HS Code for Frozen ray meat

Frozen ray meat is classified under HS code 0304.97. This code is situated within Chapter 3, which covers fish and crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Heading 0304 is specifically designated for fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced), fresh, chilled, or frozen. The subheading 0304.97 is reserved for the frozen meat of rays and skates (family Rajidae). This classification is distinct from whole fish or fillets because it refers to the muscular flesh that has been removed from the skeletal structure but does not necessarily meet the definition of a fillet (which is a strip of meat cut parallel to the backbone). This often includes minced meat or meat that has been recovered from the wings of the ray. The product must be frozen to a degree that ensures the preservation of the cellular structure of the meat for the duration of international transit.

Products Included

• Minced frozen ray meat
• Frozen ray wing meat (not in fillet form)
• Shredded frozen skate meat
• Frozen blocks of ray meat
• Mechanically deboned ray meat

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 0303.82, which covers whole frozen rays and skates (including headed and gutted versions). If the meat is presented as a fillet, it might be incorrectly classified under 0304.89 (other frozen fish fillets) if the specific species-specific fillet code is not utilized. Additionally, if the ray meat is prepared, such as breaded or precooked, it must be moved to Chapter 16, specifically heading 1604.

FAQ

What is the HS code for frozen ray meat?

The specific HS code for frozen meat of rays and skates (excluding fillets) is 0304.97.

How is ray meat distinguished from whole rays in the HS system?

Ray meat (0304.97) refers to the flesh removed from the bone, whereas whole, headed, or gutted rays are classified under 0303.82.