HS 030554 Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), anchovies (Engraulis spp.), sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), Indian mackerels (Rastrelliger spp.), seerfishes (Scomberomorus spp.), jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), jacks, crevalles (Caranx spp.), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), silver pomfrets (Pampus spp.), Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), scads (Decapterus spp.), capelin (Mallotus villosus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis), bonitos (Sarda spp.), marlins, sailfishes, spearfish (Istiophoridae)

Quick Answer: Fish, dried, salted or in brine, excluding fillets, for herrings, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and other specified species, enters the UK at rates up to 12.00%, the EU at rates up to 12.00%, and the US at a rate of 2.8¢/kg. This HS code encompasses a broad range of dried, salted, or brined fish, including popular varieties like herring, mackerel, and sardines, but specifically excludes fish fillets. Importers should note the varying ad valorem and per-kilogram duty structures across major markets. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of precise classification for accurate duty assessment.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305540000 — — —
0305543000 12.00 % — —
0305545000 10.00 % — —
0305549000 12.00 % — —
0305549010 12.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305540000 — — —
0305545000 10.00 % — —
0305549010 12.00 % — —
0305543000 12.00 % — —
0305549000 12.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305540000 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 030554 cover?

This subheading covers dried, salted or brined fish, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Specifically, it encompasses a broad range of fish species including herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), anchovies (Engraulis spp.), sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), and swordfish (Xiphias gladius), among others, as detailed in the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database provide definitive lists of these species.

What falls outside HS 030554?

The following products are excluded from HS 030554: fish that are fresh, chilled, or frozen (heading 0302, 0303, or 0304 respectively), fish that are cooked or otherwise prepared or preserved (heading 0306 to 0308, or Chapter 16), and fish roe (heading 0302 or 0303 depending on preparation). For instance, smoked salmon, even if dried, would typically fall under a different classification if it meets the criteria for smoking, and fish fillets, regardless of preservation method, are classified under heading 0304.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 030554?

A common error is misinterpreting the preparation method. For example, fish that are merely dried or salted are correctly classified here, but if they undergo further processing such as cooking, smoking, or canning, they would be classified elsewhere, often under Chapter 16. Additionally, confusing whole fish with fish fillets or other fish meat is a frequent mistake, as fillets are explicitly excluded from this subheading and fall under HS 0304, as per General Rule of Interpretation 1.

How should importers classify products under HS 030554?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030554 involves a meticulous review of the product's exact form and preservation method. Importers and customs brokers must identify the specific fish species and confirm it is dried, salted, or brined, and not otherwise prepared or preserved. Consulting official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, and referencing the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 03, is crucial for accurate determination, ensuring compliance with all import regulations.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030554?

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 declared customs value ($500 USD × 10% = $50.00). This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 030554.00.00.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030554?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030554, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which offers preferential rates or free entry for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also provides preferential treatment for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin) is typically required, demonstrating the goods meet the rules of origin.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 030351 HS 030542 HS 030241 HS 030544 HS 030552 HS 030354

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

FAQ

What are the import duty rates for HS code 030554 (certain fish, salted, dried or in brine, not smoked)?

Import duty rates for HS code 030554 vary by country and trade agreement. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0% ad valorem for most of the fish listed. However, specific countries may have different rates. For instance, goods from Canada under the USMCA may have preferential duty rates. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC database, for the most accurate and up-to-date rates applicable to your shipment. Always verify if any preferential trade agreements apply.

How is the duty for HS code 030554 calculated if it's based on weight?

If a duty rate is expressed as a per-kilogram charge (e.g., 2.8¢/kg), the calculation is straightforward. For example, if the duty rate is 2.8¢/kg and you import 1000 kg of fish classified under HS 030554, the total duty would be 1000 kg * $0.028/kg = $28.00. This is a specific example, and the actual rate and unit of measure must be confirmed from the official tariff schedule of the importing country.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 030554?

For HS code 030554, standard import documentation usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific product, additional documents may be required. This can include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, and health or sanitary certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Always check the specific import requirements of the destination country.

Does HS code 030554 cover all types of salted, dried, or brined fish?

No, HS code 030554 specifically covers certain species of fish when prepared as salted, dried, or in brine, but not smoked. The heading lists specific genera and species, including herrings, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and swordfish, among others. Fish not listed in this heading, or fish prepared by other methods (e.g., smoked, or fish fillets not meeting the description), would be classified under different HS codes. For example, smoked fish typically falls under HS code 030540. Accurate classification requires careful examination of the product's characteristics and the official HS nomenclature.

What are the potential impacts of trade agreements on duties for HS code 030554?

Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for goods classified under HS code 030554, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), certain fish products originating from Canada or Mexico may enter the U.S. duty-free. Similarly, the EU has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with third countries that can offer preferential tariff treatment. Importers and customs brokers must obtain a valid certificate of origin and ensure the product qualifies under the specific agreement to benefit from reduced or zero duties. Consulting the relevant trade agreement text and the importing country's customs authority is essential.