HS Code for Chilled dogfish meat

HS code 0304.56 is applied to fresh or chilled fish meat of dogfish and other sharks, excluding fillets. This classification falls under Chapter 3, heading 0304, which encompasses fish fillets and other fish meat. The "other fish meat" category (subheadings 0304.51 through 0304.59 for fresh/chilled) typically includes meat that has been removed from the bone but does not meet the definition of a fillet. This includes minced fish meat, trimmings, or flaps. For dogfish and sharks, 0304.56 is the specific subheading for these products when they are in a fresh or chilled state. Chilling refers to the maintenance of the product at a temperature near 0°C without freezing. The classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, which require products to be classified according to the terms of the subheadings. This code is particularly important for the food processing industry, where shark meat may be sold in bulk for further manufacturing into fish cakes, surimi, or other processed seafood products. It is essential to distinguish this from fillets (0304.47) and frozen meat (0304.96) to ensure correct duty payment and compliance with trade regulations.

Products Included

• Fresh minced dogfish meat
• Chilled shark meat trimmings
• Fresh dogfish belly flaps
• Chilled shark meat blocks (not frozen)
• Fresh non-fillet shark meat

Common Misclassification

A common misclassification occurs when 0304.56 is used for fillets, which belong under 0304.47. Another error is confusing this code with 0304.96, which is the classification for frozen dogfish and shark meat (excluding fillets). Furthermore, if the meat has been prepared or preserved (e.g., salted, dried, or cooked), it would move to heading 0305 or Chapter 16. Importers must verify the physical state (minced vs. fillet) and the temperature (chilled vs. frozen) before assigning this code.

FAQ

What is the HS code for chilled dogfish meat?

The HS code for fresh or chilled dogfish and other shark meat (excluding fillets) is 0304.56.

Does this code include minced shark meat?

Yes, minced fish meat that is fresh or chilled is specifically included in the "other fish meat" category under 0304.56.