Frozen Dogfish Whole (Squalus acanthias)
Whole frozen dogfish from the Squalus species, typically caught in cold Atlantic waters, supplied ungutted with head and fins intact. Classified under HTS 0303.81.00.11 as frozen dogfish (Squalus spp.), excluding fillets or meat of heading 0304. Ideal for further processing into steaks or fillets.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If not specifically Squalus spp. but other sharks
Dogfish is specified under 0303.81; other shark species like blue shark fall under 0303.82 for frozen sharks excluding dogfish.
If processed into fillets or other fish meat
Frozen fillets or meat from dogfish shift to heading 0304, excluding whole fish of 0303.
If ground into flour, meal, or pellets fit for human consumption
Chapter notes exclude flours, meals, and pellets fit for human consumption from 0303-0308, directing to 0309.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain FDA prior notice and verify species via DNA testing to confirm Squalus spp.; ensure chain-of-custody docs for sustainability certifications like MSC
• Common pitfall: mislabeling as generic shark leads to reclassification
Related Products under HTS 0303.81.00.11
Frozen Gutted Dogfish (Squalus suckleyi)
Frozen dogfish eviscerated with gills and entrails removed, head on, from Pacific North American stocks. Falls under HTS 0303.81.00.11 as frozen dogfish excluding fillets; remains 'other fish' not processed to meat stage. Used in industrial fishmeal or ethnic cuisines.
Frozen Head-Off Dogfish Blocks (Squalus spp.)
Frozen blocks of dogfish with heads removed, scaled and washed, packed in 20kg boxes for bulk import. HTS 0303.81.00.11 applies to frozen whole or minimally processed dogfish, not reaching fillet stage of 0304. Common in Europe for smoked fish production.
Frozen Spiny Dogfish Trunks (Squalus acanthias)
Frozen trunks of spiny dogfish (primary Squalus acanthias), head and tail removed but body intact. Classified in HTS 0303.81.00.11 for frozen dogfish excluding advanced processing. Sourced from sustainable fisheries off New England.
IQF Frozen Dogfish Portions (Squalus spp.)
Individually quick frozen (IQF) skin-on portions of dogfish, not skinned or filleted. HTS 0303.81.00.11 for frozen whole-like dogfish; IQF preserves whole form without meat separation. Used in retail bait or specialty markets.
Bulk Frozen Dogfish for Processing (Squalus megalops)
Bulk-packed frozen shortspine spurdog (Squalus megalops) in totes, whole round. Under HTS 0303.81.00.11 as frozen dogfish, live weight declared. Primarily for omega-3 oil extraction or mincing.
Frozen Pacific Sleeper Shark (Somniosus pacificus - misclassified as Dogfish)
Frozen whole sleeper sharks sometimes erroneously labeled as dogfish due to family similarities. HTS 0303.81.00.11 strictly for Squalus spp.; verify taxonomy. Rare import for research or niche markets.