Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted and smoked processed products of various kinds. This chapter does not include cooked or preserved aquatic products (classified under Chapter 16), nor does it include live fish other than ornamental fish (0301). This chapter is the core chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the classification of the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing. Heading 0303 specifically covers frozen fish, but excludes frozen fish fillets (0304) and frozen fish meat (0304). Frozen fish refers to fish that have been frozen at low temperatures after whole or simple processing such as heading and gutting, including fish caught at sea or in rivers and aquaculture fish. Under this heading, there are multiple subheadings subdivided by fish species. Haddock is classified under 0303.53, namely frozen haddock. Code 030353 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits '03' represent Chapter 03 (fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates); digits 3-4 '03' represent heading 0303 (frozen fish, but excluding fillets and fish meat of 0304); digits 5-6 '53' represent subheading 0303.53, specifically frozen haddock. Among these, '53' is a separate line established for haddock in the HS classification, distinct from other frozen fish such as cod (0303.63), hake (0303.64), etc. This commodity is frozen haddock, which falls within the scope of frozen fish and has not been filleted or further processed, so it is classified under 0303 rather than 0304 (frozen fish fillets). At the same time, haddock has a specific subheading under 0303, so it is not classified under 0303.89 (other frozen fish). Correct classification requires confirming that the fish species is haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) and that the state is whole or simply headed and gutted.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted and smoked processed products of various kinds. This chapter does not include cooked or preserved aquatic products (classified under Chapter 16), nor does it include live fish other than ornamental fish (0301). This chapter is the core chapter for international trade in aquatic products, involving the classification of the entire chain of fishing, aquaculture and processing.
Heading
Heading 0303 specifically covers frozen fish, but excludes frozen fish fillets (0304) and frozen fish meat (0304). Frozen fish refers to fish that have been frozen at low temperatures after whole or simple processing such as heading and gutting, including fish caught at sea or in rivers and aquaculture fish. Under this heading, there are multiple subheadings subdivided by fish species. Haddock is classified under 0303.53, namely frozen haddock.
Digit Breakdown
Code 030353 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits '03' represent Chapter 03 (fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates); digits 3-4 '03' represent heading 0303 (frozen fish, but excluding fillets and fish meat of 0304); digits 5-6 '53' represent subheading 0303.53, specifically frozen haddock. Among these, '53' is a separate line established for haddock in the HS classification, distinct from other frozen fish such as cod (0303.63), hake (0303.64), etc.
Classification Basis
This commodity is frozen haddock, which falls within the scope of frozen fish and has not been filleted or further processed, so it is classified under 0303 rather than 0304 (frozen fish fillets). At the same time, haddock has a specific subheading under 0303, so it is not classified under 0303.89 (other frozen fish). Correct classification requires confirming that the fish species is haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) and that the state is whole or simply headed and gutted.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name (Chinese and foreign language): Fill in the Chinese name and English name of the commodity, which should be consistent with the actual goods, such as '冻黑线鳕鱼' and 'Frozen Haddock'. Latin scientific name: Provide the Latin scientific name of haddock, Melanogrammus aeglefinus, for customs to confirm the species. Method of production or preservation: State frozen preservation, such as 'frozen whole', 'frozen headed and gutted'; words such as 'fillet' must not appear. State (whole/headed, etc.): Describe the physical state, such as 'whole', 'headed and gutted', 'headed, gutted and tailed', etc. Specification (individual weight): Declare the weight range of each fish, such as '200-400g/piece', for statistics and document review. Packaging specification: Fill in the packaging method and weight per carton, such as '10 kg/carton, inner plastic bag and outer carton'. Brand (if any): Fill in the brand name; if there is no brand, write 'none'. Production date/lot number: Fill in the production date or lot number for traceability. Product name: Frozen Haddock; Latin scientific name: Melanogrammus aeglefinus; Method of production and preservation: frozen whole; State: headed and gutted; Specification: 300-500g/piece; Packaging specification: 10 kg/carton, inner plastic bag and outer carton; Brand: none; Production date: January 15, 2025; Lot number: HAD20250115. Mistakenly classifying frozen haddock under 0304 (frozen fish fillets) when it has not actually been filleted. Failing to provide the Latin scientific name, resulting in customs being unable to confirm the species. Declaring the state as 'fillet' when it is actually whole fish, causing classification errors.
Product name (Chinese and foreign language)
Fill in the Chinese name and English name of the commodity, which should be consistent with the actual goods, such as '冻黑线鳕鱼' and 'Frozen Haddock'.
⚠️ Mistakenly written as '冻鳕鱼' or '冻鱼', without accurately indicating haddock.
Latin scientific name
Provide the Latin scientific name of haddock, Melanogrammus aeglefinus, for customs to confirm the species.
⚠️ Providing an incorrect scientific name or only writing the English common name, leading to classification disputes.
Method of production or preservation
State frozen preservation, such as 'frozen whole', 'frozen headed and gutted'; words such as 'fillet' must not appear.
⚠️ Filling in 'frozen fish fillet' when the product is actually whole fish, leading to incorrect classification under 0304.
State (whole/headed, etc.)
Describe the physical state, such as 'whole', 'headed and gutted', 'headed, gutted and tailed', etc.
⚠️ Failing to specify the state, or mistakenly filling in 'fillet'.
Specification (individual weight)
Declare the weight range of each fish, such as '200-400g/piece', for statistics and document review.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in 'various specifications' without specific data.
Packaging specification
Fill in the packaging method and weight per carton, such as '10 kg/carton, inner plastic bag and outer carton'.
⚠️ Only writing 'carton packaging' without providing net weight and packaging details.
Brand (if any)
Fill in the brand name; if there is no brand, write 'none'.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or filling in something inconsistent with the actual goods.
Production date/lot number
Fill in the production date or lot number for traceability.
⚠️ Not filling it in or using a non-standard format.
Example： Product name: Frozen Haddock; Latin scientific name: Melanogrammus aeglefinus; Method of production and preservation: frozen whole; State: headed and gutted; Specification: 300-500g/piece; Packaging specification: 10 kg/carton, inner plastic bag and outer carton; Brand: none; Production date: January 15, 2025; Lot number: HAD20250115.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying frozen haddock under 0304 (frozen fish fillets) when it has not actually been filleted.
Failing to provide the Latin scientific name, resulting in customs being unable to confirm the species.
Declaring the state as 'fillet' when it is actually whole fish, causing classification errors.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and HS Explanatory Notes. 0303 covers frozen fish, but 0304 covers frozen fish fillets and fish meat. Haddock has a specific subheading 0303.53 under 0303, so it should preferentially be classified under that subheading. If it is frozen haddock fillets, then it is classified under 0304.71 (frozen fillets of Alaska pollock) or 0304.79 (other frozen fish fillets), but haddock fillets are usually classified under 0304.79. Confirming that the commodity is whole or simply headed and gutted frozen haddock is the key to classification under 0303.53. 0304.79 Other frozen fish fillets: 0304.79 is frozen fish fillets, while 0303.53 is whole or headed and gutted frozen fish. If haddock is filleted, it is classified under 0304.79. 0303.63 Frozen cod: 0303.63 is frozen cod (Gadus morhua, etc.). Although haddock is commonly called cod, it is a different species and is classified under 0303.53. 0303.89 Other frozen fish: 0303.89 is for frozen fish not elsewhere specified; haddock already has a specific subheading and is not classified here. 0302.53 Fresh or chilled haddock: 0302.53 is fresh or chilled, while 0303.53 is frozen; the preservation state is different. 0305.59 Dried, salted or smoked haddock: 0305.59 is dried, salted or smoked, while 0303.53 is frozen; the processing method is different. Confirm that the fish species is haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus). Confirm that the state is whole or headed and gutted, not filleted. Confirm that the preservation method is frozen, not chilled or dried. Check that the Latin scientific name is consistent with the actual goods. Confirm that it has not undergone further processing such as smoking or salting.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and HS Explanatory Notes. 0303 covers frozen fish, but 0304 covers frozen fish fillets and fish meat. Haddock has a specific subheading 0303.53 under 0303, so it should preferentially be classified under that subheading. If it is frozen haddock fillets, then it is classified under 0304.71 (frozen fillets of Alaska pollock) or 0304.79 (other frozen fish fillets), but haddock fillets are usually classified under 0304.79. Confirming that the commodity is whole or simply headed and gutted frozen haddock is the key to classification under 0303.53.
Confused Codes：
0304.79 - Other frozen fish fillets
0304.79 is frozen fish fillets, while 0303.53 is whole or headed and gutted frozen fish. If haddock is filleted, it is classified under 0304.79.
0303.63 - Frozen cod
0303.63 is frozen cod (Gadus morhua, etc.). Although haddock is commonly called cod, it is a different species and is classified under 0303.53.
0303.89 - Other frozen fish
0303.89 is for frozen fish not elsewhere specified; haddock already has a specific subheading and is not classified here.
0302.53 - Fresh or chilled haddock
0302.53 is fresh or chilled, while 0303.53 is frozen; the preservation state is different.
0305.59 - Dried, salted or smoked haddock
0305.59 is dried, salted or smoked, while 0303.53 is frozen; the processing method is different.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm that the fish species is haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus).
✓ Confirm that the state is whole or headed and gutted, not filleted.
✓ Confirm that the preservation method is frozen, not chilled or dried.
✓ Check that the Latin scientific name is consistent with the actual goods.
✓ Confirm that it has not undergone further processing such as smoking or salting.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between frozen haddock and frozen cod? Frozen haddock is classified under 0303.53, and frozen cod (such as Atlantic cod) is classified under 0303.63. The two are different species: haddock's scientific name is Melanogrammus aeglefinus, while cod belongs to the genus Gadus. Customs classification requires the Latin scientific name to distinguish them. If the haddock has already been headed and gutted, can it still be classified under 0303.53? Yes. 0303.53 covers whole or headed and gutted frozen haddock. As long as it has not been filleted or further processed, it is still classified under this code. If filleted, it is classified under 0304.79. How can I check the tariff rate for 030353? The tariff rate must be determined according to the importing country, trade agreements and country of origin. You can check China Customs' Import and Export Tariff or query the most-favored-nation rate, agreement rate, etc. through the General Administration of Customs website or the single window. Rates may change, so it is recommended to rely on the latest published version. When declaring 030353, is the Latin scientific name mandatory? Yes. The Latin scientific name is key to confirming the species, especially for fish classification. Customs may require the Latin scientific name to verify classification and avoid misclassification under other subheadings. If frozen haddock contains roe, will the classification change? If the roe is frozen together with the fish body and has not been separately removed, it is usually still classified as frozen fish. However, if the roe is packaged separately, the roe is classified under 0305.20 (dried, salted, etc.) or 0302.91 (fresh or chilled fish roe). It is recommended to declare them separately. What is the difference between 030353 and 030354? 030353 is frozen haddock, and 030354 is frozen pollock. The two are different fish species, and classification requires accurately distinguishing the species and providing the Latin scientific name. What should be noted when declaring frozen haddock for cross-border e-commerce sales? It is necessary to ensure that the goods meet the inspection and quarantine requirements of the importing country, and to accurately fill in the product name, Latin scientific name, state, preservation method and other elements when declaring. Personal items and commercial customs declarations are different; it is recommended to consult a professional customs broker. If frozen haddock has been salted but not dried, which code should it be classified under? Frozen haddock that has been salted but not dried may be classified under 0303.53 if it is still in a frozen state; if it is chilled or stored at room temperature after salting, it is classified under 0305.69 (other salted fish). The specific classification depends on the processing method and preservation state.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between frozen haddock and frozen cod?
A: Frozen haddock is classified under 0303.53, and frozen cod (such as Atlantic cod) is classified under 0303.63. The two are different species: haddock's scientific name is Melanogrammus aeglefinus, while cod belongs to the genus Gadus. Customs classification requires the Latin scientific name to distinguish them.
Q: If the haddock has already been headed and gutted, can it still be classified under 0303.53?
A: Yes. 0303.53 covers whole or headed and gutted frozen haddock. As long as it has not been filleted or further processed, it is still classified under this code. If filleted, it is classified under 0304.79.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for 030353?
A: The tariff rate must be determined according to the importing country, trade agreements and country of origin. You can check China Customs' Import and Export Tariff or query the most-favored-nation rate, agreement rate, etc. through the General Administration of Customs website or the single window. Rates may change, so it is recommended to rely on the latest published version.
Q: When declaring 030353, is the Latin scientific name mandatory?
A: Yes. The Latin scientific name is key to confirming the species, especially for fish classification. Customs may require the Latin scientific name to verify classification and avoid misclassification under other subheadings.
Q: If frozen haddock contains roe, will the classification change?
A: If the roe is frozen together with the fish body and has not been separately removed, it is usually still classified as frozen fish. However, if the roe is packaged separately, the roe is classified under 0305.20 (dried, salted, etc.) or 0302.91 (fresh or chilled fish roe). It is recommended to declare them separately.
Q: What is the difference between 030353 and 030354?
A: 030353 is frozen haddock, and 030354 is frozen pollock. The two are different fish species, and classification requires accurately distinguishing the species and providing the Latin scientific name.
Q: What should be noted when declaring frozen haddock for cross-border e-commerce sales?
A: It is necessary to ensure that the goods meet the inspection and quarantine requirements of the importing country, and to accurately fill in the product name, Latin scientific name, state, preservation method and other elements when declaring. Personal items and commercial customs declarations are different; it is recommended to consult a professional customs broker.
Q: If frozen haddock has been salted but not dried, which code should it be classified under?
A: Frozen haddock that has been salted but not dried may be classified under 0303.53 if it is still in a frozen state; if it is chilled or stored at room temperature after salting, it is classified under 0305.69 (other salted fish). The specific classification depends on the processing method and preservation state.
⚠️ 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.