HS 030444 Fish of the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae and Muraenolepididae

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What products does HS 030444 cover?

This subheading covers certain fresh, chilled, or frozen fish fillets and other fish meat, not reduced to flour, meal, or pellets, specifically from the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae, and Muraenolepididae. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes species commonly known as cod, haddock, pollock, and grenadiers, provided they meet the specified family classifications and are presented in fillet form or as other meat, fresh, chilled, or frozen. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this specific family-based classification for these fish meats.

What falls outside HS 030444?

The following products are excluded from HS 030444: fish meat from families not listed in the subheading, whole fish, fish heads, tails, fins, or other parts not considered "meat" or "fillets" as defined by Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System. For example, fish roe, livers, and milt are classified under different headings. Additionally, fish that have been cooked, dried, salted, or preserved in brine, vinegar, or oil, and fish reduced to flour, meal, or pellets, are classified elsewhere, such as under HS 0305 or 0304.99.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 030444?

A common error is misidentifying the fish family, leading to classification under a different subheading within HS 0304 or even a different chapter. For instance, classifying fish from the Salmonidae family (like salmon) under this subheading would be incorrect, as they belong to HS 030441. Another mistake involves overlooking the presentation of the fish; if the fish meat is dried, salted, or otherwise preserved beyond simple chilling or freezing, it would not fall under HS 030444 and would require reclassification according to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1.

How should importers classify products under HS 030444?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030444 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first accurately identify the specific species of fish. Then, they must confirm that the identified species belongs to one of the families listed in the subheading: Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae, or Muraenolepididae. Finally, they must verify that the product is presented as fresh, chilled, or frozen fish fillets or other fish meat, not reduced to flour or meal, consulting official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC for definitive guidance.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030444?

A shipment of frozen Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua), a member of the Gadidae family, weighing 1,000 kg and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 0% ad valorem for this specific product under the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the duty would be $0.00 (0% × $5,000 USD). If, hypothetically, a specific tariff provision carried a 3.5% ad valorem rate, the duty would be $175.00 (3.5% × $5,000 USD).

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030444?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030444, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating fish products from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. For example, originating frozen pollock fillets from Mexico would be eligible for a 0% duty rate. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced or free entry for originating products from certain developing countries, requiring documentation like a EUR.1 movement certificate.

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