Frozen Whole Tilapia for Industrial Processing
Frozen unprocessed whole tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), including heads and viscera, destined for industrial filleting. HTS 0303.23.00.00 covers frozen tilapia excluding 0304 fillets. Bulk imports for foodservice and canning.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If post-processing into fillets for retail
Once filleted, even if imported whole and processed domestically, re-export or sale requires 0304 classification.
If unfit for human consumption, used as animal feed
Frozen tilapia trimmings or whole unfit for humans classify as animal feed under Chapter 23.
If imported fresh/chilled instead of frozen
Temperature state determines heading: 0302 for fresh/chilled tilapia, 0303 for frozen.
Not sure which classification is right?
Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Provide end-use certificate if claiming industrial processing exemptions; adhere to Lacey Act declarations for species and harvest details
• Avoid common pitfall of declaring as fillets prematurely
Related Products under HTS 0303.23.00.00
Frozen Whole Tilapia Fillets Removed
Frozen tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) with heads, tails, and viscera removed but otherwise whole, excluding fish fillets of heading 0304. This product is classified under HTS 0303.23.00.00 as frozen tilapia not reduced to fillets or other fish meat. It is commonly imported for further processing or direct sale in markets.
Frozen Headed and Gutted Tilapia
Frozen tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) that has been headed and eviscerated but retains the body structure intact, excluding fillets. Classified under HTS 0303.23.00.00 for frozen tilapia not further processed into meat of heading 0304. Popular for Asian markets and aquaculture imports.
Frozen Dressed Tilapia with Scales
Frozen whole tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) dressed by gutting but retaining scales, head, and tail, not filleted. Falls under HTS 0303.23.00.00 as frozen tilapia excluding fillets of 0304. Widely imported from China and Latin America for retail.
Frozen Tilapia Blocks 5kg
Frozen blocks of whole tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) weighing 5kg each, intact excluding fillets. Classified in HTS 0303.23.00.00 for frozen species-specific tilapia. Common in wholesale frozen seafood distribution.
Frozen Skin-On Tilapia Portions
Frozen tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) cut into skin-on portions but not fully filleted, retaining skeletal structure. Under HTS 0303.23.00.00 as not meeting 0304 fillet definition. Used in ethnic food markets.
IQF Frozen Whole Tilapia
Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) whole tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), ungutted. HTS 0303.23.00.00 for frozen tilapia excluding 0304 meat. Preferred for premium retail thawing.