Canned Cuttlefish in Brine
Canned cuttlefish in brine consists of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) that has been cleaned, cooked, and packed in brine inside metal cans for long-term preservation. It is classified under tariff item 1605.54.00 as a prepared or preserved mollusc, specifically cuttlefish, because the cooking and brining processes go beyond the simple preservation methods of Chapter 3. The product is ready for consumption or further culinary use, meeting the definition of prepared or preserved aquatic invertebrates.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪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 cuttlefish is only frozen, dried, or salted but not cooked or otherwise prepared
Chapter 3 covers cuttlefish that are simply frozen, dried, or salted, without the cooking or brining that would make them prepared or preserved.
If the product is actually octopus rather than cuttlefish
Octopus is classified separately under heading 1605, and the tariff item for octopus is distinct from that for cuttlefish and squid.
If the product is finely homogenized and put up for retail sale as food for infants or young children
Preparations of molluscs that are homogenized for infant or dietetic use are classified in a specific subheading that takes precedence over other subheadings.
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
• Ensure the product is clearly labelled with the species name and that the brining process is documented, as CBSA may verify it is not simply frozen or fresh
• Verify the applicable duty rate under the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariff for 1605.54.00, as rates can vary by country of origin
• If importing from a country with a free trade agreement, have the certificate of origin ready to claim preferential treatment
Related Products under Tariff item 1605.54.00
Baby Squid with Sardine Casserole Meal
A canned casserole combining baby squid and sardines with potatoes and olives. The presence of squid as the predominant mollusc, along with fish meat, places it under tariff item 1605.54.00 for prepared cuttle fish and squid.
Breaded Squid Nuggets Frozen
Frozen, pre-breaded squid nuggets that have been cooked before flash-freezing. Because they are breaded and cooked, they are considered prepared or preserved rather than simply frozen, placing them under tariff item 1605.54.00 for prepared cuttle fish and squid.
Canned Cuttlefish Ink Paste
Canned cuttlefish ink paste is a pure extract of cuttlefish ink that has been pasteurized and canned for culinary use in pasta and rice dishes. It is classified under tariff item 1605.54.00 as a prepared or preserved cuttlefish product, since the ink is derived from cuttlefish and the pasteurization and canning processes preserve it for human consumption. The product is not a sauce or seasoning but a distinct mollusc-derived preparation, fitting the scope of prepared aquatic invertebrates.
Canned Giant Squid in Brine
Canned giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) preserved in brine, ready for consumption. The canning and brining process makes it a prepared or preserved product, falling under tariff item 1605.54.00 for cuttle fish and squid.
Cuttlefish and Cod Stew Frozen Entree
A frozen ready-to-heat stew with cuttlefish, cod fillets, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. The cuttlefish base with added fish meat qualifies this as a prepared meal under tariff item 1605.54.00.
Cuttlefish Balls with Salmon in Broth
A soup pouch containing cuttlefish balls and salmon pieces in a light broth. As a prepared meal with cuttlefish as the main mollusc and added fish, it falls under tariff item 1605.54.00 for cuttle fish and squid.