Frozen Argentine Sea Smelt
Frozen whole Argentine sea smelts (Hypomesus japonicus), caught in Pacific waters, are classified under HTS 0303.89.00.01 as frozen sea smelts, excluding fillets or meat of heading 0304. They are typically sold ungutted for food processing or direct consumption.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If identified as capelin
Capelin, another small marine fish, falls under specific subheading 0303.82 for frozen capelin, distinct from general sea smelts.
If processed into fillets
Frozen fish fillets or other fish meat are reclassified to heading 0304, excluding them from heading 0303.
If ground into flour, meal, or pellets fit for human consumption
Per chapter notes, flours, meals, and pellets suitable for human food are covered by heading 0309, not 0303.
Not sure which classification is right?
Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify species identification via scientific name to confirm sea smelt classification and avoid misclassification as freshwater smelts
• Provide catch certificates and comply with FDA seafood HACCP requirements for frozen fish imports
• Check for Section 609 restrictions if sourced from regions with shrimp bycatch concerns, even for finfish
Related Products under HTS 0303.89.00.01
Frozen Pacific Rainbow Smelt
Frozen sea smelts of the Pacific rainbow smelt variety (Hypomesus pretiosus), preserved by freezing immediately after catch. Classified under HTS 0303.89.00.01 as other frozen fish specifically identified as sea smelts, not fillets.
Frozen Japanese Wakasagi Sea Smelt
Frozen Hypomesus nipponensis, known as wakasagi sea smelts from Japanese coastal waters, imported whole and ungutted. HTS 0303.89.00.01 applies to these frozen sea smelts excluding offal or fillets.
Frozen Capelin Sea Smelt
Frozen Mallotus villosus capelin, small forage sea smelts from North Atlantic fisheries, classified as frozen sea smelts under HTS 0303.89.00.01 when not specifically separated.
Frozen Delta Smelt
Frozen Hypomesus transpacificus delta smelts from San Francisco Bay estuary, preserved frozen whole. Falls under HTS 0303.89.00.01 for frozen sea smelts, a protected marine species.