TradeTools

HS-6 · Subheading

030491

Fish meat, excluding fillets, whether or not minced; frozen, swordfish (Xiphias gladius)

Heading 0304Fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced); fresh, chilled or frozen

Chapter 03: Fish and crustaceans

Plain-language overview

Use HS-6 030491 when importing or exporting frozen swordfish meat, which may be packed in bulk or in retail-ready packaging. For example, a shipment of frozen swordfish steaks would fall under this code.

This code specifically covers fish meat from swordfish (Xiphias gladius) that is not in fillet form, distinguishing it from HS-6 030490, which pertains to other fish meats. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate classification.

Frozen swordfish meat can be sold as whole pieces, chunks, or minced, but it must not be presented as fillets. If your product is labeled as swordfish fillets, you should classify it under HS-6 030462 instead.

When dealing with frozen swordfish, ensure that your product descriptions and invoices clearly state the form of the meat to avoid misclassification and potential customs issues.

Keywords & topics

Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.

frozen swordfish meat · HS code 030491 · fish meat classification · swordfish shipments · non-fillet fish meat · importing swordfish · exporting fish products · frozen seafood · fish meat packaging · customs for swordfish · frozen fish regulations · swordfish processing · bulk fish shipments · retail fish packaging · fish meat invoices · swordfish meat forms · frozen fish trade · seafood import/export

Examples

Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.

  • Frozen swordfish steaks packed in 10 kg boxes
  • Minced frozen swordfish in vacuum-sealed bags
  • Whole frozen swordfish shipped on ice
  • Chunks of frozen swordfish for sushi preparation
  • Frozen swordfish meat in retail packs of 500 grams
  • Bulk frozen swordfish meat for processing
  • Frozen swordfish loins for restaurant supply
  • Frozen swordfish pieces for canning

Common questions

Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.

What is HS code 030491?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How to classify frozen swordfish?

Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.

Is minced swordfish covered under HS 030491?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

What are the packaging requirements for frozen swordfish?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Can I export frozen swordfish without a specific HS code?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

What is the difference between HS 030491 and HS 030490?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How to avoid customs issues with frozen fish?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

What forms of swordfish fall under HS 030491?

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 frozen swordfish meat for customs

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

requirements for importing frozen swordfish

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

differences between swordfish fillets and non-fillet meat

Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.

best practices for shipping frozen swordfish

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

what to include on invoices for frozen swordfish

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

how to pack frozen swordfish for export

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

customs classification for minced fish meat

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

guidelines for frozen 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 products fall under HS-6 030491?
HS-6 030491 covers frozen swordfish meat, including whole pieces, chunks, and minced forms, but not fillets.
How do I ensure my frozen swordfish is classified correctly?
Make sure to clearly describe the product on invoices, specifying it is swordfish meat and not fillets to avoid misclassification.
Can I use HS-6 030491 for fresh swordfish?
No, HS-6 030491 specifically applies to frozen swordfish meat. Fresh swordfish would require a different classification.
What packaging is acceptable for frozen swordfish under this code?
Acceptable packaging includes bulk boxes, vacuum-sealed bags, or retail packs, as long as the product is clearly labeled as frozen swordfish meat.
Is there a specific temperature requirement for shipping frozen swordfish?
Yes, frozen swordfish should be kept at temperatures below -18°C (0°F) during transport to maintain quality and comply with regulations.
What should I do if my product is misclassified?
If misclassification occurs, contact your customs broker immediately to correct the issue and ensure compliance with customs regulations.

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