Frozen Rainbow Smelt from Japan
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.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• 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