HS Code for Fresh toothfish

Fresh toothfish, including both the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) and the Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni), is classified under HS code 0302.83. This classification is found within heading 0302, which covers fresh or chilled fish, excluding fillets. Toothfish are large, deep-sea species, and their trade is highly regulated due to conservation efforts. The HS code 0302.83 specifically identifies these species in their fresh or chilled form. To be classified here, the fish must be whole or have undergone basic primary processing such as de-heading or gutting. If the fish is cut into fillets, it is moved to heading 0304. Furthermore, because toothfish is frequently traded in a frozen state to preserve quality during long-distance transport from Southern Ocean fisheries, it is often confused with 0303.83. Accurate use of 0302.83 is critical for the documentation required by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and for ensuring the legality of the catch.

Products Included

• Fresh Patagonian toothfish (whole)
• Chilled Antarctic toothfish (gutted)
• Fresh headed and gutted toothfish
• Chilled Chilean Sea Bass (commercial name for toothfish)

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 0303.83, which is for frozen toothfish. Given the remote locations where toothfish are caught, the vast majority of international trade is frozen, making 0303.83 more common. Another error is using 0304.46, which is the code for fresh or chilled toothfish fillets. If the product has been filleted, it cannot remain in 0302.83. Lastly, it should not be confused with other white-fleshed fish under 0302.89.

FAQ

What is the HS code for fresh toothfish?

The HS code for fresh or chilled toothfish (whole or gutted) is 0302.83.

Is Chilean Sea Bass classified under this code?

Yes, Chilean Sea Bass is the commercial name for toothfish. If it is fresh or chilled and not filleted, it uses HS code 0302.83.