HS Code for Chilled carp

The classification of chilled carp under HS code 030273 is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO), Chapter 3 encompasses fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0302 specifically covers fish, fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Within this heading, the 0302.7x series is dedicated to specific freshwater species. Subheading 030273 is reserved for carp, which includes a wide variety of species such as Cyprinus spp., Carassius spp., Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Hypophthalmichthys spp., Cirrhinus spp., Mylopharyngodon piceus, Catla catla, Labeo spp., Osteochilus hasselti, Leptobarbus hoeveni, and Megalobrama spp. To be classified here, the fish must be in a fresh or chilled state. Chilled typically refers to fish that has been cooled to a temperature approaching 0°C (32°F) without actually freezing. This is usually achieved by packing the fish in ice or using refrigerated seawater systems. The fish must be presented whole, or with the head or guts removed, but it must not be filleted or minced, as those processes would reclassify the product under heading 0304. Furthermore, edible fish offal, such as livers and roes, are excluded from this specific subheading and are instead classified under subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. It is also important to distinguish these from live fish, which fall under heading 0301. If the carp has been dried, salted, or smoked, it would move to heading 0305.

Products Included

• Fresh whole carp (Cyprinus carpio)
• Chilled gutted carp
• Headed and gutted (H&G) chilled carp
• Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) fresh
• Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) chilled

Common Misclassification

Chilled carp is frequently confused with frozen carp, which is classified under HS code 030373. The distinction lies entirely in the temperature state and the presence of ice crystals in the muscle tissue. Another common error is classifying carp fillets under this code; fillets must be moved to heading 0304. Additionally, live carp intended for ornamental use or stocking must be classified under 030193 rather than 030273.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Chilled carp?

The HS code for chilled carp is 030273, which covers fresh or chilled carp excluding fillets and minced meat.

Does this code include frozen carp?

No, frozen carp is classified under HS code 030373. HS code 030273 is strictly for fresh or chilled products.