HS Code for Dried tilapia

Dried tilapia is classified under HS code 0305.52. This code is part of the broader heading 0305, which covers fish that is dried, salted, or in brine, as well as smoked fish. Specifically, 0305.52 is reserved for dried fish of the species Oreochromis (tilapia), excluding those that are smoked. The classification depends on the fish being dried (whether or not salted) but not undergoing the smoking process, which would move it to a different subheading (0305.49). This code is used for both whole fish and fish fillets that have been dehydrated to prevent spoilage. It is crucial to distinguish these from "prepared" fish products; if the tilapia is breaded, battered, or preserved in oil or tomato sauce, it must be classified under heading 1604. The use of 0305.52 ensures that the product is recognized as a primary fishery product rather than a processed food preparation, which affects both duty rates and the type of health certificates required for import.

Products Included

• Dried whole tilapia (unsalted)
• Dried salted tilapia
• Dried tilapia fillets
• Tilapia pieces, dried and salted

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with smoked tilapia, which belongs under HS code 0305.49. Another error is using 0305.31, which is specifically for fish fillets that are dried, salted, or in brine but specifically for tilapia, catfish, carp, etc., when they are in fillet form—however, 0305.52 is the more specific code for the dried state of these species. Finally, frozen tilapia is classified under 0303.23 and should not be confused with dried products.

FAQ

What is the HS code for dried tilapia?

The HS code for dried tilapia, whether or not salted but not smoked, is 0305.52.

Does this code cover tilapia jerky?

If the tilapia jerky is simply dried and salted fish, it stays in 0305.52. However, if it has been marinated with sugar, spices, and other flavorings and cooked during the drying process, it is likely classified under 1604.19 as a prepared fish product.