HS Code for Frozen cod meat

The classification of frozen cod meat under HS code 0304.95 is determined by the biological family and the specific physical state of the fish. This code is part of Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans. Specifically, heading 0304 is reserved for fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced. Subheading 0304.95 is dedicated to the meat of fish from the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae, and Muraenolepididae. The most commercially significant of these is the Gadidae family, which includes cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus macrocephalus). This classification is used for meat that is not in fillet form—meaning it might be small pieces, trimmings, or mechanically separated meat—but it is not yet "prepared" or "preserved" beyond freezing. A key distinction is that this code excludes Alaska Pollock, which, despite being a gadoid, has its own specific classification under 0304.94. The meat must be frozen to fall under this subheading; fresh or chilled meat of the same species would fall under 0304.5x. Proper documentation of the species is required to ensure it is not misclassified as a more specific or excluded species.

Products Included

• Frozen minced cod meat
• Frozen cod trimmings and small meat blocks
• Frozen mechanically separated cod meat
• Frozen meat of Haddock, Coalfish, and Hake (within the specified families)

Common Misclassification

Frozen cod meat is frequently confused with HS code 0304.71, which is specifically for frozen cod fillets. Fillets are the fleshy sides of the fish, whereas 0304.95 is for "other meat" that does not meet the definition of a fillet. Another common error is using 0304.94, which is reserved exclusively for Alaska Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma). While Alaska Pollock is part of the Gadidae family, international trade standards require it to be separated from other cod species due to its high volume and specific market value.

FAQ

What is the HS code for frozen cod meat?

The HS code for frozen cod meat (excluding fillets and Alaska Pollock) is 0304.95.

What is the difference between 0304.71 and 0304.95?

HS code 0304.71 is used for frozen cod fillets, which are the longitudinal slices of fish meat. HS code 0304.95 is used for other forms of cod meat, such as minced meat or small pieces that are not fillets.