Frozen Argentine Sea Smelt from China
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.
Duty Rate — China → United States
35%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
Import Tips
• 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