About HS Code 030368
This code covers frozen whole or cut (non-fillet) blue whitings, encompassing both Northern (Micromesistius poutassou) and Southern (Micromesistius australis) species. Blue whiting is a small, pelagic whitefish primarily used for fishmeal, surimi, and as a raw material for other processed fish products, though it also sees direct human consumption in some markets. Importers are often fishmeal producers, surimi manufacturers, and large-scale seafood processors. Exporters are typically countries with significant pelagic fisheries, such as Norway, Iceland, Russia, and Chile. Key considerations in this trade include managing large-volume catches, efficient onboard processing and freezing, and ensuring sustainable harvesting practices for these schooling fish. The trade in non-filleted blue whiting is largely industrial, supplying the base for various value-added products.
Products Under This Code
Whole frozen blue whiting, frozen blue whiting blocks (non-fillet), frozen blue whiting portions (non-fillet), frozen Southern blue whiting, frozen Northern blue whiting
Real World Examples
Pelagic Fishery Blue Whiting, Oceanic Catch Blue Whiting, Chilean Blue Whiting, Norwegian Blue Whiting
Common Misclassification
Blue whiting is often processed into fishmeal (2301.20) or surimi (0304.99), so misclassification can occur if the product is already in these forms. It's also distinct from other "whiting" species like hake (Merluccius spp.).
Products Classified Under 0303.68
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
China, the EU (especially Spain), and Japan are significant importers, while Norway, Russia, and Chile are major exporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 030368?
HS code 030368 covers: Fish; frozen, blue whitings (Micromesistius poutassou, Micromesistius australis), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99. This code covers frozen whole or cut (non-fillet) blue whitings, encompassing both Northern (Micromesistius poutassou) and Southern (Micromesistius australis) species. Blue whiting is a small, pelagic whitefish primarily used for fishmeal, surimi, and as a raw material for other processed fish products, though it also sees direct human consumption in some markets. Importers are often fishmeal producers, surimi manufacturers, and large-scale seafood processors. Exporters are typically countries with significant pelagic fisheries, such as Norway, Iceland, Russia, and Chile. Key considerations in this trade include managing large-volume catches, efficient onboard processing and freezing, and ensuring sustainable harvesting practices for these schooling fish. The trade in non-filleted blue whiting is largely industrial, supplying the base for various value-added products.
What products fall under HS code 030368?
Whole frozen blue whiting, frozen blue whiting blocks (non-fillet), frozen blue whiting portions (non-fillet), frozen Southern blue whiting, frozen Northern blue whiting
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030368?
Blue whiting is often processed into fishmeal (2301.20) or surimi (0304.99), so misclassification can occur if the product is already in these forms. It's also distinct from other "whiting" species like hake (Merluccius spp.).
How is HS code 030368 structured?
HS code 030368 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 (68) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.