HS Code for Frozen skate meat

The classification of frozen skate meat under HS code 0304.97 is determined by the specific processing of the fish and its biological family. This code is reserved for fish meat of the Rajidae family, commonly known as rays and skates, that has been processed into a form other than fillets. In the context of the Harmonized System, "meat" typically refers to minced fish or small pieces of flesh that have been separated from the skeletal structure but do not maintain the cohesive shape of a fillet. This often includes products used for further industrial processing, such as fish cakes or surimi-based products, where the texture of a whole fillet is not required. The product must be frozen to a temperature that ensures its preservation during transport. Because skates have a unique cartilaginous structure, the extraction of meat often differs from teleost (bony) fish, making this specific sub-classification necessary for accurate trade statistics and tariff application. The distinction between meat and fillets is critical; fillets are generally considered the longitudinal slices of meat, whereas 0304.97 covers the residual or minced meat.

Products Included

• Frozen minced skate meat
• Frozen skate meat blocks (non-fillet)
• Mechanically deboned skate meat
• Frozen shredded skate flesh

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with 0304.89, which covers other frozen fish fillets. The distinction lies in whether the product is a fillet or minced/non-fillet meat. It is also sometimes misclassified under 0303.82 if the meat is not sufficiently separated from the skeletal structure or if the wings are still bone-in.

FAQ

What is the HS code for frozen skate meat?

The HS code for frozen skate meat (excluding fillets) is 0304.97.

Does this code include skate wings?

If the skate wings are frozen and bone-in, they are typically classified under 0303.82. If they are processed into boneless meat or minced, they fall under 0304.97.