HS 030561 Fish, salted but not dried or smoked and fish in brine, other than edible fish offal

Quick Answer: Fish, salted but not dried or smoked, and fish in brine, other than edible fish offal, imported under HS 030561 enters the UK at 12.00%, the EU at 12.00%, and the US with rates varying from Free to 4% ad valorem or 2.2¢/kg depending on the specific product and origin. This classification specifically covers fish preserved by salting or immersion in brine, excluding products that have also been dried or smoked, and excluding fish offal intended for consumption. Importers should verify the precise US tariff rate based on the specific fish species and country of origin. According to CustomTariffs data, careful attention to the subheadings within Chapter 3 is crucial for accurate classification and duty assessment.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305610000 12.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305610000 12.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305614000 Free — ["kg"]
030561 — — —
0305612000 4% 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 0305.61?

Imports of Fish, salted but not dried or smoked and fish in brine, 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 030561 cover?

This subheading covers fish that have been preserved by salting but have not undergone drying or smoking. It also includes fish preserved in brine, specifically excluding edible fish offal. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is distinct from dried or smoked fish, focusing solely on preservation through salt or saline solution. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the EU TARIC database provide detailed interpretative notes confirming this scope, ensuring clarity for international trade of these specific fish preparations.

What falls outside HS 030561?

The following products are excluded from HS 030561: fish that have been dried or smoked, even if they have also been salted; fish that have undergone other preservation methods like canning or freezing; and edible fish offal, which is classified under other headings. For instance, dried salted cod (bacalhau) would typically fall under HS 030550, while canned sardines in brine would be classified in Chapter 16. Products that are not fish, such as salted vegetables or meat, are also outside this subheading.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 030561?

A common error is misinterpreting the "not dried or smoked" condition. If fish is both salted and dried, or salted and smoked, it must be classified under HS 030550 (Fish, salted but dried or smoked). This is a direct application of General Interpretative Rule 3(c), which states that goods should be classified under the heading which occurs last in numerical order among those which equally merit consideration. Importers often overlook the sequential nature of processing and its impact on the final classification.

How should importers classify products under HS 030561?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030561 involves a thorough examination of the product's processing. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the fish has been preserved solely by salting or is in brine, and crucially, has not been dried or smoked. Reviewing product specifications, processing methods, and consulting official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC is essential to confirm the absence of drying or smoking treatments before assigning this code.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030561?

A 100 kg shipment of salted anchovies, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 15% ad valorem, applied to the customs value. The calculation is: $500 (customs value) × 0.15 (MFN duty rate) = $75.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 030561.00.00.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030561?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030561, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating fish from Canada or Mexico can enter the US duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid origin declaration on the invoice or a separate certificate of origin is required. For example, salted herring from Canada, if meeting USMCA rules of origin, would benefit from a 0% duty rate upon presentation of the correct documentation.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 030551 HS 030531 HS 030571 HS 030541 HS 030520 HS 030311

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 030561 (Fish, salted but not dried or smoked and fish in brine)?

Import duty rates for HS code 030561 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 12.00% ad valorem. In the European Union, the TARIC system may list a rate of 2.2¢/kg. The UK Trade Tariff often shows a rate of 4% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment. Preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements may also apply, potentially reducing or eliminating duties.

How is the duty for HS code 030561 calculated? Can you provide an example?

The duty calculation for HS code 030561 depends on whether the rate is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit of weight or volume). For instance, if the MFN duty rate in the US is 12.00% ad valorem and you import 100 kg of salted fish valued at $500, the duty would be calculated as: $500 (value) × 12.00% (duty rate) = $60. If the duty were a specific rate, such as 2.2¢/kg (as might be seen in the EU), the duty for 100 kg would be: 100 kg × $0.022/kg = $2.20. Always verify the applicable duty basis (value or weight) and rate.

What are the key classification criteria for HS code 030561?

HS code 030561 covers fish that have been preserved by salting (either dry salting or immersion in brine) but have not undergone drying or smoking. The critical distinction is the absence of drying or smoking processes. Fish that are dried or smoked, even if also salted, would fall under different HS codes (e.g., 030531 for dried, whether or not cooked before or during drying; 030541 for smoked, etc.). The product must be 'edible fish offal' is explicitly excluded from this code.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 030561?

Standard import documentation for HS code 030561 typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific product, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates. Health certificates or phytosanitary certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country are often mandatory for food products, including fish, to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Importers should consult the customs authority of the destination country for a comprehensive list.

Do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, affect the duty rates for HS code 030561?

Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 030561. For example, if a shipment of salted fish originates from a country that is part of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing country (e.g., USMCA for imports into the US from Canada or Mexico, or various EU FTAs), it may qualify for preferential duty rates, which are often lower than the standard MFN rates, and sometimes even 'Free'. To benefit from these reduced rates, importers typically need to provide a valid Certificate of Origin and ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. Always verify the specific terms of any applicable trade agreement.