Live Bala Shark
Live Bala shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus), a schooling tropical fish resembling sharks, imported alive for large aquariums. These fish are classified under tariff item 0301.99.00 as 'Other live fish'.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | +25.0% | 25% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the fish are classified as ornamental freshwater fish
Ornamental fish are specifically covered under heading 0301.11.
If the fish are ornamental but not freshwater
Heading 0301.19 covers other ornamental fish.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify whether the fish are considered ornamental under heading 0301.11 for potential classification differences
• Ensure the shipment complies with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) if applicable, though bala sharks are not listed
• Use insulated containers to maintain water temperature during import
Related Products under Tariff item 0301.99.00
Live Adult Tench Breeding Stock
Mature live tench (Tinca tinca) for breeding programs in commercial fish farms. Tench are not specifically named in heading 03.01, but they are a type of carp; however, they are not listed under the specific carp subheading, so they fall under 'Other live fish'.
Live Angelfish
Live freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare), a common aquarium species, shipped alive for the retail aquarium trade. These fish are classified under tariff item 0301.99.00 as 'Other live fish' since they are not cold-water or specifically named elsewhere.
Live Arowana Fish
Live Asian arowana (Scleropages formosus), a high-value ornamental fish prized by collectors. This species is not specifically named in heading 03.01 and falls under 'Other live fish' as it is not a salmonid, trout, eel, carp, or other specifically listed fish. CITES permits are required for importation.
Live Barramundi Fry
Live barramundi fry (Lates calcarifer) for aquaculture operations. Barramundi is not a salmonid, trout, eel, carp, or other specifically listed fish in heading 03.01, so it falls under 'Other live fish'. These fry are transported in specialized hatchery containers to ensure survival.
Live Bighead Carp Breeding Stock
Mature live bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) selected as broodstock for commercial hatcheries to produce fingerlings. These live fish are classified under tariff item 0301.99.00 as 'Other live fish' for propagation purposes.
Live Bighead Carp for Aquaculture
Live bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) imported for aquaculture operations to stock ponds and enhance production. This live fish is classified under tariff item 0301.99.00 as 'Other live fish' since it is not specifically named elsewhere in Chapter 3.