Temperature evidence must be provided at declaration. How can it be determined whether a fish belongs to 'other marine fish'? First confirm that the fish is a marine fish, then consult the subheadings under heading 0302 in the Import and Export Tariff. If it is not specifically named under 0302.11 to 0302.69, etc. (such as salmon, cod, tuna, etc.), it is classified under 030289. Reference may be made to the Customs Tariff Explanatory Notes or a professional customs broker may be consulted. What special documents are required to declare 030289? Usually a certificate of origin, health and quarantine certificate, catch certificate (if applicable), packing list, invoice, contract, etc. are required. Some countries may require an import/export permit for endangered species (if CITES species are involved). The specific requirements are subject to customs. How can the import tariff rate for 030289 be checked? You may visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or consult the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China, and apply the MFN rate, agreement rate or general rate according to the country of origin. Customs advance classification services may also be used for confirmation. Tariff rates change, so the latest tariff should prevail. If a declaration is incorrect, such as declaring fresh fish as frozen fish, what consequences may arise? It may lead to classification errors, affecting tariff collection and trade statistics. Customs may require payment of additional duties, impose fines, or even determine it as smuggling. It is recommended to declare truthfully and retain relevant evidence. Does 030289 include freshwater fish? According to the HS code, 030289 is 'other fish, fresh or chilled', and in fact includes both marine and freshwater fish. However, the user's query describes it as 'other marine fish', which may be a specific national subheading. It is recommended to rely on the national tariff; if the national subheading explicitly refers to marine fish, freshwater fish may be classified under other codes. How should fresh fish sold through cross-border e-commerce be declared? Cross-border e-commerce usually adopts the direct purchase import or bonded import model. Fresh fish belongs to the fresh category and must meet inspection and quarantine requirements. At declaration, commodity information, orders, payment vouchers, etc. must be provided, and HS code 030289 must be filled in accurately. It is recommended to cooperate with logistics providers to ensure cold-chain transport. How can the regulatory conditions for 030289 be checked? You may consult the Customs Regulatory Conditions Code Table. 030289 may involve A/B (inbound/outbound goods customs clearance form), P/Q (entry/exit animal and plant quarantine), etc. The specific regulatory conditions are subject to the latest customs announcements, and it is recommended to use the 'Customs Classification Advance Ruling' service.
Q: What is the difference between 030289 and 030389?
A: 030289 is other marine fish, fresh or chilled, and 030389 is other marine fish, frozen. The key difference lies in the preservation state: fresh/chilled (around 0°C, not frozen) is classified under 0302, while frozen (frozen below -18°C) is classified under 0303. Temperature evidence must be provided at declaration.
Q: How can it be determined whether a fish belongs to 'other marine fish'?
A: First confirm that the fish is a marine fish, then consult the subheadings under heading 0302 in the Import and Export Tariff. If it is not specifically named under 0302.11 to 0302.69, etc. (such as salmon, cod, tuna, etc.), it is classified under 030289. Reference may be made to the Customs Tariff Explanatory Notes or a professional customs broker may be consulted.
Q: What special documents are required to declare 030289?
A: Usually a certificate of origin, health and quarantine certificate, catch certificate (if applicable), packing list, invoice, contract, etc. are required. Some countries may require an import/export permit for endangered species (if CITES species are involved). The specific requirements are subject to customs.
Q: How can the import tariff rate for 030289 be checked?
A: You may visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or consult the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China, and apply the MFN rate, agreement rate or general rate according to the country of origin. Customs advance classification services may also be used for confirmation. Tariff rates change, so the latest tariff should prevail.
Q: If a declaration is incorrect, such as declaring fresh fish as frozen fish, what consequences may arise?
A: It may lead to classification errors, affecting tariff collection and trade statistics. Customs may require payment of additional duties, impose fines, or even determine it as smuggling. It is recommended to declare truthfully and retain relevant evidence.
Q: Does 030289 include freshwater fish?
A: According to the HS code, 030289 is 'other fish, fresh or chilled', and in fact includes both marine and freshwater fish. However, the user's query describes it as 'other marine fish', which may be a specific national subheading. It is recommended to rely on the national tariff; if the national subheading explicitly refers to marine fish, freshwater fish may be classified under other codes.
Q: How should fresh fish sold through cross-border e-commerce be declared?
A: Cross-border e-commerce usually adopts the direct purchase import or bonded import model. Fresh fish belongs to the fresh category and must meet inspection and quarantine requirements. At declaration, commodity information, orders, payment vouchers, etc. must be provided, and HS code 030289 must be filled in accurately. It is recommended to cooperate with logistics providers to ensure cold-chain transport.
Q: How can the regulatory conditions for 030289 be checked?
A: You may consult the Customs Regulatory Conditions Code Table. 030289 may involve A/B (inbound/outbound goods customs clearance form), P/Q (entry/exit animal and plant quarantine), etc. The specific regulatory conditions are subject to the latest customs announcements, and it is recommended to use the 'Customs Classification Advance Ruling' service.
⚠️ 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.