Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. This chapter includes live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or smoked aquatic organisms of all kinds, as well as aquatic animal products for human consumption. However, it excludes processed fish products (such as canned fish, fish balls, etc., classified under Chapter 16), ornamental fish (classified under 0301), and certain aquatic mammals and plants (classified under other chapters). This chapter is one of the most important chapters in international trade of aquatic products. Heading 0303 covers frozen fish, but excludes fish fillets and other fish meat of 0304. Specifically, it includes frozen whole fish, headless fish, gutted fish, etc., whether or not with skin or bones. There are many fish species under this heading, subdivided into multiple subheadings by major commercial fish species, such as 0303.1 (salmon), 0303.2 (tilapia, etc.), 0303.3 (plaice, etc.), 0303.4 (tuna, etc.), 0303.5 (herring, cod, etc.), 0303.6 (other fish). Code 030354 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 (excluding fish fillets and other fish meat). Digits 5-6 '54' represent subheading 0303.54: Frozen saithe (Pollachius virens). Saithe, scientific name Pollachius virens, commonly known as coalfish or saithe (but haddock usually refers to Melanogrammus aeglefinus, care must be taken to distinguish). This subheading can be further subdivided into more specific statistical codes, but the six-digit HS code is uniform at the international level. This product is frozen saithe, which is frozen whole fish or headless gutted fish, not sliced or otherwise processed, therefore classified under 0303 (frozen fish) rather than 0304 (fresh or chilled fish fillets or fish meat). Meanwhile, saithe has a specific named subheading 0303.54 under 0303, so it is not classified under 0303.89 (other frozen fish). If it were fresh or chilled saithe, it should be classified under 0302.54.
Chapter
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. This chapter includes live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or smoked aquatic organisms of all kinds, as well as aquatic animal products for human consumption. However, it excludes processed fish products (such as canned fish, fish balls, etc., classified under Chapter 16), ornamental fish (classified under 0301), and certain aquatic mammals and plants (classified under other chapters). This chapter is one of the most important chapters in international trade of aquatic products.
Heading
Heading 0303 covers frozen fish, but excludes fish fillets and other fish meat of 0304. Specifically, it includes frozen whole fish, headless fish, gutted fish, etc., whether or not with skin or bones. There are many fish species under this heading, subdivided into multiple subheadings by major commercial fish species, such as 0303.1 (salmon), 0303.2 (tilapia, etc.), 0303.3 (plaice, etc.), 0303.4 (tuna, etc.), 0303.5 (herring, cod, etc.), 0303.6 (other fish).
Digit Breakdown
Code 030354 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 (excluding fish fillets and other fish meat). Digits 5-6 '54' represent subheading 0303.54: Frozen saithe (Pollachius virens). Saithe, scientific name Pollachius virens, commonly known as coalfish or saithe (but haddock usually refers to Melanogrammus aeglefinus, care must be taken to distinguish). This subheading can be further subdivided into more specific statistical codes, but the six-digit HS code is uniform at the international level.
Classification Basis
This product is frozen saithe, which is frozen whole fish or headless gutted fish, not sliced or otherwise processed, therefore classified under 0303 (frozen fish) rather than 0304 (fresh or chilled fish fillets or fish meat). Meanwhile, saithe has a specific named subheading 0303.54 under 0303, so it is not classified under 0303.89 (other frozen fish). If it were fresh or chilled saithe, it should be classified under 0302.54.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the fish species, such as 'frozen saithe' or 'frozen coalfish', and indicate the Latin scientific name Pollachius virens. Method of Production or Preservation: Describe the processing state of the fish, such as 'frozen', whether headless, gutted, finned, etc. It should be clearly stated as whole, headless and gutted, or other forms. State: Describe the overall state of the fish, such as 'whole', 'headless and gutted', 'with skin', 'skinless', etc. Specifications: Declare the individual weight or size range of the fish, such as 'approximately 500-800 grams each', for customs statistics and price review. Packaging Specifications: Describe the inner and outer packaging, such as '10 kg/carton', for customs inspection and statistics. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'. Brand information helps customs intellectual property protection. Production Date: Declare the production or catch date of the product, in year-month-day format, for food safety traceability. Shelf Life: Declare the shelf life or best-before date of the product, in year-month-day format or duration. Product Name: Frozen saithe (Latin scientific name: Pollachius virens); Method of Production or Preservation: Frozen, headless and gutted, with skin; State: Whole; Specifications: 500-800 grams each; Packaging Specifications: 10 kg/carton; Brand: None; Production Date: 2025-01-15; Shelf Life: 24 months. Mistakenly declaring saithe as 'cod', leading to classification under 0303.66 (frozen Atlantic cod) or 0303.67 (frozen Pacific cod), when it should actually be 0303.54. Not indicating whether headless and gutted; if it is fish fillet, it should be classified under 0304, and incorrect declaration may trigger customs scrutiny. Ignoring the declaration of Latin scientific name, causing customs inability to accurately determine the fish species, possibly delaying customs clearance.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the fish species, such as 'frozen saithe' or 'frozen coalfish', and indicate the Latin scientific name Pollachius virens.
⚠️ Only writing 'frozen fish' or 'frozen cod', without distinguishing the specific species, leading to classification errors.
Method of Production or Preservation
Describe the processing state of the fish, such as 'frozen', whether headless, gutted, finned, etc. It should be clearly stated as whole, headless and gutted, or other forms.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in 'frozen', without stating whether headless and gutted, affecting subheading determination.
State
Describe the overall state of the fish, such as 'whole', 'headless and gutted', 'with skin', 'skinless', etc.
⚠️ Not indicating whether with skin or boneless, may be mistakenly classified under fish fillet codes.
Specifications
Declare the individual weight or size range of the fish, such as 'approximately 500-800 grams each', for customs statistics and price review.
⚠️ Only writing 'large, medium, small', without providing specific weight ranges, affecting price verification.
Packaging Specifications
Describe the inner and outer packaging, such as '10 kg/carton', for customs inspection and statistics.
⚠️ Unclear filling, such as 'carton', without indicating the net weight per carton.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'. Brand information helps customs intellectual property protection.
⚠️ Ignoring brand declaration, leading to infringement risks.
Production Date
Declare the production or catch date of the product, in year-month-day format, for food safety traceability.
⚠️ Vague filling, such as '2023', not meeting customs requirements.
Shelf Life
Declare the shelf life or best-before date of the product, in year-month-day format or duration.
⚠️ Not declared or incorrectly filled, leading to failed inspection.
Example： Product Name: Frozen saithe (Latin scientific name: Pollachius virens); Method of Production or Preservation: Frozen, headless and gutted, with skin; State: Whole; Specifications: 500-800 grams each; Packaging Specifications: 10 kg/carton; Brand: None; Production Date: 2025-01-15; Shelf Life: 24 months.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly declaring saithe as 'cod', leading to classification under 0303.66 (frozen Atlantic cod) or 0303.67 (frozen Pacific cod), when it should actually be 0303.54.
Not indicating whether headless and gutted; if it is fish fillet, it should be classified under 0304, and incorrect declaration may trigger customs scrutiny.
Ignoring the declaration of Latin scientific name, causing customs inability to accurately determine the fish species, possibly delaying customs clearance.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) The goods must be frozen fish; 2) Must be saithe (Pollachius virens) whole or headless and gutted, not sliced or otherwise processed; 3) Not fish fillets and other fish meat of 0304. According to the 'Import and Export Tariff' and HS Notes, frozen saithe has a specific named subheading 0303.54, and should be classified under this subheading preferentially. If it is fresh or chilled saithe, it is classified under 0302.54. If it is frozen fish fillets, it is classified under 0304.71 (frozen Atlantic cod fillets) or 0304.79 (other frozen fish fillets), but saithe fillets are usually classified under 0304.79. 030366 Frozen Atlantic cod: Atlantic cod, scientific name Gadus morhua, belongs to a different genus from saithe, with differences in appearance and flesh quality. 0303.66 specifically refers to Atlantic cod, while saithe is 0303.54. 030367 Frozen Pacific cod: Pacific cod, scientific name Gadus macrocephalus, is a different species from saithe. 0303.67 specifically refers to Pacific cod, and saithe should be classified under 0303.54. 030389 Other frozen fish: 0303.89 is a residual subheading, applicable to frozen fish not otherwise specified. Saithe already has a specific named subheading, so it is not classified under this subheading. 030471 Frozen Atlantic cod fillets: 0304.71 is frozen Atlantic cod fillets, which are fish fillets. If saithe is sliced into fillets, it is classified under 0304.79 (other frozen fish fillets), not 0303.54. 030254 Fresh or chilled saithe: 0302.54 is fresh or chilled saithe, with a different preservation method. Frozen saithe should be classified under 0303.54. Confirm the fish species is saithe (Pollachius virens), not other cod family fish. Confirm the preservation method is frozen, not fresh, chilled, dried, smoked, etc. Confirm it has not been sliced or otherwise processed, still whole fish or headless and gutted. Confirm the classification subheading is 0303.54, not 0303.66, 0303.67 or 0303.89. Confirm the declaration elements are complete, including Latin scientific name, state, specifications, etc.
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) The goods must be frozen fish; 2) Must be saithe (Pollachius virens) whole or headless and gutted, not sliced or otherwise processed; 3) Not fish fillets and other fish meat of 0304. According to the 'Import and Export Tariff' and HS Notes, frozen saithe has a specific named subheading 0303.54, and should be classified under this subheading preferentially. If it is fresh or chilled saithe, it is classified under 0302.54. If it is frozen fish fillets, it is classified under 0304.71 (frozen Atlantic cod fillets) or 0304.79 (other frozen fish fillets), but saithe fillets are usually classified under 0304.79.
Confused Codes：
030366 - Frozen Atlantic cod
Atlantic cod, scientific name Gadus morhua, belongs to a different genus from saithe, with differences in appearance and flesh quality. 0303.66 specifically refers to Atlantic cod, while saithe is 0303.54.
030367 - Frozen Pacific cod
Pacific cod, scientific name Gadus macrocephalus, is a different species from saithe. 0303.67 specifically refers to Pacific cod, and saithe should be classified under 0303.54.
030389 - Other frozen fish
0303.89 is a residual subheading, applicable to frozen fish not otherwise specified. Saithe already has a specific named subheading, so it is not classified under this subheading.
030471 - Frozen Atlantic cod fillets
0304.71 is frozen Atlantic cod fillets, which are fish fillets. If saithe is sliced into fillets, it is classified under 0304.79 (other frozen fish fillets), not 0303.54.
030254 - Fresh or chilled saithe
0302.54 is fresh or chilled saithe, with a different preservation method. Frozen saithe should be classified under 0303.54.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the fish species is saithe (Pollachius virens), not other cod family fish.
✓ Confirm the preservation method is frozen, not fresh, chilled, dried, smoked, etc.
✓ Confirm it has not been sliced or otherwise processed, still whole fish or headless and gutted.
✓ Confirm the classification subheading is 0303.54, not 0303.66, 0303.67 or 0303.89.
✓ Confirm the declaration elements are complete, including Latin scientific name, state, specifications, etc.
❓ FAQ
Are saithe and sablefish the same fish? Are their HS codes the same? No. Saithe, scientific name Pollachius virens, belongs to the cod family; sablefish usually refers to Anoplopoma fimbria, belonging to the Anoplopomatidae family. Their HS codes are different: frozen saithe is classified under 0303.54, frozen sablefish under 0303.89 (other frozen fish). Does the code change after saithe is headless and gutted? No. 0303.54 covers frozen saithe, whether or not headless, gutted, finned, as long as it is not sliced or made into fillets, it is classified under this subheading. If sliced, it is classified under 0304.79. How to check the import tariff rate for 030354? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the 'Single Window', or the 'Import and Export Tariff'. Tariff rates include MFN rate, agreement rate, general rate, etc., applicable according to the country of origin and trade agreements. For specific rates, please refer to the latest official publication. Is the Latin scientific name required for declaration? Yes, for fish and other aquatic products, customs usually requires the Latin scientific name for accurate classification. If unable to provide, it may lead to classification disputes or inspection delays. It is recommended to specify the Latin scientific name in contracts and invoices. What is the difference between 030354 and 030389? 030354 is a specific named subheading for frozen saithe; 030389 is a residual subheading for other frozen fish. If the fish species is not specifically named under 0303, it is classified under 030389. Saithe already has a specific named subheading, so it must be classified under 030354. If frozen saithe is salted, does the code change? Yes. Salted saithe is classified under 0305 (dried, salted or brined fish), not 0303. If only frozen, it is classified under 0303.54. Changes in processing method will result in code changes. For cross-border e-commerce retail import of frozen saithe, is the code also 030354? Yes, the HS code does not change due to the trade method. However, cross-border e-commerce retail imports must comply with the positive list requirements and may be subject to different tax policies. For details, please check the cross-border e-commerce retail import commodity list. How to avoid mistakenly classifying saithe as cod? First, confirm the Latin scientific name of the fish species; saithe is Pollachius virens, while cod is usually of the genus Gadus. Second, clearly state the product name and Latin scientific name in the declaration, and provide relevant supporting documents. If in doubt, apply to customs for advance classification.
Q: Are saithe and sablefish the same fish? Are their HS codes the same?
A: No. Saithe, scientific name Pollachius virens, belongs to the cod family; sablefish usually refers to Anoplopoma fimbria, belonging to the Anoplopomatidae family. Their HS codes are different: frozen saithe is classified under 0303.54, frozen sablefish under 0303.89 (other frozen fish).
Q: Does the code change after saithe is headless and gutted?
A: No. 0303.54 covers frozen saithe, whether or not headless, gutted, finned, as long as it is not sliced or made into fillets, it is classified under this subheading. If sliced, it is classified under 0304.79.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for 030354?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the 'Single Window', or the 'Import and Export Tariff'. Tariff rates include MFN rate, agreement rate, general rate, etc., applicable according to the country of origin and trade agreements. For specific rates, please refer to the latest official publication.
Q: Is the Latin scientific name required for declaration?
A: Yes, for fish and other aquatic products, customs usually requires the Latin scientific name for accurate classification. If unable to provide, it may lead to classification disputes or inspection delays. It is recommended to specify the Latin scientific name in contracts and invoices.
Q: What is the difference between 030354 and 030389?
A: 030354 is a specific named subheading for frozen saithe; 030389 is a residual subheading for other frozen fish. If the fish species is not specifically named under 0303, it is classified under 030389. Saithe already has a specific named subheading, so it must be classified under 030354.
Q: If frozen saithe is salted, does the code change?
A: Yes. Salted saithe is classified under 0305 (dried, salted or brined fish), not 0303. If only frozen, it is classified under 0303.54. Changes in processing method will result in code changes.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce retail import of frozen saithe, is the code also 030354?
A: Yes, the HS code does not change due to the trade method. However, cross-border e-commerce retail imports must comply with the positive list requirements and may be subject to different tax policies. For details, please check the cross-border e-commerce retail import commodity list.
Q: How to avoid mistakenly classifying saithe as cod?
A: First, confirm the Latin scientific name of the fish species; saithe is Pollachius virens, while cod is usually of the genus Gadus. Second, clearly state the product name and Latin scientific name in the declaration, and provide relevant supporting documents. If in doubt, apply to customs for advance classification.
⚠️ 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.