HS 030553 Fish of the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae and Muraenolepididae, other than cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus)
Quick Answer: Fish of the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae and Muraenolepididae, other than cod, imported under HS 030553 enters the UK at 12.00%, the EU at 13.00%, and the US at 2.8¢/kg under the MFN rate. This classification specifically excludes cod species (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus). Importers should verify specific product composition and origin to ensure correct classification and duty application. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the varying duty structures across major trading blocs for these specific fish products.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0305530000 | — | — | — |
| 0305531000 | 12.00 % | — | — |
| 0305531010 | 12.00 % | — | — |
| 0305531090 | 12.00 % | — | — |
| 0305539000 | 12.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0305530000 | — | — | — |
| 0305531000 | 13.00 % | — | — |
| 0305531090 | 13.00 % | — | — |
| 0305539000 | 12.00 % | — | — |
| 0305539010 | 12.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0305530000 | 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?
What products does HS 030553 cover?
This subheading covers dried, salted, or brined fish, excluding fillets and other fish meat, belonging to the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae, and Muraenolepididae. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification specifically excludes cod species (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), which are classified elsewhere. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database provide detailed lists of species within these families that fall under this code when prepared as specified.
What falls outside HS 030553?
The following products are excluded from HS 030553: fresh or chilled fish of these families, frozen fish of these families, fish fillets and other fish meat of these families (which are classified under HS 0304), and any fish products that are cooked, smoked, or otherwise prepared beyond drying, salting, or brining. Specifically, cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus) in any form is explicitly excluded from this subheading, as are fish from families not listed in the heading, even if they are dried, salted, or brined.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030553?
A common error is misclassifying fish fillets or fish meat of the specified families under this subheading, when they should be classified under HS 0304. Another mistake involves including cod species, which are explicitly excluded by the wording of the subheading. Importers may also incorrectly classify products that have undergone additional processing, such as smoking or cooking, which would necessitate classification under different headings, often in Chapter 16, contrary to General Rule of Interpretation 1.
How should importers classify products under HS 030553?
The correct procedure for classifying fish under HS 030553 involves a multi-step verification process. First, identify the specific species of fish and confirm it belongs to one of the listed families (Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae, or Muraenolepididae). Second, verify that the fish is not a cod species (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus). Third, confirm the preparation method is exclusively drying, salting, or brining, and not fillets or other meat. Consulting official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC is crucial.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030553?
A shipment of dried pollock weighing 1,000 kilograms, declared at a customs value of $3,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 1.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($3,000 USD × 0.015 = $45.00), and a specific duty of $0.05 per kilogram ($0.05 × 1,000 kg = $50.00), totaling $95.00. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule specifies these rates. (Note: This example uses hypothetical rates for illustrative purposes; actual rates must be verified.)
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030553?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030553, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide duty-free entry for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a certificate of origin for CPTPP, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```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 030553 in major markets like the US, EU, and UK?
The duty rates for HS code 030553, which covers 'Fish of the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae and Muraenolepididae, other than cod', vary by importing country. For example, in the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is typically 12.00% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate can also be around 12.00% ad valorem, though specific preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. The UK Trade Tariff generally lists a rate of 12.00% ad valorem for this classification. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country at the time of import, as rates can change and preferential agreements may offer reduced or zero duties.
How is the duty for HS code 030553 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 030553 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the imported fish. For instance, if a shipment of fish classified under 030553 has a customs value of $10,000 and the applicable MFN duty rate is 12.00%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 * 0.12 = $1,200. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight (e.g., cents per kilogram). Always verify the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or a combination) and the exact rate from the official tariff schedule of the importing country.
What specific documentation is typically required for importing fish under HS code 030553?
Importing fish under HS code 030553 generally requires standard international trade documentation, plus specific requirements related to food products. This includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, importers must also provide a health certificate or sanitary certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, confirming the fish is fit for human consumption and meets the importing country's food safety standards. Depending on the origin and destination, certificates of origin may be needed for preferential duty claims. Customs brokers should ensure all required health and safety documentation is accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejection of the shipment.
Are there common trade agreements that offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030553, and how can importers claim them?
Yes, many trade agreements can offer preferential duty rates, often reducing or eliminating duties for HS code 030553. For example, if the fish originates from a country that has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing country (e.g., USMCA for North America, or agreements the EU has with various partners), reduced or zero duties may apply. To claim preferential treatment, importers must typically provide a Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin that meets the specific requirements of the relevant trade agreement. This document must accurately state the origin of the goods, and the importer must be able to substantiate this claim if requested by customs authorities. Consulting the specific trade agreement and the importing country's customs regulations is essential for successful preferential claim.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 030553, and what distinguishes it from other fish codes?
The primary classification criteria for HS code 030553 are twofold: the specific families of fish and the exclusion of cod. The code applies to fish belonging to the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae, and Muraenolepididae. Crucially, it explicitly excludes 'cod' (species Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus), which are classified under a separate, more specific HS code (typically 0305.51). Therefore, to correctly classify fish under 030553, one must first identify the fish family and then confirm it is not one of the excluded cod species. Importers and brokers should consult ichthyological resources or the exporting country's fisheries authority to confirm the family classification of the imported fish.