Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, including live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, in brine, smoked and other processed states. This chapter does not include prepared fish products (such as canned fish, fish balls, etc., classified under Chapter 16), nor does it include rare and endangered aquatic animals (such as whales, dolphins, etc., classified under Chapter 01 or specifically named). Heading 0303 refers specifically to frozen fish (excluding fish fillets and other fish meat), i.e., whole, headless, gutted, cut into pieces but not further processed frozen fish. Includes marine and freshwater fish, but excludes frozen fish fillets (0304), frozen fish livers and roe (specifically named under 0302 or 0303), and frozen prepared fish products (Chapter 16). Code 030355 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits '03' represent Chapter 3 (fish and aquatic invertebrates); digits 3-4 '03' represent heading 0303 (frozen fish); digits 5-6 '55' represent subheading 030355, specifically referring to frozen mackerel. Among these, the 5th digit '5' indicates frozen fish of the genus Scomber spp., and the 6th digit '5' further subdivides into specific species. Note: 030355 applies only to frozen mackerel, excluding fresh or chilled mackerel (0302) or mackerel fillets (0304). This commodity is frozen mackerel, which meets the definition of heading 0303 'frozen fish', and mackerel belongs to the genus Scomber, which is specifically named under subheading 030355. Therefore, it is classified under 030355, rather than other subheadings of 0303 (such as 030354 frozen sardines, 030356 frozen anchovies, etc.), nor 0304 frozen fish fillets or 0302 fresh or chilled fish.

Product Name: Fill in the Chinese and foreign language names of the commodity, which should be specific to the species, such as 'frozen mackerel' or 'frozen chub mackerel', and indicate the Latin scientific name. Brand Type: Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations, such as 'no brand', 'domestic independent brand', 'foreign brand (OEM production)', etc. Export Preference Status: For export goods, indicate whether export tariff preferences apply, such as 'not applicable' or 'applicable', and specify the agreement name. Method of Production or Preservation: Describe the processing state in detail, such as 'frozen', and indicate whether headed, gutted, cut into pieces, etc. Latin Scientific Name: Fill in the Latin scientific name of the mackerel, such as Scomber scombrus, Scomber japonicus, etc., to ensure accurate classification. Specifications: Fill in specifications such as individual weight, body length, etc., such as '200-300 grams per fish'. Origin: Fill in the country/region of capture or farming, such as 'Norway', 'China', etc. Production Date: Fill in the production or freezing date of the product in YYYYMMDD format. Product Name: Frozen mackerel (Latin scientific name: Scomber japonicus); Brand Type: No brand; Export Preference Status: Not applicable; Method of Production or Preservation: Frozen, headed and gutted; Latin Scientific Name: Scomber japonicus; Specifications: 200-300 grams per fish; Origin: China; Production Date: 20250101. Mistakenly classifying frozen mackerel fillets under 030355, when they should actually be classified under 0304. Failing to provide the Latin scientific name, making it impossible to accurately distinguish mackerel species. Confusing frozen mackerel with frozen chub mackerel, which, although both belonging to the Scombridae family, have different subheadings.

The core basis for classification is the 'Import and Export Tariff' and the 'Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System'. Frozen mackerel is classified under 030355, mainly based on: 1) the commodity is frozen whole fish or headed and gutted fish, not further processed; 2) mackerel belongs to the genus Scomber, which is specifically named under 030355; 3) no exclusion clauses regarding fish fillets, fish livers, etc. are involved. 030354 Frozen sardines: 030354 is frozen sardines (Sardina pilchardus, etc.), which differ from mackerel in species, appearance, and Latin scientific name. 030356 Frozen anchovies: 030356 is frozen anchovies (Engraulis spp.), which are smaller in size and belong to a different genus than mackerel. 0304 Frozen fish fillets: 0304 is frozen fish fillets and other fish meat. If mackerel is cut into fillets, it should be classified under 0304 rather than 030355. 0302 Fresh or chilled mackerel: 0302 is fresh or chilled mackerel. If not frozen, it is classified under 0302. 1604 Prepared or preserved fish: 1604 is fish products that have been further processed by cooking, seasoning, etc., such as canned mackerel. If only frozen, it is classified under 030355. Confirm whether the commodity is in a frozen state. Confirm whether it is whole fish or simply headed and gutted, not sliced. Confirm whether the Latin scientific name is of the genus Scomber. Confirm whether it is for further processing or direct consumption. Confirm whether it involves endangered species, requiring CITES certificates.

What is the difference in HS codes between frozen mackerel and frozen chub mackerel? Frozen mackerel is classified under 030355, and frozen chub mackerel (also known as Japanese mackerel) also belongs to the genus Scomber and is usually also classified under 030355. However, if it is another Scombridae fish such as Pneumatophorus japonicus, it may be classified under 030389. The specific classification depends on the Latin scientific name. How can I check the import tariff rate for frozen mackerel? You can check the MFN rate, general rate, agreement rate, etc. through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the 'Import and Export Tariff'. You can also use the customs commodity code query system and enter 030355 to obtain the latest tariff rate. Note that tariff rates are subject to policy adjustments, and the rate at the time of declaration should prevail. Is the Latin scientific name mandatory when declaring frozen mackerel? Yes, the Latin scientific name is a key element for accurate classification, especially for fish, as different species may be classified under different subheadings. Failure to provide it may lead to classification errors or customs clearance delays. Will the code change if frozen mackerel is headed and gutted? No. 030355 covers whole, headed, gutted, cut into pieces but not further processed frozen mackerel. As long as it is not sliced or made into fillets, it remains classified under 030355. Which code should frozen mackerel fillets be classified under? Frozen mackerel fillets should be classified under 0304 (frozen fish fillets), specifically subheading 030489 (other frozen fish fillets). This is because 030355 applies only to whole fish or simply processed fish, excluding fish fillets. What regulatory documents are required for importing frozen mackerel? Typically, an inbound goods customs clearance form, certificate of origin, health certificate, etc. are required. If originating from specific countries, a radioactive substance inspection certificate may also be required. The specific requirements are subject to customs regulations. How should frozen mackerel sold through cross-border e-commerce be declared? For cross-border e-commerce retail imports of frozen mackerel, declaration should be made through the cross-border e-commerce customs clearance service platform with commodity code 030355, and information such as order, payment, and logistics documents should be provided as required. It must also comply with the requirements of the cross-border e-commerce retail import commodity list. Are the HS codes for frozen mackerel and frozen Spanish mackerel the same? No. Frozen Spanish mackerel belongs to the Scombridae family but a different genus and is usually classified under 030389 (other frozen fish). Frozen mackerel is classified under 030355. They must be distinguished by their Latin scientific names.