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.
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 forage fish, falls under specific subheading 0303.82 for frozen capelin, distinct from general smelts.
If not specifically smelt but other frozen fish like small herring
Moves to broader 0303.19 for other frozen fish not elsewhere specified if morphological traits do not match smelt family Osmeridae.
If cooked, peeled or processed beyond simple freezing
Prepared or preserved fish excluding fillets shift to Chapter 16; simple frozen whole fish remains in 0303.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify species identification via scientific name on documentation to confirm smelt classification and avoid misclassification as heading 0303.81 salmon
• Provide certificates of origin and compliance with section 609 if sourced from regions with shrimp bycatch risks, though primarily for shrimp products
• Ensure product is whole frozen fish, not filleted or processed into offal, to prevent reclassification under 0304
Related Products under HTS 0303.89.00.04
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.
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.