Frozen Pacific Halibut Whole Fish
Whole frozen Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) caught in the North Pacific, typically weighing 10-50 lbs per fish. This product is classified under HTS 0303.31.00.20 as frozen flatfish, specifically Pacific halibut, excluding fillets or offal. It is sold ungutted or head-on for further processing by wholesalers.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If headed, gutted, or gilled but not filleted
Processed Pacific halibut beyond whole form falls under subheading for other flatfish like sole or flounder.
If processed into fillets or meat
Frozen fish fillets and meat of flatfish are excluded from 0303 and classified in heading 0304.
If cooked, smoked, or otherwise prepared
Prepared or preserved halibut moves to Chapter 16 for processed seafood products.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain CITES documentation if applicable for overfished species and verify MSC certification for sustainability claims
• Ensure proper cold chain documentation showing temperature below -18°C to avoid reclassification as fresh
• Declare exact species scientifically; mislabeling as Atlantic halibut can lead to penalties
Related Products under HTS 0303.31.00.20
Frozen Head-On Pacific Halibut
Frozen Pacific halibut with heads intact, often gutted at sea for freshness preservation. Classified under HTS 0303.31.00.20 as it remains whole frozen flatfish of the specific species Hippoglossus stenolepis. Ideal for ethnic markets preferring traditional presentation.
IQF Frozen Pacific Halibut Portions
Individually quick frozen (IQF) portions of Pacific halibut, cut from whole fish but not fully filleted. Falls under HTS 0303.31.00.20 as frozen whole or substantially whole Pacific halibut, a type of flatfish. Used in retail seafood displays.
Frozen Dressed Pacific Halibut
Frozen dressed Pacific halibut, meaning scaled, gutted, and gilled while retaining head and tail. This remains classified under HTS 0303.31.00.20 for frozen Pacific halibut excluding fillets. Popular for restaurant suppliers.
Bulk Frozen Pacific Halibut for Processing
Bulk packed frozen whole Pacific halibut destined for industrial filleting plants. HTS 0303.31.00.20 applies as frozen flatfish of Hippoglossus stenolepis, not yet filleted or offal-separated. Shipped in large totes from Alaska fisheries.
Frozen Pacific Halibut Steaks Pre-Cut
Cross-section steaks cut from frozen Pacific halibut loins, retaining bone structure. Still under HTS 0303.31.00.20 as not reduced to fillets or meat per heading 0304 exclusion. Sold to high-end grocers.
Glazed Frozen Pacific Halibut Blocks
Frozen blocks of Pacific halibut whole fish with protective ice glaze (max 15% weight). HTS 0303.31.00.20 classification for frozen Hippoglossus stenolepis flatfish. Used in institutional foodservice.