HS Code Subheading

Fish; frozen, sole (Solea spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99

0303.33 Subheading
Section I — live animals; animal products

About HS Code 030333

This HS code covers frozen sole (Solea spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat, or edible offal. Sole is a highly esteemed flatfish, celebrated for its exquisite flavor and delicate, firm flesh, making it a premium item in global seafood trade, particularly in European cuisine. Exporters typically originate from regions with abundant sole fisheries, such as the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, including countries like the Netherlands, France, and Spain. Importers are often high-end restaurants and retail markets in countries like France, Italy, and the USA, seeking quality seafood. The trade in whole frozen sole demands meticulous handling and rapid freezing to maintain its culinary integrity and market value.

Products Under This Code

Whole frozen Dover sole, whole frozen lemon sole, whole frozen common sole, gutted frozen sole, frozen petrale sole, frozen sand sole

Real World Examples

Dover Sole Frozen Whole, Mediterranean Catch Frozen Sole, Ocean Fresh Frozen Sole

Common Misclassification

Often confused with fresh sole (0302.23) or sole fillets (0304.73). The key is that the fish must be frozen and in its whole, unfilleted state.

Products Classified Under 0303.33

Industry

This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.

Trade Overview

European countries like France, Spain, and Italy are significant importers, with suppliers often from the North Atlantic and Mediterranean regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 030333?

HS code 030333 covers: Fish; frozen, sole (Solea spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. This HS code covers frozen sole (Solea spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat, or edible offal. Sole is a highly esteemed flatfish, celebrated for its exquisite flavor and delicate, firm flesh, making it a premium item in global seafood trade, particularly in European cuisine. Exporters typically originate from regions with abundant sole fisheries, such as the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, including countries like the Netherlands, France, and Spain. Importers are often high-end restaurants and retail markets in countries like France, Italy, and the USA, seeking quality seafood. The trade in whole frozen sole demands meticulous handling and rapid freezing to maintain its culinary integrity and market value.

What products fall under HS code 030333?

Whole frozen Dover sole, whole frozen lemon sole, whole frozen common sole, gutted frozen sole, frozen petrale sole, frozen sand sole

What are common misclassifications for HS code 030333?

Often confused with fresh sole (0302.23) or sole fillets (0304.73). The key is that the fish must be frozen and in its whole, unfilleted state.

How is HS code 030333 structured?

HS code 030333 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (33) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.