About HS Code 030253
This HS code pertains to fresh or chilled whole coalfish (Pollachius virens), also known as saithe or pollock (distinct from Alaska pollock), specifically excluding fillets, fish meat, and offal. Coalfish is a versatile whitefish, often used in a variety of culinary applications, from smoking to frying, and is a more affordable alternative to cod or haddock in some markets. It is primarily caught in the North Atlantic, with major fishing nations exporting to European markets where it is consumed widely. Importers include seafood processors, wholesalers, and retailers looking for a consistent supply of fresh, sustainable whitefish. Key trade considerations involve managing fishing quotas, ensuring rapid chilling and transport to maintain quality, and meeting stringent food safety standards in destination markets to ensure consumer confidence.
Products Under This Code
Whole fresh coalfish, chilled saithe, fresh pollock (Pollachius virens) steaks (bone-in), chilled coalfish frames, fresh coalfish roe (within whole fish), fresh smoked saithe (whole).
Real World Examples
Fresh Norwegian Saithe, Icelandic Coalfish (whole), Faroese Saithe.
Common Misclassification
Can be confused with 030363 (frozen coalfish) or 030473 (coalfish fillets). It's also important not to confuse it with Alaska Pollock (030255). The key is 'fresh or chilled' and 'whole fish'.
Products Classified Under 0302.53
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
Germany, France, and the UK are top importers; Norway, Iceland, and Russia are leading exporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 030253?
HS code 030253 covers: Fish; fresh or chilled, coalfish (Pollachius virens), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. This HS code pertains to fresh or chilled whole coalfish (Pollachius virens), also known as saithe or pollock (distinct from Alaska pollock), specifically excluding fillets, fish meat, and offal. Coalfish is a versatile whitefish, often used in a variety of culinary applications, from smoking to frying, and is a more affordable alternative to cod or haddock in some markets. It is primarily caught in the North Atlantic, with major fishing nations exporting to European markets where it is consumed widely. Importers include seafood processors, wholesalers, and retailers looking for a consistent supply of fresh, sustainable whitefish. Key trade considerations involve managing fishing quotas, ensuring rapid chilling and transport to maintain quality, and meeting stringent food safety standards in destination markets to ensure consumer confidence.
What products fall under HS code 030253?
Whole fresh coalfish, chilled saithe, fresh pollock (Pollachius virens) steaks (bone-in), chilled coalfish frames, fresh coalfish roe (within whole fish), fresh smoked saithe (whole).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030253?
Can be confused with 030363 (frozen coalfish) or 030473 (coalfish fillets). It's also important not to confuse it with Alaska Pollock (030255). The key is 'fresh or chilled' and 'whole fish'.
How is HS code 030253 structured?
HS code 030253 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (53) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.