HS 030539 Other
Quick Answer: Fish, fillets and other fish meat, salted, in brine, dried or smoked, not otherwise specified, imported under HS 030539 enters the UK at 14.00%, the EU at 15.00%, and the US at 25% (MFN). This residual category captures prepared or preserved fish products that do not fit into more specific subheadings within Chapter 03. Importers should carefully review the specific preparation and preservation methods to ensure accurate classification, as misclassification can lead to incorrect duty assessments. Trade agreements may offer preferential duty rates in the US for certain countries. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for compliance professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0305390000 | — | — | — |
| 0305391000 | 14.00 % | — | — |
| 0305391010 | 14.00 % | — | — |
| 0305391090 | 14.00 % | — | — |
| 0305395000 | 14.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0305390000 | — | — | — |
| 0305391010 | 15.00 % | — | — |
| 0305399010 | 16.00 % | — | — |
| 0305399020 | 16.00 % | — | — |
| 0305399030 | 16.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0305392000 | 4% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 0305396110 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 03053961 | Free | — | — |
| 0305396180 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 030539 | — | — | — |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 0305.39?
Imports of Other may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 030539 cover?
This subheading covers fish, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked, of other fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this "Other" category is a residual provision for dried, salted, or brined fish not otherwise specified under subheadings 030531 (for fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304) or 030532 (for fillets of fish, whether or not minced, of the species "pacific salmon", "atlantic salmon" and "danish, norwegian, arctic and siberian salmon").
What falls outside HS 030539?
The following products are excluded from HS 030539: smoked fish, fresh or chilled fish (heading 0302 or 0303), fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304, and fish prepared or preserved in airtight containers (heading 0306). For instance, smoked herring, fresh cod, and canned sardines would be classified under different headings and subheadings, not this residual category.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030539?
A common error is misclassifying products that have undergone minimal processing or are intended for immediate consumption as fresh or chilled fish, when they have in fact been dried, salted, or brined. For example, lightly salted cod intended for further processing might be mistakenly classified under heading 0302. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 030539?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030539 involves a thorough examination of the product's processing method and its final state. Importers and customs brokers must verify if the fish has been dried, salted, or placed in brine, and confirm it is not smoked. Consulting the official WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU TARIC, is essential for accurate determination.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030539?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of dried salted anchovies, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $50.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the customs value: 10% of $500 USD = $50.00. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 0305390000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030539?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030539, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer preferential rates for eligible goods from developing countries, often resulting in a Free duty rate. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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 0305.39, covering 'Other' fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced, fresh, chilled or frozen, excluding fillets of subheading 0305.31?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 0305.39 can vary significantly. For example, the United States applies a 14.00% ad valorem duty. The European Union, under TARIC, may have rates such as 16.00% ad valorem for certain origins, while the UK Trade Tariff might list rates around 14.00% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment's origin. Many trade agreements offer preferential duty rates, including Free (0%) for countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), among others, provided all rules of origin are met.
How is the duty for HS code 0305.39 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 0305.39 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of frozen fish meat (not specifically covered by 0305.31) is valued at $10,000 USD and the MFN duty rate is 14.00%, the import duty would be $10,000 USD * 0.14 = $1,400 USD. Some countries may also apply specific duties (per unit of weight or volume) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties. Always verify the duty calculation basis with the importing country's customs authority.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 0305.39?
Standard documentation for importing goods under HS code 0305.39 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific product, additional documents may be required. These can include a certificate of origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates), import permits, and health or sanitary certificates issued by the competent authorities of the exporting country to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Importers should consult the customs regulations of the destination country for a comprehensive list.
What are the key criteria to ensure a product is correctly classified under HS code 0305.39 as 'Other' fish meat?
HS code 0305.39 is a residual category for fish meat (whether or not minced) that is not specifically classified under subheading 0305.31 (which pertains to fillets of fish of the families Bregmacerotidae, Euphausiidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae, Notothenidae, Pseudopleuronectidae, Scombridae, Solanaeidae and Trachichthyidae). Therefore, to classify under 0305.39, the product must be meat or fillets of fish, in fresh, chilled, or frozen state, and not belong to the specific fish families listed in 0305.31. Accurate identification of the fish species and confirmation that its meat/fillets are not covered by more specific subheadings is critical. Consulting the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and national tariff rulings can provide further guidance.
Which major trade agreements commonly provide preferential duty rates for HS code 0305.39?
Several trade agreements offer preferential duty rates, often resulting in Free (0%) entry for HS code 0305.39, provided the goods meet the rules of origin. Notable agreements include the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) the US, EU, and UK have with countries like Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG). For example, under the US-Korea FTA, goods originating from South Korea may be eligible for duty-free treatment. Importers must obtain a valid certificate of origin from the exporter to claim these benefits.