HS Code for Fresh trout

Fresh trout is classified under HS code 0302.11. This code is part of Heading 0302, which covers fish, fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. The classification applies to whole fish, whether or not they have been scaled, gutted, or headed, provided they remain in a fresh or chilled state. The subheading 0302.11 specifically identifies various species of trout, including Salmo trutta, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow trout), and several other Oncorhynchus species. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the classification is determined by the terms of the headings. Since the product is a whole or headed/gutted fish and belongs to the trout family, it is excluded from the fillet heading (0304) and the frozen heading (0303). The trout must be maintained at a temperature that prevents spoilage without reaching the freezing point to qualify as "fresh or chilled." This classification is vital for applying the correct sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures during international trade.

Products Included

• Fresh whole rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
• Chilled brown trout (Salmo trutta), gutted
• Fresh headed and gutted brook trout
• Chilled cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki)
• Fresh Gila trout and Apache trout

Common Misclassification

Fresh trout is often misclassified under 0304.42, which is the code for fresh trout fillets. The distinction is that 0302.11 is for the whole or minimally processed fish, while 0304.42 is for the fleshy strips cut from the fish. Another common error is using 0303.14, which is the code for frozen trout. Importers must also be careful not to confuse trout with Pacific salmon (0302.13) or Atlantic salmon (0302.14), as these species have their own specific subheadings within the 0302 group. Accurate species identification is required to avoid customs delays.

FAQ

What is the HS code for fresh trout?

The HS code for fresh or chilled whole trout (excluding fillets) is 0302.11.

Does this code include trout that has been headed and gutted?

Yes, HS code 0302.11 includes whole trout that has been headed, gutted, or scaled, as long as it has not been filleted or frozen.