TradeTools

HS-6 · Subheading

030554

Dried herrings, anchovies, sardines, sardinella, brisling or sprats, mackerel (incl Indian, jack, or horse), seerfishes, jacks, crevalles, cobia, silver pomfrets, Pacific saury, scads, capelin, swordfish, Kawakawa, bonitos, marlins, sailfishes, spearfish

Heading 0305Fish, dried, salted or in brine; smoked fish, whether or not cooked before, or during the smoking process

Chapter 03: Fish and crustaceans

Plain-language overview

Use HS-6 030554 when importing or exporting dried fish such as mackerel, sardines, or anchovies. For example, if you're shipping a container of dried mackerel to a retailer, this is the code you'll need.

This code specifically covers dried varieties of fish like herrings, sardines, and mackerel, distinguishing them from other preserved fish products. For instance, HS-6 030553 includes salted fish, while HS-6 030555 pertains to smoked fish.

When considering products under this classification, note that the fish must be dried and not just preserved in brine or salt. This is crucial for accurate customs declarations and avoiding delays.

If you're dealing with dried fish products, ensure your packaging clearly states the type of fish and its preservation method. This will help customs officials verify the correct HS code.

Keywords & topics

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

dried fish classification · HS code 030554 · mackerel exports · sardines import regulations · dried fish packaging requirements · anchovies customs code · fish preservation methods · brine vs dried fish · seafood trade compliance · dried fish product examples · importing dried herrings · exporting smoked fish

Examples

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

  • A shipment of dried mackerel fillets packed in vacuum-sealed bags.
  • Containers of dried sardines intended for export to Asian markets.
  • Dried anchovies sold in bulk for use in Asian cuisine.
  • Packages of brisling or sprats for retail sale in grocery stores.
  • Dried capelin used as a snack food in various regions.
  • A consignment of dried swordfish steaks for gourmet restaurants.
  • Dried seerfish prepared for export to international seafood markets.

Common questions

Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.

What is HS code 030554 used for?

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

How to classify dried mackerel for customs?

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

Are dried sardines covered under HS 030554?

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

What are the packaging requirements for dried fish?

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

How do I declare dried fish at customs?

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

What types of fish fall under HS code 030554?

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

Can I export dried anchovies without a license?

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

What is the difference between salted and dried fish?

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 dried fish for import

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

requirements for exporting dried mackerel

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

customs regulations for dried sardines

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

packaging guidelines for dried fish products

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

what fish are included in HS 030554

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

how to declare dried fish shipments

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

differences between dried and smoked fish classification

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

importing dried anchovies into the US

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 can I classify under HS-6 030554?
You can classify dried herrings, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and several other specified fish types under HS-6 030554.
Is there a difference between dried and smoked fish codes?
Yes, dried fish is classified under HS-6 030554, while smoked fish falls under HS-6 030555. Make sure to use the correct code based on the preservation method.
Do I need special permits to import dried fish?
Import permits may be required depending on your country’s regulations and the specific type of fish. Always check local customs requirements.
Can I use the same HS code for different dried fish species?
Yes, as long as they fall under the same classification of dried fish, you can use HS-6 030554 for various species like mackerel and sardines.
What are the packaging requirements for dried fish?
Dried fish should be packaged to prevent moisture and contamination. Vacuum sealing is recommended, and labels must clearly state the type of fish.
How do I ensure my dried fish shipment complies with customs?
Provide accurate product descriptions, use the correct HS code, and ensure your documentation is complete, including invoices and packing lists.
What is the difference between HS-6 030554 and HS-6 030553?
HS-6 030554 covers dried fish, while HS-6 030553 is for salted fish. The preservation method is key in determining the correct classification.

Continue classification

Parent context

Next best action

Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.

Browse this subheading in the lookup

← HS-4 0305