Frozen Head-On Rock Sole
Frozen rock sole with heads intact, a flatfish from the Pleuronectidae family, imported in bulk for ethnic markets or processing. Fits HTS 0303.39.0120 as other frozen flatfish excluding offal or fillets; whole fish form distinguishes from pellets per chapter notes.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If imported in fresh, chilled state
Fresh or chilled rock sole classifies under 0302, not frozen whole fish of 0303.
If only livers or roe extracted as offal
Edible offal like livers shifts to 0303.91-0303.99 subheadings, excluding whole fish.
If filleted but destined for fish sticks
Livers and roe specifically go to 0305 if not whole; end-use processing may apply.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Label with country of catch origin and scientific name to meet USFWS requirements under Lacey Act
• Maintain cold chain documentation to prove frozen state, preventing reclassification as fresh (0302)
• Watch for size grading issues; uniform lots reduce inspection delays
Related Products under HTS 0303.39.01.20
Frozen Whole Rock Sole
Whole frozen rock sole (Pleuronectes bilineatus) caught in Pacific waters, including head, bones, and skin, suitable for filleting or whole preparation. Classified under HTS 0303.39.0120 as frozen flatfish, specifically rock sole, excluding fillets or processed meat of heading 0304. Not in pellet or flour form per chapter notes.
Frozen Dressed Rock Sole
Frozen rock sole that has been gutted and gilled but retains head and tail, a common form for wholesale seafood markets. Under HTS 0303.39.0120 for frozen flatfish other than fillets; remains whole fish, not processed into meal or pellets as per chapter exclusions.
IQF Frozen Rock Sole Portions
Individually quick frozen (IQF) whole rock sole portions, skin-on and bone-in, for retail portion control. Classified in HTS 0303.39.0120 as frozen whole flatfish, not fillets or meat of 0304; IQF process preserves whole form.
Frozen Wild-Caught Rock Sole Blocks
Blocks of frozen wild Alaskan rock sole, whole fish glazed for preservation, used in surimi production. HTS 0303.39.0120 applies to frozen flatfish excluding processed forms; whole fish not agglomerated into pellets.
Frozen Rock Sole for Sashimi Processing
Premium frozen whole rock sole destined for Japanese-style sashimi slicing, head-off but skin-on. Fits under HTS 0303.39.0120 for other frozen flatfish; remains unfilleted whole fish per heading scope.
Bulk Frozen Rock Sole H&G
Headed and gutted (H&G) frozen rock sole in bulk master cartons for institutional buyers. Classified HTS 0303.39.0120 as frozen whole flatfish other than fillets; H&G is standard whole form.