Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh or chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other preservation methods. This chapter is a core chapter in international trade of aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing. Within the chapter, it is subdivided by species and degree of processing, aiming to distinguish different biological species and preservation states, facilitating customs supervision, statistics and tariff collection. Heading 0303 specifically refers to frozen fish (excluding fish fillets and other fish meat), i.e., whole fish that have been frozen to maintain their original form. It covers marine and freshwater fish, but excludes frozen fish fillets (0304), frozen fish livers and roe (0305), etc. Under this heading, multiple subheadings are divided by fish species, and trout, as an important aquaculture and trade species, is separately listed. Code 030321 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 3 "Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates"; the 3rd-4th digits "03" represent the heading "frozen fish (whole)"; the 5th-6th digits "21" represent the subheading "trout". Among them, "21" is the serial number divided by fish species under heading 0303, specifically referring to frozen whole fish of the genus Oncorhynchus, Salmo, etc. This commodity is frozen whole trout, not sliced or otherwise processed, meeting the definition of heading 0303 "frozen fish". Since trout is specifically named in the subheading (030321), it is preferentially classified under this code, rather than other frozen fish subheadings (such as 030313 frozen Atlantic salmon) or frozen fish fillets (0304).

Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use standardized Chinese and Latin scientific names, such as "frozen trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)". Method of production or preservation: Describe the frozen state, such as "whole, gutted, frozen", and specify whether headed, gutted, etc. State: Describe the form of the fish body, such as "whole, not sliced", emphasizing whether it is a complete fish body. Latin scientific name: Provide the Latin scientific name of the species, such as Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) or Salmo trutta (brown trout). Fishing or farming method: Indicate wild-caught or farmed, as some countries have trade control requirements. Specification: Grade by weight per fish or body length, such as "500-800 grams per fish". Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none". Production date: Frozen processing date, in YYYY-MM-DD format. Product name: Frozen trout (rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss); Method of production and preservation: Whole, gutted, frozen; State: Whole, not sliced; Latin scientific name: Oncorhynchus mykiss; Fishing method: Farmed; Specification: 500-800 grams per fish; Brand: None; Production date: 2025-01-15. Mistakenly classifying frozen trout fillets under 030321, when they should actually be classified under 0304. Failure to provide the Latin scientific name, making it impossible to distinguish trout from salmon. Mistakenly declaring headed and gutted frozen trout as whole, affecting classification.

The core basis for classification is the HS Code and the notes to the Import and Export Tariff: heading 0303 is limited to frozen whole fish, and subheading 030321 explicitly names trout. When determining, it is necessary to confirm that the fish body is complete, not sliced, and the species is of the genus Oncorhynchus, Salmo, etc. If it is fillets, chunks or livers, it is classified under 0304 or 0305. Reference should also be made to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the quarantine requirements of various countries. 030313 Frozen Atlantic salmon: 030313 specifically refers to frozen Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), while 030321 is trout (such as rainbow trout). The two are different species but similar in appearance, and distinction relies on the Latin scientific name. 030314 Frozen trout (fillets): 030314 is frozen trout fillets, which have been sliced and processed; 030321 is whole frozen trout, not sliced. The core difference lies in whether it is sliced. 030219 Fresh or chilled trout: 030219 is fresh or chilled trout, with a different preservation state; 030321 is frozen, with a different temperature treatment method. 030541 Smoked trout: 030541 is smoked trout, including smoked then frozen; 030321 is frozen trout that has not been smoked. The processing techniques are different. 030431 Fresh or chilled trout fillets: 030431 is fresh or chilled trout fillets; 030321 is frozen whole trout. Both the preservation state and form are different. Is it a whole fish, not deboned or sliced? Is the species of the genus Oncorhynchus, Salmo, etc.? Is the preservation state frozen (core temperature below -18°C)? Is the Latin scientific name provided to prove the species? Are smoked, dried or salted processing excluded?

What is the difference in HS codes between frozen trout and frozen Atlantic salmon? Frozen trout is classified under 030321, and frozen Atlantic salmon under 030313. Although both belong to the Salmonidae family, they are different species, and customs classification must be based on the Latin scientific name. If they cannot be distinguished, classification disputes may arise, and it is recommended to provide scientific name proof when declaring. Is headed and gutted frozen trout still classified under 030321? Yes. 030321 covers whole fish, including headed and gutted but not sliced frozen trout. If sliced, it is classified under 0304. When declaring, it is necessary to state "headed and gutted, not sliced". How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 030321? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreements and annual adjustments. They can be inquired through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the WTO tariff database, or by consulting a customs broker. Note the applicable conditions for MFN rates, agreement rates and general rates. What inspection and quarantine certificates are required for importing frozen trout? Usually, a health certificate and certificate of origin issued by the official authorities of the exporting country are required, and they must comply with China's entry animal and plant quarantine requirements. Some countries may require fishing certificates or aquaculture certificates. The specific requirements are subject to the announcements of the General Administration of Customs. Does 030321 include both wild and farmed trout? Yes. 030321 does not distinguish between wild and farmed, but the fishing or farming method must be truthfully filled in when declaring. Some countries may have additional controls on wild trout, such as endangered species certificates. How to avoid confusion between frozen trout and frozen trout fillets when declaring? The key is whether it is sliced. Whole, gutted but not sliced is classified under 030321; sliced is classified under 0304. When declaring, the "State" column should clearly state "whole" or "sliced", and attach pictures or samples. If frozen trout has been salted, which code should it be classified under? If only frozen, it is classified under 030321; if salted but not dried or smoked, it may be classified under 0305 (dried, salted or brined fish). It needs to be determined based on the processing technique and moisture content. How to correctly use the HS code for cross-border e-commerce sales of frozen trout? Cross-border e-commerce must declare the HS code according to the actual commodity. Whole frozen trout should use 030321, and the declaration elements should be truthfully filled in. Note the difference between personal items and commercial goods; commercial goods require formal customs declaration.