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.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If processed into fillets with skin off
Frozen rock sole fillets fall under heading 0304 as fish fillets, not whole fish of 0303.
If considered Pacific halibut instead
Misidentification as halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) would classify under 0303.81 for other specific flatfish.
If cooked, smoked, or canned after freezing
Prepared or preserved rock sole moves to Chapter 16 for processed fish products.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify species identification via scientific name (Pleuronectes bilineatus) with documentation to avoid misclassification as other flatfish
• Comply with FDA seafood HACCP and import alerts; provide catch certificates for traceability
• Avoid common pitfalls like declaring as fillets, which shifts to 0304; ensure frozen whole state upon import
Related Products under HTS 0303.39.01.20
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.
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.