Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, divided into live animals and processed products such as frozen/fresh-chilled/dried-smoked. This chapter is the core chapter for trade in aquatic products, involving capture, aquaculture and processed products, but excludes prepared or preserved products (classified under Chapter 16). Heading 0303 includes frozen fish, but excludes fish fillets (0304) and fish loins. It specifically covers frozen whole fish, headed and gutted fish, etc., involving various marine and freshwater fish, such as salmon, cod, sharks, etc. Goods under this heading must undergo freezing treatment to maintain freshness. The first 2 digits 03 represent Chapter 03 'Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates'. Digits 3-4, 03, indicate heading 0303 'Frozen fish, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304'. Digits 5-6, 56, are the subheading, referring to 'Frozen dogfish and other sharks', i.e., specific species of frozen sharks, distinguished from other frozen fish subheadings. The goods are frozen dogfish and other sharks, not further processed, meeting the definition of frozen fish under heading 0303. They are not fish fillets (0304), and are therefore classified under 0303.56. If fresh or chilled sharks, they would be classified under 0302; if dried or smoked, under 0305; if fillets, under 0304.

Product Name: Fill in the specific name of the goods, such as frozen dogfish, frozen shark, etc., which must be consistent with the actual product. Latin Scientific Name: Provide the specific Latin scientific name of the shark for species identification and endangered species management. Processing Method: Indicate freezing, such as 'frozen', and state whether headed, gutted, etc. State: Describe the overall state of the fish, such as whole, headed and gutted, with skin, etc. Specifications: Fill in the weight per box, fish size, etc., for customs inspection. Origin: Indicate the country/region of capture or aquaculture, for rules of origin. Brand: If there is a brand, declare it; if no brand, fill in 'None'. Product Name: Frozen dogfish; Latin Scientific Name: Squalus acanthias; Processing Method: Frozen, headed and gutted; State: Whole, with skin; Specifications: 10 kg per box, 2-3 kg per fish; Origin: Norway; Brand: None; Production Date: January 2025; Shelf Life: 24 months. Failure to provide the Latin scientific name, which may involve endangered species (e.g., certain sharks regulated by CITES). Mistakenly declaring frozen shark fillets as 0303.56, when they should actually be classified under 0304. Incomplete description of processing method, such as failure to state whether headed and gutted, affecting classification.

Core basis for classification: The goods are frozen dogfish and other sharks, not further processed, meeting the definition of heading 0303 'Frozen fish'. They are not fish fillets (0304), and are therefore classified under subheading 0303.56. Attention must be paid to whether the shark species is an endangered species; if so, a CITES certificate must be provided. 0302.56 Fresh or chilled dogfish and other sharks: 0302 is fresh or chilled, 0303 is frozen. Different processing states and different preservation methods. 0304.56 Frozen fillets of dogfish and other sharks: 0304 is fish fillets and other fish meat, 0303 is whole fish or headed and gutted fish. Different shapes and degrees of processing. 0305.56 Dried, salted or in brine dogfish and other sharks: 0305 is dried, salted or in brine, 0303 is frozen. Different processing methods. 0306.56 Frozen dogfish and other sharks (crustaceans?): 0306 is crustaceans, sharks are fish, so they are not classified under 0306. Is it frozen? Is it whole fish or headed and gutted? Is the Latin scientific name provided? Does it involve endangered species? Is it confused with fish fillets?

Which HS code should frozen shark be classified under? Frozen dogfish and other sharks should be classified under HS code 0303.56. However, it must be ensured that they are whole fish or headed and gutted; if they are fillets, they should be classified under 0304.56. How to check the tariff rate for 0303.56? The latest tariff rate can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates may vary due to origin, trade agreements, etc., and it is recommended to rely on official real-time data. Is it necessary to provide the Latin scientific name when declaring? Yes, the Latin scientific name is mandatory for species identification and endangered species management. If it belongs to a CITES Appendix species, a permit for import/export must also be provided. What is the difference between frozen shark and frozen shark fillets? Frozen shark is whole or headed and gutted, classified under 0303.56; frozen shark fillets are sliced, classified under 0304.56. The processing states and classifications are different. Which sharks are endangered species? For example, whale sharks, basking sharks, great white sharks, etc., are listed in CITES appendices. For details, check the CITES official website or consult customs. What are the consequences of incorrect declaration? It may lead to customs inspection, tax supplementation, fines, or even suspicion of smuggling. It is recommended to declare truthfully and consult a professional customs broker if necessary. How to distinguish between 0303.56 and 0302.56? 0302.56 is fresh or chilled shark, 0303.56 is frozen shark. The difference lies in the preservation temperature and processing method. What should be noted when selling frozen shark through cross-border e-commerce? It is necessary to ensure compliance with entry-exit animal and plant quarantine requirements, obtain relevant permits, and accurately declare the HS code to avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors.