HS 160411 Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced

Quick Answer: Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, imported under HS 160411 enters the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 5.50%, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 30% ad valorem, depending on the country of origin. This classification specifically covers preserved fish that are intact or in distinct pieces, excluding those that have been ground or processed into a paste. Importers should be aware of the significant duty variations, particularly in the US market, where preferential trade agreements can lead to duty-free entry for certain origins. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based rates for accurate customs declarations.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1604110000 4.00 % — —
1604110030 4.00 % — —
1604110090 4.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1604110000 5.50 % — —
1604110030 5.50 % — —
1604110090 5.50 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1604114010 — — ["kg"]
1604112020 — — ["kg"]
1604114030 — — ["kg"]
160411 — — —
16041120 6% Free (17 programs) —

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 1604.11?

Imports of Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced 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?

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What products does HS 160411 cover?

This subheading covers fish, prepared or preserved, that are presented whole or in pieces, but specifically exclude minced fish. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category encompasses products like sardines, anchovies, and tuna, which have undergone processing such as canning, salting, or drying, while retaining their original form as distinct pieces or whole fish. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the key defining characteristic is the absence of mincing, ensuring the fish retains its recognizable structure.

What falls outside HS 160411?

The following products are excluded from HS 160411: fish that have been minced or processed into a paste or surimi, as these fall under different subheadings within Heading 1604. Additionally, fish that are raw, chilled, or frozen without further preparation or preservation are classified under Chapter 3. Products like fish fillets, steaks, or portions that have been cut from the whole fish but are not minced may also be classified elsewhere depending on specific processing and presentation, as the emphasis here is on "whole or in pieces" as originally formed or simply cut, not further processed into smaller, homogenous units.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 160411?

A common error is misinterpreting "pieces" to include finely chopped or mechanically separated fish flesh, which should be classified as minced. General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the Harmonized System states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify fish that have been cooked and then broken into smaller fragments if these fragments are not clearly identifiable as distinct pieces of the original fish, leading to potential misclassification under subheadings for minced fish or other preparations.

How should importers classify products under HS 160411?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 160411 involves a thorough examination of the product's presentation and processing. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the fish is presented whole or in distinct pieces, not minced or reduced to a paste. Consulting the official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing explanatory notes from the WCO is crucial. If the product is in pieces, confirm that these pieces are clearly identifiable as parts of the original fish and not a homogenous mass resulting from mincing or further breakdown.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 160411?

A shipment of 1,000 cans of Portuguese sardines in olive oil, each weighing 120 grams net, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 12.5% ad valorem as per the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS 160411, the duty would be calculated as 12.5% of $2,500 USD, resulting in a duty of $312.50 USD. This is calculated using the ad valorem rate applied to the declared customs value of the goods.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 160411?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 160411, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for originating goods. For goods originating in countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), duty-free entry may also be available in some jurisdictions. To claim preferential treatment under USMCA, a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement is typically required, originating from countries like Mexico or Canada. For GSP, a GSP Form A is generally needed for originating goods from developing countries.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 160413 HS 160420 HS 160414 HS 160416 HS 160431 HS 030441

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 1604.11 (Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced)?

Import duty rates for HS code 1604.11 can vary significantly depending on the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is typically 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply. For instance, goods from Australia (AU) may enter duty-free. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date rates. The USITC HTS is a primary reference for US imports.

How is HS code 1604.11 defined, and what are the key classification criteria?

HS code 1604.11 specifically covers 'Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced,' prepared or preserved in airtight containers. The key classification criteria are: 1) The product must be fish. 2) It must be presented either whole or in pieces. Minced fish, which is finely chopped or ground fish, would be classified elsewhere. 3) The fish must be prepared or preserved, typically through methods like canning, cooking, or salting, and packed in airtight containers to ensure preservation. The WCO's Explanatory Notes to Chapter 16 provide further guidance on the scope of this heading.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 1604.11?

For HS code 1604.11, standard import documentation usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific type of fish product, additional documentation may be required. This could include a Certificate of Origin to claim preferential duty rates, and health or sanitary certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.

Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 1604.11, and how do they affect duties?

Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 1604.11. For instance, agreements like the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU) often grant duty-free access for qualifying goods. Other agreements, such as those with Canada (CA) or Mexico (MX) under USMCA, or with countries like South Korea (KR) under KORUS, may offer reduced or zero duty rates. To benefit, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin specified in the respective trade agreement and possess a valid Certificate of Origin. The EU TARIC database and the UK Trade Tariff provide detailed information on preferential rates available under various EU and UK trade agreements.

Can you provide a concrete example of how import duty for HS code 1604.11 is calculated?

Certainly. Let's assume an importer is bringing canned tuna (classified under 1604.11) into the United States, and the MFN duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. If the importer declares a value of $10,000 for the shipment, the import duty would be calculated as follows: Duty = Value × Duty Rate. Duty = $10,000 × 4.00% = $10,000 × 0.04 = $400. In this case, the importer would owe $400 in duties. If a specific quantity-based duty (e.g., per kilogram) were also applicable, the total duty would be the higher of the ad valorem or specific duty, or a combination, as stipulated by the tariff schedule.