HS Code for Frozen Alaska Pollock

The classification of Frozen Alaska Pollock meat under HS code 0304.94 is determined by the specific processing state and the biological species of the fish. This code is part of the broader heading 0304, which encompasses fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced, but specifically excludes products that are fresh or chilled. For a product to be correctly assigned to 0304.94, it must be derived from the species Theragra chalcogramma. The primary distinction for this subheading is that it covers fish meat that is not in the form of a fillet. In the seafood industry, this often refers to minced fish or meat that has been recovered from the skeletal remains after filleting through mechanical means. This mechanically separated meat must be frozen to maintain its classification here. It is important to note that while the meat is minced, it has not yet undergone the secondary processing required to become surimi, which involves washing, refining, and the addition of cryoprotectants. The technical integrity of the fish muscle fibers is a key factor, although in 0304.94, the structural form of a fillet is explicitly absent. Importers must ensure that the product does not contain bones or skin to a degree that would reclassify it as whole fish or offal. The freezing process must be sufficient to lower the core temperature of the product to a level that inhibits microbial growth, typically -18 degrees Celsius or lower, to meet the frozen criteria of Chapter 3.

Products Included

• Minced Alaska Pollock meat blocks
• Mechanically deboned Alaska Pollock meat
• Frozen fish meat chunks (non-fillet) of Theragra chalcogramma
• Frozen Pollock meat bits used for industrial food processing

Common Misclassification

This code is frequently confused with 0304.75, which is reserved for whole fillets. It is also often misclassified as 0304.95, which is the specific code for surimi. While surimi is made from Pollock meat, the additional processing (washing and additives) requires the use of 0304.95. Additionally, if the product is fresh rather than frozen, it would fall under 0304.59.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Frozen Alaska Pollock?

The HS code for frozen Alaska Pollock meat (excluding fillets and minced surimi) is 0304.94.

Does this code include Pollock surimi?

No, Pollock surimi is classified under HS code 0304.95 because it has undergone specific washing and stabilizing processes that distinguish it from standard minced meat.