HS 030531 Fish fillets, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked

Quick Answer: Fish fillets, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, imported under HS 030531 enters the UK at 16.00%, the EU at 16.00%, and the US at 2.2¢/kg under the MFN rate. This classification specifically covers fish fillets that have undergone drying, salting, or brining processes, excluding any that have been smoked. Importers should note that while the UK and EU maintain a consistent ad valorem duty, the US applies a specific duty based on weight. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific product descriptions against the exact tariff wording to ensure correct classification and duty assessment for these processed fish products.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305310000 16.00 % — —
0305310010 16.00 % — —
0305310090 16.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305310010 16.00 % — —
0305310000 16.00 % — —
0305310090 16.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305310100 Free — ["kg"]

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 030531 cover?

This subheading covers fish fillets that have been dried, salted, or preserved in brine, but specifically excludes any products that have undergone smoking. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is for prepared or preserved fish, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to the flesh of fish, cut into portions or pieces, which has undergone drying, salting, or brining processes, but not smoking.

What falls outside HS 030531?

The following products are excluded from HS 030531: fish that have been smoked, whether hot or cold smoked, as these are classified under HS 030541. Additionally, whole fish or fish pieces that are not fillets, even if dried, salted, or in brine, are typically classified under HS 0305. Products that are canned or retort-pouched, or those that are further processed into pastes or spreads, will also fall under different headings, such as 1604, and are not covered by this subheading.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 030531?

A common error is the misclassification of smoked fish products. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If fish has undergone any smoking process, regardless of whether it is also dried, salted, or in brine, it must be classified under HS 030541 (Fish, salted or in brine, but not smoked, and fish, dried, other than edible flours and meals of fish). Importers may also incorrectly classify fish that has been cooked prior to drying or salting.

How should importers classify products under HS 030531?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030531 involves a thorough examination of the product's processing. Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the product consists of fish fillets or other fish meat. Subsequently, they must verify that the primary preservation method is drying, salting, or brining, and crucially, that no smoking process has been applied. Consulting the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the UK Trade Tariff, is essential for accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030531?

A shipment of 100 kilograms of dried cod fillets, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 30% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. Therefore, the duty is $500 USD × 30% = $150.00. This calculation is based on the duty rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 03053100.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030531?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030531, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating products from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid Certificate of Origin or an origin statement on the commercial invoice is required. Additionally, preferential rates may be available for products originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in some jurisdictions, often requiring a GSP Form A.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 030561 HS 030551 HS 030520 HS 030571 HS 030541 HS 030431

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 0305.31 (Fish fillets, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked)?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 0305.31 in the United States is 16.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For example, goods originating from countries with an FTA with the US may benefit from reduced or free entry. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the origin of the goods to determine applicable duties. For instance, under the US tariff schedule, the MFN rate is 16.00%, but other rates might be lower or free based on origin.

How is the duty for HS 0305.31 calculated? Can you provide an example?

The duty for HS code 0305.31 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 16.00% and you import 100 kg of fish fillets valued at $500 USD, the ad valorem duty would be 16.00% of $500, which equals $80 USD. Some countries may also have specific per-kilogram duties in addition to or instead of ad valorem duties. Always check the specific tariff schedule for the correct calculation method and rate.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 0305.31?

When importing fish fillets under HS code 0305.31, standard import documentation usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations and the origin of the fish, you may need a Certificate of Origin to claim preferential duty rates. Health certificates or sanitary permits issued by the competent authorities of the exporting country are often required to ensure compliance with food safety standards. It is advisable to consult the customs authority of the destination country for a comprehensive list of required documents.

What are the key classification criteria for HS code 0305.31?

HS code 0305.31 specifically covers fish fillets that are dried, salted, or in brine, but explicitly not smoked. The key criteria are: 1. Form: The product must be in the form of fillets (slices of flesh cut lengthwise from the fish). 2. Preservation Method: The fillets must have undergone drying, salting, or brining. 3. Exclusion: The product must not have been smoked. If the fish fillets are smoked, they would be classified under a different HS code (e.g., 0305.32 for smoked fish fillets). The species of fish is generally not a primary determinant for this specific code, as long as it meets the form and preservation criteria.

Which trade agreements commonly impact the duty rates for HS 0305.31?

Trade agreements significantly influence duty rates for HS code 0305.31. For example, the United States has Free Trade Agreements with countries like Canada and Mexico (USMCA), Australia, and various others. Goods originating from these partner countries may enter the US at a reduced or zero duty rate, provided they meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective agreements. Similarly, the European Union's Common Customs Tariff (TARIC) includes numerous preferential agreements with countries worldwide, offering lower duties on products like fish fillets if they originate from those nations. Importers must verify the origin of their goods and consult the specific preferential tariff schedule to determine eligibility.