Cuttlefish in Olive Oil
Cuttlefish in olive oil consists of tenderized cuttlefish pieces preserved in extra virgin olive oil, often with herbs, in glass jars. This product is classified under tariff item 1605.54.00 as a prepared or preserved mollusc, because the cuttlefish has been cooked or tenderized and preserved in oil, which goes beyond the simple preservation methods of Chapter 3. The oil and herbs serve as a preserving medium and flavouring, making it a ready-to-eat preparation.
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 product is marketed primarily as a sauce or spread with cuttlefish as a minor ingredient
If the oil and herbs dominate and the cuttlefish is secondary, the product may be classified as a sauce or condiment under heading 21.03.
If the cuttlefish is raw and only lightly marinated without cooking or full preservation
Products that are not fully prepared or preserved, such as raw marinated cuttlefish, may fall under Chapter 3.
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
• Declare the product accurately as a prepared mollusc, and be ready to provide a detailed ingredient list to CBSA to confirm the cuttlefish content exceeds 20% by weight
• Verify that the olive oil and herbs do not constitute a separate preparation that could shift classification to a sauce or mixed food
• Check the country of origin for preferential duty rates under Canada's free trade agreements, and have the necessary certificates ready
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 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.
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.