Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh or chilled, frozen, dried, salted, smoked and other processed forms, but excluding prepared or preserved aquatic products (classified under Chapter 16). This chapter is the core chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing. Heading 0303 specifically covers frozen fish (excluding fish fillets and other fish meat), i.e. whole or head-off, gutted and other simply processed frozen fish. This heading covers both marine and freshwater fish, but excludes frozen fish fillets (0304), frozen fish meat (0304) and frozen fish livers and roes (0302 or 0303). First 2 digits 03: indicates Chapter 3 "Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates". Digits 3-4, 03: indicates heading 0303 "Frozen fish, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304". Digits 5-6, 31: indicates subheading 030331 "Frozen halibut". Here "31" is the specific species code; halibut belongs to the order Pleuronectiformes and is listed separately in the HS. The complete code 030331 refers to frozen halibut (including whole, head-off, gutted and other simply processed forms). The goods are frozen halibut that have not undergone further processing (such as slicing or filleting), and are therefore classified under 0303 rather than 0304 (frozen fish fillets). At the same time, halibut has a specific subheading 030331 under 0303, so it is not classified under other frozen fish subheadings (such as 030332 frozen plaice, etc.).

Product name: Fill in the Chinese and foreign language name of the goods, which should correspond to the HS code, such as "Frozen halibut". Method of production or preservation: Describe the processing state of the goods, such as "frozen", and specify whether it is only frozen or has other processing. State: Describe the overall state of the fish, such as "whole", "head-off, gutted", "skin-on", etc. Latin scientific name: Provide the Latin scientific name of the halibut, such as Hippoglossus hippoglossus or Hippoglossus stenolepis. Specifications: Fill in the weight or size range of each fish, such as "1-2kg/piece". Packaging specifications: Describe the inner and outer packaging, such as "10kg/carton". Brand: If there is a brand, fill in the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Production date: Fill in the date of capture or processing in the format of year-month-day. Product name: Frozen halibut; Method of production or preservation: frozen; State: whole, head-off, gutted; Latin scientific name: Hippoglossus hippoglossus; Specifications: 2-3kg/piece; Packaging specifications: 10kg/carton; Brand: none; Production date: 2025-01-15. Mistakenly declaring frozen halibut fillets as 030331, when they should actually be classified under 0304. Failure to provide the Latin scientific name, resulting in inability to classify accurately. Confusing halibut with other flounders, incorrectly using subheadings such as 030332.

The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. 030331 specifically refers to frozen halibut, including whole, head-off, gutted and other simply processed forms. Key determination points: 1. The species is halibut (genus Hippoglossus); 2. The preservation method is frozen; 3. It has not been sliced or otherwise deeply processed. If it is frozen fish fillets, it is classified under 0304; if fresh or chilled, under 0302. 030332 Frozen plaice: 030332 is frozen plaice (Pleuronectes platessa, etc.), while 030331 is halibut. The two are different species and must be distinguished based on the Latin scientific name. 030339 Other frozen flatfish: 030339 covers other frozen flatfish not elsewhere specified. If halibut is specifically listed, it is classified under 030331 in priority. 0304 Frozen fish fillets and other fish meat: 0304 is frozen fish fillets or fish meat. Even if the raw material is halibut, once sliced it is classified under 0304 and no longer under 030331. 0302 Fresh or chilled fish: 0302 is fresh or chilled fish. If halibut has not been frozen, it is classified under 0302 rather than 0303. Confirm that the goods are in a frozen state. Confirm that the species is halibut (genus Hippoglossus). Confirm that it has not been sliced or made into fillets. Check that the Latin scientific name corresponds to the subheading. Check whether it has been head-off and gutted (does not affect classification).

What is the difference in HS codes between frozen halibut and frozen plaice? Frozen halibut is classified under 030331, and frozen plaice under 030332. The main difference lies in the species: halibut belongs to the genus Hippoglossus and is larger in size; plaice belongs to the genus Pleuronectes, etc., and is smaller in size. Accurate Latin scientific names must be provided at declaration. If frozen halibut has been head-off and gutted, is it still classified under 030331? Yes. 030331 includes whole, head-off, gutted and other simply processed frozen halibut. As long as it has not been sliced or made into fillets or otherwise deeply processed, it remains classified under 030331. Which code should frozen halibut fillets be classified under? Frozen halibut fillets should be classified under 0304 (frozen fish fillets and other fish meat), specifically subheading 0304.83 (frozen flatfish fillets). This is because 0303 explicitly excludes fish fillets and other fish meat. How can I check the import tariff rate for 030331? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the Import and Export Tariff published by the General Administration of Customs of China or query the latest rates through the "Internet + Customs" platform or the Single Window. Preferential rates under free trade agreements should also be noted. What special documents are required to declare 030331? Generally, an inspection and quarantine certificate for inbound goods, certificate of origin, fishing certificate (if applicable), health certificate, etc. are required. The specifics depend on customs requirements and the trading country. It is recommended to consult a customs broker or customs in advance. Are halibut and flatfish the same fish? Halibut is a type of flatfish, but flatfish is a broader category that includes plaice, flounder, sole, etc. In the HS, halibut is listed separately under 030331, while other flatfish are classified under 030332-030339. Therefore, they must not be confused. If the frozen halibut is farmed, will the code change? The HS code does not distinguish between wild-caught and farmed; 030331 applies equally. However, at declaration, aquaculture or fishing certificates may be required to meet inspection and quarantine and rules of origin requirements. How can 030331 be distinguished from 030333 (frozen sole)? 030333 is frozen sole, belonging to the family Soleidae, flat in shape with both eyes on the right side of the head; halibut has both eyes on the left or right side of the head (depending on the species) and is larger in size. Classification is based on species, and the Latin scientific name must be provided.