Frozen Capelin Smelt
Frozen whole capelin (Mallotus villosus), often grouped with smelts due to similar appearance and use as bait or food fish. Under HTS 0303.89.00.04 for other smelts when not distinctly classified elsewhere, as frozen whole excluding fillets.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If purely capelin without smelt mix
Specific subheading exists for frozen capelin, separating it from general other smelts.
If processed into pellets fit for human consumption
Per chapter notes, flours, meals, or pellets for human use move to 0309, excluding 0305-0308.
If containing edible offal like livers
Edible fish offal of smelts classified under 0303.91, not whole fish live body.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Label with exact species and confirm not pure capelin to avoid 0303.82; use FAO species codes for accuracy
• Check for proper cold chain documentation to prove frozen state upon import, preventing duty disputes
• Avoid common pitfall of partial filleting which reclassifies to 0304 fish fillets
Related Products under HTS 0303.89.00.04
Frozen Rainbow Smelt
Frozen whole rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), a small silvery fish commonly found in North Atlantic waters, imported as whole frozen fish excluding fillets or meat. Classified under HTS 0303.89.00.04 as other smelts, not edible offal, fitting Chapter 3 for frozen fish live, fresh, or chilled but frozen per heading description.
Frozen Eulachon Smelt
Frozen whole eulachon or candlefish (Thaleichthys pacificus), a Pacific coast smelt known for high oil content. HTS 0303.89.00.04 applies to these other smelts as frozen whole fish, excluding fillets and offal.
Frozen Spotted Smelt
Frozen whole spotted smelt (Spirinchus starksi), a California coastal species harvested for food and bait. Classified in HTS 0303.89.00.04 for other smelts as frozen whole fish not fillets.
Frozen Delta Smelt
Frozen whole delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), an endangered species but hypothetically imported for research. HTS 0303.89.00.04 covers other frozen smelts excluding fillets.
Frozen Wild-Caught Smelt Mix
Frozen assorted other smelts from wild fisheries, whole fish excluding offal or fillets. HTS 0303.89.00.04 for statistical tracking of other smelts.
Frozen Pond Smelt
Frozen whole pond smelt (Hypomesus olidus), a small freshwater smelt used in Asian cuisines and as bait. Fits HTS 0303.89.00.04 as other frozen smelts, whole excluding fillets or meat.