Frozen Sardinops sagax Pacific Sardines
Frozen Pacific sardines (Sardinops sagax) harvested from coastal waters, frozen whole for bulk export. Classified under HTS 0303.53.00.00 as they match the Sardinops spp. species in frozen whole form, not as fillets or processed pellets.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If for frozen sardine fillets or other meat
Heading 0303 excludes fillets and meat, directing them to specific 0304 subheadings for processed forms.
If simply boiled or canned in oil, not frozen
Prepared or preserved sardines shift to Chapter 16, excluding frozen whole fish under 0303.
If imported fresh or chilled, not frozen
Fresh or chilled equivalents of these species are classified under HTS 0302, differing by preservation state.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain commercial invoice specifying exact species (Sardinops sagax) and frozen whole condition to prevent reclassification
• Comply with US Customs fish import permits and temperature logs proving chain of custody from catch to import
• Watch for misdeclaration as fresh (HTS 0302) which incurs different duties and inspections
Related Products under HTS 0303.53.00.00
Frozen Sardina pilchardus Sardines Whole
Whole frozen Sardina pilchardus sardines, caught in the Atlantic, are preserved by rapid freezing to maintain freshness. They fall under HTS 0303.53.00.00 as frozen whole sardines of the specified species, excluding fillets or meat of heading 0304 and not processed into flours, meals, or pellets.
Frozen Sardinella maderensis Madeiran Sardinella
Frozen whole Madeiran sardinella (Sardinella maderensis) from Canary Current waters. Under HTS 0303.53.00.00 as Sardinella spp. frozen fish, whole and unprocessed beyond freezing.
Frozen Sprattus antipodum New Zealand Sprats
Whole frozen Southern sprats (Sprattus antipodum) from sub-Antarctic fisheries. Matches HTS 0303.53.00.00 for Sprattus sprattus group frozen wholes.
Frozen Sardina pilchardus Atlantic Sardines IQF
Individually quick frozen (IQF) whole Atlantic sardines (Sardina pilchardus) for retail packs. HTS 0303.53.00.00 applies to these frozen whole specified species.
Frozen Sardinella gibbosa Goldstripe Sardinella
Whole frozen goldstripe sardinella (Sardinella gibbosa) from Indian Ocean. HTS 0303.53.00.00 for Sardinella spp. frozen wholes.
Frozen Sardinella aurita Round Sardinella
Whole round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) frozen at sea for optimal quality, sourced from tropical fisheries. This product is under HTS 0303.53.00.00 due to its species match and frozen whole presentation, distinct from fillets or human-fit pellets.