HS Code for Chilled skate meat

Chilled skate meat is classified under HS code 0304.57. This code falls under heading 0304, which encompasses fish fillets and other fish meat. While fillets are coherent strips of flesh, the 'other fish meat' category (subheadings 0304.51 through 0304.59) includes minced fish, meat trimmings, and other non-fillet portions. Subheading 0304.57 is specifically allocated for the fresh or chilled meat of rays and skates (family Rajidae). This classification is used for skate meat that has been processed beyond the whole fish stage but does not meet the technical definition of a fillet. The product must be fresh or chilled; chilling involves maintaining the meat at a temperature near 0°C to preserve quality during transit. This code is essential for tracking the trade of processed ray and skate products, which are often subject to specific conservation and management measures.

Products Included

• Minced chilled skate meat
• Fresh skate meat trimmings
• Chilled skate cheek meat
• Non-fillet skate muscle meat, fresh
• Chilled skate meat pulp for further processing

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 0304.48, which is reserved for skate fillets. If the meat consists of whole fillets, it must be moved to 0304.48. Conversely, if the skate meat is frozen, it should be classified under 0304.97 (frozen meat of rays and skates, excluding fillets). Another error involves using 1604.20 for prepared skate meat; if the meat has been cooked, seasoned, or made into cakes, it leaves Chapter 3 and enters Chapter 16. Finally, whole chilled skates are classified under 0302.89, not under the meat heading 0304.

FAQ

What is the HS code for chilled skate meat?

The HS code for fresh or chilled meat of rays and skates (excluding fillets) is 0304.57.

Does 0304.57 include minced skate?

Yes, minced fresh or chilled skate meat is correctly classified under HS code 0304.57.