IQF Frozen Blue Whiting
Individually quick frozen (IQF) whole blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) from Southern Ocean fisheries, maintained intact without heading or gutting. HTS 0303.68.00.00 applies to frozen blue whitings of Gadidae family, excluding any filleted or offal products.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If sold as frozen fish sticks or portions
Cut portions or sticks from blue whiting are treated as other fish meat under 0304, not whole fish.
If classified as morwong (family Cheilodactylidae)
Hierarchy specifies exact families; Cheilodactylidae morwongs have their own subheading separate from Gadidae.
If made into pellets with binders for human food
Pellets agglomerated with binders, per chapter notes, shift to prepared foods in Chapter 19 if fit for consumption.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Document IQF freezing process to prove minimal processing, preventing reclassification as value-added product
• Check for Section 609 applicability if any shrimp contamination risk; include lab tests for purity
• Use NAUPA-compliant packaging for seafood to avoid damage claims and ensure traceability
Related Products under HTS 0303.68.00.00
Frozen Blue Whiting Fillets
Frozen blocks of blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) fillets, whole and unprocessed except for freezing, sourced from North Atlantic fisheries. Classified under HTS 0303.68.00.00 as frozen whole fish of the Gadidae family, excluding fillets which fall under heading 0304.
Frozen Whole Blue Whiting (Micromesistius poutassou)
Frozen whole blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) caught in the Northeast Atlantic, presented ungutted and unfilleted for bulk import. Fits HTS 0303.68.00.00 as frozen fish of the Gadidae family, specifically blue whitings, not processed beyond freezing.
Bulk Frozen Blue Whiting Blocks
Large blocks of frozen blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) for industrial processing, frozen at sea immediately after catch. Classified in HTS 0303.68.00.00 for frozen Gadidae blue whitings, distinct from fillets or processed meat.
Frozen Southern Blue Whiting (Micromesistius australis)
Frozen whole southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) from Patagonian fisheries, supplied in 20kg master cartons. HTS 0303.68.00.00 covers both Micromesistius species as blue whitings within Gadidae, frozen excluding fillets.
Glazed Frozen Blue Whiting
Blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) individually glazed with freshwater ice to prevent freezer burn, frozen whole for retail packs. Remains under HTS 0303.68.00.00 as minimally processed frozen Gadidae fish, not a preserved product.