HS 030541 Smoked fish, including fillets, other than edible fish offal

Quick Answer: Smoked fish, including fillets, other than edible fish offal, imported under HS 030541 enters the UK at 12.00%, the EU at 13.00%, and the US at 5% (MFN), with preferential rates available for certain trading partners and a higher 25% rate for others. This classification specifically covers fish that have undergone a smoking process, which imparts flavor and aids preservation. Importers should be aware of potential variations in preferential duty rates and ensure accurate product descriptions to avoid misclassification. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of checking specific country regulations for precise tariff application.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305410000 12.00 % — —
0305410010 12.00 % — —
0305410090 12.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305410000 13.00 % — —
0305410090 13.00 % — —
0305410010 13.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305410000 5% Free (17 programs) ["kg"]

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 0305.41?

Imports of Smoked fish, including fillets, other than edible fish offal 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 to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 030541 cover?

This subheading covers smoked fish, including fillets, that are not edible fish offal. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically includes fish that have undergone a smoking process, which imparts flavor and aids in preservation. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that products like smoked salmon fillets, smoked mackerel, and smoked herring fall under this classification, provided they are presented in a form suitable for consumption and are not by-products. The key defining characteristic is the smoking process applied to the edible flesh of the fish.

What falls outside HS 030541?

The following products are excluded from HS 030541: edible fish offal, which includes items like roes, livers, and milt, even if smoked. Furthermore, fish that have been cooked, cured (e.g., salted or brined without smoking), or preserved by other methods not involving smoking are classified elsewhere. For instance, salted cod (bacalhau) is typically classified under HS 030569, and cooked smoked salmon would likely fall under HS 1604. The absence of the smoking process is the primary determinant for exclusion from this specific subheading.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 030541?

A common error is misinterpreting the "smoked" aspect of the product. Importers may mistakenly classify fish that have been merely dried or cured with smoke flavorings but not actually subjected to a smoking process. Additionally, confusion can arise with products that are a combination of smoking and other preservation methods; General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for the interpretation of the Harmonized System may apply if a product has multiple characteristics. It is crucial to verify the exact processing method to ensure accurate classification.

How should importers classify products under HS 030541?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030541 involves a systematic approach. Importers and customs brokers must first identify the specific type of fish and the exact processing method used. Reviewing product specifications, processing documentation, and consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is essential. If uncertainty remains, seeking a binding ruling from customs authorities is recommended to avoid potential penalties and delays.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030541?

A shipment of 100 kilograms of smoked salmon fillets, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 10% of $1,500 USD = $150.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. For other jurisdictions, specific rates and calculation methods may vary.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030541?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030541, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating smoked fish from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin is required. Similarly, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may offer preferential rates for originating products from member countries like Vietnam, often resulting in a duty of Free.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 030551 HS 030561 HS 030571 HS 030441 HS 030531 HS 030542

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 030541, covering smoked fish fillets?

Import duty rates for HS code 030541 can vary significantly by country. For example, the United States applies a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 12.00% ad valorem. The European Union, under the TARIC system, often has rates around 5% ad valorem for certain origins, but specific rates depend on the country of origin and any applicable trade agreements. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff also shows varying rates, often around 12.00% ad valorem for MFN. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the exact rate applicable to your shipment.

How is the import duty for smoked fish (HS 030541) calculated? Can you provide an example?

Import duty for HS code 030541 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if you import 100 kg of smoked salmon fillets valued at $1,000 USD, and the MFN duty rate is 12.00%, the duty calculation would be: $1,000 (customs value) × 12.00% (duty rate) = $120.00 USD. Some countries may also apply specific duties (per unit of weight or volume) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties, so always verify the duty calculation method with the destination country's customs authority.

What are the key classification criteria for products under HS code 030541, 'Smoked fish, including fillets, other than edible fish offal'?

The primary criteria for classifying goods under HS 030541 are that the fish must be: 1) smoked, and 2) presented as whole fish or fillets. It explicitly excludes edible fish offal. The smoking process can be hot or cold smoking. The fish must be derived from species covered under Chapter 3 of the Harmonized System. For example, smoked salmon fillets would fall under this code, but smoked fish roe (which is offal) would be classified elsewhere, typically under HS 0306 or 0307 depending on the species.

Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030541, and what documentation is needed?

Many trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS 030541. For example, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may offer reduced or zero duties between these countries. Similarly, agreements like the EU's Free Trade Agreements with countries such as Canada or Japan, or the UK's various trade deals, can impact duties. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need a 'Proof of Origin' document, such as a Certificate of Origin or a statement of origin provided by the exporter, which certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. Always check the specific requirements of the trade agreement and the importing country.

Are there specific documentation requirements beyond the commercial invoice and bill of lading for importing smoked fish under HS 030541?

Yes, in addition to standard import documents like the commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list, importing smoked fish (HS 030541) often requires specific health and sanitary certifications. Importers should be prepared to provide: 1) A Phytosanitary Certificate or Health Certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, attesting that the fish is fit for human consumption and meets the importing country's health standards. 2) Depending on the country, a Catch Certificate might be required to verify the origin of the fish and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It is essential to consult the importing country's food safety and customs regulations well in advance of shipment.