What HS code for fresh sole fillets?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
030443
Fish fillets; fresh or chilled, flat fish (Pleuronectidae, Bothidae, Cynoglossidae, Soleidae, Scophthalmidae and Citharidae)
Heading 0304 — Fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced); fresh, chilled or frozen
Chapter 03: Fish and crustaceans
Plain-language overview
Use HS-6 030443 when importing or exporting fresh or chilled fillets of flat fish such as sole or flounder. For example, if you're shipping fresh sole fillets from Europe to the U.S., this code applies.
This code specifically covers flat fish fillets from families like Pleuronectidae and Soleidae, distinguishing them from other fish fillets like those from round fish, which fall under different HS codes. If you're dealing with cod or salmon, you would look at HS-6 codes like 030441 or 030442 instead.
When classifying your product, note that HS-6 030443 is for fresh or chilled fillets only. Frozen flat fish fillets would be classified under a different code, such as HS-6 030444. Ensure your product's state matches the HS classification.
If you're unsure whether your product qualifies as flat fish, consider the species you are dealing with. Flat fish are typically characterized by their flattened bodies and include species like halibut and plaice.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
flat fish fillets · fresh sole fillets · chilled flounder · seafood import · fish classification · Pleuronectidae family · Soleidae species · fish export codes · seafood shipping · fresh fish products · flatfish species · chilled fish fillets · frozen fish classification · seafood regulations · fish meat HS codes · import export fish · fish fillet packaging
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Fresh sole fillets shipped from the UK to the USA
- Chilled flounder fillets for a seafood restaurant in Canada
- Fresh plaice fillets exported to Japan
- Chilled turbot fillets for a high-end grocery store
- Fresh flatfish fillets packaged in vacuum-sealed bags
- Chilled fillets of dab for a fish market
- Fresh fillets of sand sole for a food distributor
- Chilled fillets of lemon sole for restaurant supply
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify flat fish for export?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Is there a different code for frozen flat fish?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are the requirements for importing fish fillets?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I use the same code for all fish fillets?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What species are included in HS-6 030443?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to package fresh fish for shipping?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are the regulations for exporting fish fillets?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
how to classify fresh flat fish fillets
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
differences between flat fish and round fish HS codes
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
requirements for importing chilled fish fillets
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
what to know about exporting sole fillets
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
how to package and ship fresh fish fillets
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
specific species under HS-6 030443
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
how to determine if fish is fresh or frozen
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
regulatory considerations for seafood imports
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of fish are classified under HS-6 030443?
- HS-6 030443 includes flat fish such as sole, flounder, plaice, and turbot, which are fresh or chilled.
- Can I use HS-6 030443 for frozen flat fish?
- No, HS-6 030443 is specifically for fresh or chilled flat fish fillets. Frozen flat fish fillets fall under HS-6 030444.
- What packaging is required for shipping fresh fish fillets?
- Fresh fish fillets should be vacuum-sealed and kept at a controlled temperature to ensure freshness during shipping.
- Are there specific regulations for importing flat fish fillets?
- Yes, you must comply with food safety regulations, including health certifications and inspections, depending on the importing country.
- How do I know if my fish fillets are fresh or chilled?
- Fresh fish fillets are typically stored at temperatures just above freezing, while chilled fish fillets are kept at slightly higher temperatures but still below 4°C (39°F).
- What should I do if my product doesn't fit neatly into one HS code?
- Consult with a customs broker or trade specialist to determine the most appropriate HS code based on the product's characteristics.
- Can I use HS-6 030443 for all types of flat fish?
- HS-6 030443 is for specific families of flat fish. Ensure your product matches the species listed in the code.
- What are the consequences of misclassifying fish products?
- Misclassification can lead to fines, delays in customs clearance, and potential seizure of the goods. Always verify your HS code.
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