HS Code for Fresh eel meat

Fresh eel meat, excluding fillets, is classified under HS code 0304.51. This classification falls under Chapter 3 and heading 0304, which covers fish fillets and other fish meat. While fillets have their own subheadings, the "other fish meat" category (subheadings 0304.51 through 0304.59 for fresh/chilled) includes meat that has been minced or cut into pieces that do not meet the definition of a fillet. Subheading 0304.51 is species-specific, covering eels, tilapias, catfish, carp, Nile perch, and snakeheads. This classification is used for products like minced eel meat or meat scraps recovered during processing. The product must be in a fresh or chilled state. This distinction is important for trade statistics and for applying specific health and safety regulations related to minced or processed fish meat, which may have different shelf-life and contamination risks compared to whole fillets.

Products Included

• Fresh minced eel meat
• Chilled eel meat chunks (not fillets)
• Fresh eel meat trimmings
• Minced meat of Anguilla species

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification is between 0304.51 (meat/minced) and 0304.39 (fillets). If the meat is a clean strip cut parallel to the spine, it is a fillet. If it is minced or in irregular chunks, it is 0304.51. Another error is confusing fresh meat with frozen minced fish meat, which falls under 0304.93. Additionally, if the eel meat is prepared into sausages or similar products, it would be classified in Chapter 16 rather than Chapter 3.

FAQ

What is the HS code for fresh eel meat?

The HS code for fresh or chilled eel meat (excluding fillets) is 0304.51.

Difference between 0304.51 and 0304.39?

HS code 0304.51 is for minced meat or non-fillet cuts, while 0304.39 is specifically for eel fillets.