About HS Code 030445
This HS code covers fresh or chilled fillets of swordfish (Xiphias gladius). Swordfish fillets are a high-value commodity in the international seafood market, prized for their firm, meaty texture and rich, distinctive flavor, often compared to steak. They are a premium offering in restaurants and high-end retail, particularly in North America, Europe, and Japan. The trade involves wild-caught migratory species, primarily from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Importers include specialty seafood distributors, upscale grocery stores, and fine dining establishments. Exporters are often countries with significant longline fishing fleets. Key challenges in this trade include ensuring sustainable fishing practices to protect swordfish populations, combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and maintaining strict cold chain management to deliver a fresh, high-quality product to discerning consumers. Traceability from catch to plate is increasingly important for market access and consumer confidence.
Products Under This Code
Swordfish steaks, Swordfish loins, Swordfish portions, Skinned swordfish fillets, Swordfish medallions
Real World Examples
Mediterranean Swordfish Fillets, Atlantic Swordfish Steaks, Pacific Swordfish Loins, Wild-Caught Swordfish Portions
Common Misclassification
Can be confused with 030485 (frozen swordfish fillets) if the product is frozen, or with 030240 if the swordfish is whole and not filleted.
Products Classified Under 0304.45
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
The USA, EU countries (especially Italy and Spain), and Japan are key importers, with suppliers often from Central and South America, and Southeast Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 030445?
HS code 030445 covers: Fish fillets; fresh or chilled, swordfish (Xiphias gladius). This HS code covers fresh or chilled fillets of swordfish (Xiphias gladius). Swordfish fillets are a high-value commodity in the international seafood market, prized for their firm, meaty texture and rich, distinctive flavor, often compared to steak. They are a premium offering in restaurants and high-end retail, particularly in North America, Europe, and Japan. The trade involves wild-caught migratory species, primarily from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Importers include specialty seafood distributors, upscale grocery stores, and fine dining establishments. Exporters are often countries with significant longline fishing fleets. Key challenges in this trade include ensuring sustainable fishing practices to protect swordfish populations, combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and maintaining strict cold chain management to deliver a fresh, high-quality product to discerning consumers. Traceability from catch to plate is increasingly important for market access and consumer confidence.
What products fall under HS code 030445?
Swordfish steaks, Swordfish loins, Swordfish portions, Skinned swordfish fillets, Swordfish medallions
What are common misclassifications for HS code 030445?
Can be confused with 030485 (frozen swordfish fillets) if the product is frozen, or with 030240 if the swordfish is whole and not filleted.
How is HS code 030445 structured?
HS code 030445 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (03) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (45) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.