Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and prepared products. This chapter is the core classification chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving fishing, aquaculture, processing and other stages. Within the chapter, it is further subdivided by degree of processing and species attributes, with frozen fish being one of the categories with the largest trade volume. Heading 0303 specifically covers frozen fish (excluding fillets and other fish meat). This heading includes whole fish, headless and gutted fish, and cut pieces not further processed. Frozen means deep-frozen below -18°C to maintain fish quality. Under this heading, subheadings are listed by fish species, such as salmonids, tilapia, cod, etc., making it one of the most important headings in aquatic product trade. The first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 3: Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. Digits 3-4 "03" represent heading 0303: Frozen fish. Digits 5-6 "29" represent subheading 030329: Other frozen salmonids. "Other" refers to salmonids other than the specific salmonids listed in subheadings 030311 to 030319 (such as sockeye salmon, chinook salmon, coho salmon, etc.), such as rainbow trout, Arctic char, etc. This subheading only covers frozen whole fish or cut pieces, excluding fillets (0304) or fish meat (0304). This commodity is frozen salmonids and is not listed among the specific species in 030311 to 030319, so it is classified under 030329 "Other frozen salmonids." If it were fresh or chilled salmonids, it would be classified under 0302; if smoked or dried, under 0305; if fillets, under 0304. This code specifically refers to frozen and unprocessed whole fish or cut pieces, distinguishing it from other processing states and species.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and prepared products. This chapter is the core classification chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving fishing, aquaculture, processing and other stages. Within the chapter, it is further subdivided by degree of processing and species attributes, with frozen fish being one of the categories with the largest trade volume.
Heading
Heading 0303 specifically covers frozen fish (excluding fillets and other fish meat). This heading includes whole fish, headless and gutted fish, and cut pieces not further processed. Frozen means deep-frozen below -18°C to maintain fish quality. Under this heading, subheadings are listed by fish species, such as salmonids, tilapia, cod, etc., making it one of the most important headings in aquatic product trade.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits "03" represent Chapter 3: Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. Digits 3-4 "03" represent heading 0303: Frozen fish. Digits 5-6 "29" represent subheading 030329: Other frozen salmonids. "Other" refers to salmonids other than the specific salmonids listed in subheadings 030311 to 030319 (such as sockeye salmon, chinook salmon, coho salmon, etc.), such as rainbow trout, Arctic char, etc. This subheading only covers frozen whole fish or cut pieces, excluding fillets (0304) or fish meat (0304).
Classification Basis
This commodity is frozen salmonids and is not listed among the specific species in 030311 to 030319, so it is classified under 030329 "Other frozen salmonids." If it were fresh or chilled salmonids, it would be classified under 0302; if smoked or dried, under 0305; if fillets, under 0304. This code specifically refers to frozen and unprocessed whole fish or cut pieces, distinguishing it from other processing states and species.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use standard Chinese or Latin scientific names, such as "frozen rainbow trout," "frozen Arctic char." Latin scientific name: Provide the accurate Latin scientific name for customs to confirm the species, such as Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout). Method of production or preservation: Explain the freezing method, such as "headless and gutted, frozen at -18°C," and clarify whether other processing has been applied. State: Describe the form of the fish, such as whole, headless and gutted, cut pieces, etc., and whether bone-in. Specifications: Grade by weight or size, such as "500-800 grams each," to facilitate customs statistics and valuation. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none." Packaging specifications: Explain inner and outer packaging, such as "10 kg/carton, inner plastic bag." Origin: The country/region of fishing or farming, such as "Norway," "Chile." Product name: Frozen rainbow trout; Latin scientific name: Oncorhynchus mykiss; Method of production or preservation: Headless and gutted, frozen at -18°C; State: Whole, bone-in; Specifications: 500-800 grams each; Brand: None; Packaging specifications: 10 kg/carton, inner plastic bag; Origin: Norway. Failure to provide the Latin scientific name, making it impossible to confirm whether it belongs to Salmonidae. Mistakenly declaring frozen as fresh or chilled, incorrectly classified under 0302. Mistakenly declaring fillets as whole fish, incorrectly classified under 0304. Unclear specification descriptions, affecting customs valuation and statistics.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use standard Chinese or Latin scientific names, such as "frozen rainbow trout," "frozen Arctic char."
⚠️ Writing only "frozen fish" or "frozen salmon" without specifying the exact species, resulting in ambiguous classification.
Latin scientific name
Provide the accurate Latin scientific name for customs to confirm the species, such as Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout).
⚠️ Spelling errors or use of common names, such as writing rainbow trout as Salmo gairdneri (old scientific name).
Method of production or preservation
Explain the freezing method, such as "headless and gutted, frozen at -18°C," and clarify whether other processing has been applied.
⚠️ Failing to indicate headless and gutted, or mistakenly writing "fresh" or "chilled."
State
Describe the form of the fish, such as whole, headless and gutted, cut pieces, etc., and whether bone-in.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring cut pieces as whole fish, or failing to indicate whether bone-in.
Specifications
Grade by weight or size, such as "500-800 grams each," to facilitate customs statistics and valuation.
⚠️ Vague specification descriptions, such as "various sizes," affecting classification and valuation.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none."
⚠️ Neglecting brand declaration, or incomplete filling.
Packaging specifications
Explain inner and outer packaging, such as "10 kg/carton, inner plastic bag."
⚠️ Writing only "carton" without indicating weight and material.
Origin
The country/region of fishing or farming, such as "Norway," "Chile."
⚠️ Vague filling, such as "Europe," making origin determination difficult.
Example： Product name: Frozen rainbow trout; Latin scientific name: Oncorhynchus mykiss; Method of production or preservation: Headless and gutted, frozen at -18°C; State: Whole, bone-in; Specifications: 500-800 grams each; Brand: None; Packaging specifications: 10 kg/carton, inner plastic bag; Origin: Norway.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to provide the Latin scientific name, making it impossible to confirm whether it belongs to Salmonidae.
Mistakenly declaring frozen as fresh or chilled, incorrectly classified under 0302.
Mistakenly declaring fillets as whole fish, incorrectly classified under 0304.
Unclear specification descriptions, affecting customs valuation and statistics.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1. The commodity must be a salmonid; 2. It must be in a frozen state; 3. It must be whole fish or cut pieces, not further processed into fillets or fish meat; 4. It does not belong to the specific species listed in 030311 to 030319. Reference should also be made to the Import and Export Tariff and customs classification decisions to ensure the species and processing state conform to the subheading description. 030214 Fresh or chilled Atlantic salmon: This code is for fresh or chilled Atlantic salmon, while 030329 is for other frozen salmonids. The main difference lies in the preservation state (fresh/chilled vs. frozen) and species (Atlantic salmon vs. other salmonids). 030313 Frozen Atlantic salmon: 030313 is for frozen Atlantic salmon, while 030329 is for other frozen salmonids. The difference lies in the species: Atlantic salmon is classified under 030313, while other salmonids such as rainbow trout are classified under 030329. 030441 Fresh or chilled salmonid fillets: This code is for fresh or chilled salmonid fillets, while 030329 is for frozen whole fish or cut pieces. The difference lies in the processing state (fillets vs. whole fish/cut pieces) and preservation state (fresh/chilled vs. frozen). 030541 Smoked salmonids: This code is for smoked salmonids, while 030329 is for frozen unsmoked salmonids. The difference lies in the processing method (smoked vs. frozen). 030619 Other frozen crustaceans: This code is for frozen crustaceans, while 030329 is for frozen salmonids. The difference lies in the major species category (crustaceans vs. fish). Confirm whether the commodity is a salmonid. Confirm whether it has been frozen. Confirm whether it is whole fish or cut pieces, not fillets. Confirm whether it belongs to the specific species in 030311-030319. Verify whether the Latin scientific name and declaration elements are complete.
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1. The commodity must be a salmonid; 2. It must be in a frozen state; 3. It must be whole fish or cut pieces, not further processed into fillets or fish meat; 4. It does not belong to the specific species listed in 030311 to 030319. Reference should also be made to the Import and Export Tariff and customs classification decisions to ensure the species and processing state conform to the subheading description.
Confused Codes：
030214 - Fresh or chilled Atlantic salmon
This code is for fresh or chilled Atlantic salmon, while 030329 is for other frozen salmonids. The main difference lies in the preservation state (fresh/chilled vs. frozen) and species (Atlantic salmon vs. other salmonids).
030313 - Frozen Atlantic salmon
030313 is for frozen Atlantic salmon, while 030329 is for other frozen salmonids. The difference lies in the species: Atlantic salmon is classified under 030313, while other salmonids such as rainbow trout are classified under 030329.
030441 - Fresh or chilled salmonid fillets
This code is for fresh or chilled salmonid fillets, while 030329 is for frozen whole fish or cut pieces. The difference lies in the processing state (fillets vs. whole fish/cut pieces) and preservation state (fresh/chilled vs. frozen).
030541 - Smoked salmonids
This code is for smoked salmonids, while 030329 is for frozen unsmoked salmonids. The difference lies in the processing method (smoked vs. frozen).
030619 - Other frozen crustaceans
This code is for frozen crustaceans, while 030329 is for frozen salmonids. The difference lies in the major species category (crustaceans vs. fish).
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is a salmonid.
✓ Confirm whether it has been frozen.
✓ Confirm whether it is whole fish or cut pieces, not fillets.
✓ Confirm whether it belongs to the specific species in 030311-030319.
✓ Verify whether the Latin scientific name and declaration elements are complete.
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether a frozen fish belongs to 030329? First confirm whether the fish belongs to Salmonidae, such as rainbow trout, Arctic char, etc. Second, confirm that the preservation state is frozen and that it has not been processed into fillets or fish meat. Finally, confirm that it does not belong to the specific species listed in 030311 to 030319, such as Atlantic salmon, sockeye salmon, etc. If all conditions are met, it is classified under 030329. What is the difference between 030329 and 030313? 030313 is frozen Atlantic salmon, while 030329 is other frozen salmonids. The key difference lies in the species: Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is classified under 030313, while other salmonids such as rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are classified under 030329. Accurate Latin scientific names must be provided at declaration. Which code should frozen rainbow trout be classified under? Frozen rainbow trout belongs to Salmonidae and is not listed among the specific species in 030311 to 030319, so it should be classified under 030329. If it is fresh or chilled rainbow trout, it should be classified under 030219 (other salmonids, fresh or chilled). What key elements are required for declaring 030329? Product name, Latin scientific name, method of production or preservation, state, specifications, brand, packaging specifications, and origin are required. Among these, the Latin scientific name and method of production are the most critical for confirming the species and frozen state. If frozen salmonids are headless and gutted, does it affect classification? Headless and gutted is simple processing that does not affect classification, and it remains classified under 030329. However, if further sliced or made into fillets, it should be classified under 0304. How to check the tariff rate for 030329? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to consult the Import and Export Tariff published by the General Administration of Customs of China or obtain the latest rates through the customs classification pre-ruling system. Also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements. How to ensure correct classification when selling frozen salmonids through cross-border e-commerce? Cross-border e-commerce should accurately declare the product name and Latin scientific name, and retain certificates of origin and processing. It is recommended to apply for customs pre-classification before the first import to avoid customs clearance delays or penalties due to classification errors. Does 030329 include fillets? No. 030329 only covers frozen whole fish or cut pieces. Fillets should be classified under 0304 (fresh, chilled or frozen fish fillets and other fish meat). If frozen salmonids are cut into thin slices, they cannot be classified under 030329.
Q: How to determine whether a frozen fish belongs to 030329?
A: First confirm whether the fish belongs to Salmonidae, such as rainbow trout, Arctic char, etc. Second, confirm that the preservation state is frozen and that it has not been processed into fillets or fish meat. Finally, confirm that it does not belong to the specific species listed in 030311 to 030319, such as Atlantic salmon, sockeye salmon, etc. If all conditions are met, it is classified under 030329.
Q: What is the difference between 030329 and 030313?
A: 030313 is frozen Atlantic salmon, while 030329 is other frozen salmonids. The key difference lies in the species: Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is classified under 030313, while other salmonids such as rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are classified under 030329. Accurate Latin scientific names must be provided at declaration.
Q: Which code should frozen rainbow trout be classified under?
A: Frozen rainbow trout belongs to Salmonidae and is not listed among the specific species in 030311 to 030319, so it should be classified under 030329. If it is fresh or chilled rainbow trout, it should be classified under 030219 (other salmonids, fresh or chilled).
Q: What key elements are required for declaring 030329?
A: Product name, Latin scientific name, method of production or preservation, state, specifications, brand, packaging specifications, and origin are required. Among these, the Latin scientific name and method of production are the most critical for confirming the species and frozen state.
Q: If frozen salmonids are headless and gutted, does it affect classification?
A: Headless and gutted is simple processing that does not affect classification, and it remains classified under 030329. However, if further sliced or made into fillets, it should be classified under 0304.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for 030329?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to consult the Import and Export Tariff published by the General Administration of Customs of China or obtain the latest rates through the customs classification pre-ruling system. Also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements.
Q: How to ensure correct classification when selling frozen salmonids through cross-border e-commerce?
A: Cross-border e-commerce should accurately declare the product name and Latin scientific name, and retain certificates of origin and processing. It is recommended to apply for customs pre-classification before the first import to avoid customs clearance delays or penalties due to classification errors.
Q: Does 030329 include fillets?
A: No. 030329 only covers frozen whole fish or cut pieces. Fillets should be classified under 0304 (fresh, chilled or frozen fish fillets and other fish meat). If frozen salmonids are cut into thin slices, they cannot be classified under 030329.
⚠️ 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.