HS 030449 Other

Import duty rates for HS code 030449, which covers 'Other' fish fillets and other fish meat, fresh or chilled, vary significantly by importing country and trade agreement. For example, under the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff, the rate is 4% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can be lower or even free. For instance, imports from Canada or Mexico under the USMCA may have a 0% duty rate. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU TARIC database, for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment.

When a duty rate is expressed as a specific amount per unit of weight (e.g., cents per kilogram), the calculation is straightforward. For example, if a country imposes a duty of 5.5¢/kg on imports under HS 030449, and you import 1,000 kg of fresh fish fillets, the total duty would be 1,000 kg * 5.5¢/kg = 5,500¢, which equals $55.00. This is in addition to any ad valorem (percentage of value) duties that might also apply, depending on the tariff structure. Always verify if the duty is solely specific, or a combination of specific and ad valorem.

For HS code 030449, importers and customs brokers should be prepared to provide several key documents. These typically include a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the fish; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill for transport; and a certificate of origin if preferential duty rates are claimed under a trade agreement. Crucially, due to the perishable nature of fresh or chilled fish, a health certificate or sanitary certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country is often mandatory to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Importers should also be aware of any specific import licenses or permits required by the destination country's food and drug administration or equivalent agency.

HS code 0304 covers 'Fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled or frozen'. Subheadings within 0304 are typically distinguished by the type of fish (e.g., 030441 for Pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon and Danube salmon, fresh or chilled) and whether the product is presented as fillets or other meat. HS code 030449 is the residual category for fresh or chilled fish fillets and other fish meat that does not fall under more specific subheadings like those for salmon, tilapia, flat fish, or cod, haddock, and pollock. Classification relies on the precise identification of the fish species and its presentation (fillet vs. other meat).

Several major trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 030449. For imports into the United States, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) often provides duty-free treatment for qualifying fish products. The Central America-Dominican Republic-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) may also offer preferential rates for certain goods originating from member countries. In the European Union, agreements with countries like Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland, as well as association agreements with various other nations, can lead to reduced tariffs. For UK importers, the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and other bilateral FTAs are key. Always confirm the specific rules of origin and product-specific provisions within the relevant trade agreement to claim preferential treatment.