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© 2026 TariffPeek. Data from UN Comtrade & WCO. Not legal advice.

Home / Section I / HS 03

HS 03

Chapter

Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates

HS Code 03 classifies "Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates" under Section I (Live Animals; Animal Products). This chapter-level code is used internationally for customs classification, tariff determination, and trade statistics.

Classification Details

HS Code03
DescriptionFish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates
LevelChapter (2-digit)
SectionI — Live Animals; Animal Products
Chapter03

🇺🇸 US Import Duty

Average Duty Rate0.5%
Duty Range0-15%
NotesFish and seafood: mostly low or free
Free Trade AgreementsMost FTAs: 0%

Rates are approximate and based on MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariffs. Actual rates may vary by specific product classification. Always verify with USITC for official rates.

Classification Guide

When classifying goods under HS 03, ensure the product matches the specific description. As a chapter-level code, this is a broad category. You'll need to narrow down to a 4-digit heading or 6-digit subheading for customs declaration.

Trade Context

Section I covers live animals and animal products, one of the oldest categories of international trade.

Regulatory Note

Many countries impose strict sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements on animal imports. USDA and EU health certificates are commonly required.

🇺🇸 US Import Document Checklist

Documents required when importing products under HS 03 into the United States.

Required for All Imports

☑Commercial InvoiceCBP
Detailed invoice from the seller showing product description, quantity, unit price, total value, and terms of sale (Incoterms).
☑Packing ListCBP
Itemized list of contents in each package, including weights, dimensions, and marks/numbers matching the shipping containers.
☑Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway BillCarrier
Transport document issued by the carrier confirming receipt of goods for shipment. Acts as a contract of carriage and receipt.
☑CBP Entry Summary (Form 7501)CBP
The formal customs declaration filed with US Customs and Border Protection for all commercial imports.
☑Importer Security Filing (ISF/10+2)CBP
Must be filed at least 24 hours before ocean cargo is loaded. Required for all ocean shipments to the US.
☑Customs BondCBP
A financial guarantee ensuring payment of duties, taxes, and fees. Required for commercial shipments over $2,500.

Product-Specific Requirements

⚠️FDA Prior NoticeRequired

All food imports require prior notice to FDA before arrival. Filed electronically.

Agency: FDA

📋NOAA/NMFS Import MonitoringMay be required

Certain seafood species require additional documentation under the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP).

Agency: NOAA

📋Lacey Act DeclarationMay be required

Required for certain fish and wildlife products to combat illegal trade.

Agency: FWS

FTA Certificate of Origin (for preferential rates)

🤝USMCA Certificate of Origin — self-certification by importer, exporter, or producer. No prescribed format.
🤝Korea-US FTA Certificate of Origin — can be issued by importer, exporter, or producer.

This checklist is for general guidance only. Actual requirements may vary based on specific product, country of origin, and current regulations. Always consult with a licensed customs broker or the relevant agency for official requirements.

Sub-Classifications

03.01Fish; liveHeading03.02Fish; fresh or chilled, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304Heading03.03Fish; frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304Heading03.04Fish fillets and other fish meat (whether or not minced); fresh, chilled or frozenHeading03.05Fish, dried, salted or in brine; smoked fish, whether or not cooked before, or during the smoking processHeading03.06Crustaceans; in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked, cooked or not before or during smoking; in shell, steamed or boiled, whether or not chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brineHeading03.07Molluscs; whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked molluscs, whether in shell or not, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking processHeading03.08Aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked aquatic invertebrates other than crustaceans and molluscs, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking processHeading03.09Flours, meals and pellets of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, fit for human consumptionHeading

Related HS Codes

03.01Fish; live0301.11Fish; live, ornamental, freshwater0301.19Fish; live, ornamental, other than freshwater0301.91Fish; live, trout (Salmo trutta, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Oncorh0301.92Fish; live, eels (Anguilla spp.)0301.93Fish; live, carp (Cyprinus spp., Carassius spp., Ctenopharyn0301.94Fish; live, Atlantic and Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus thyn0301.95Fish; live, southern bluefin tunas (Thunnus maccoyii)

Related Data Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS Code 03?
HS Code 03 classifies "Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates" under Section I (Live Animals; Animal Products). This chapter-level code is used internationally for customs classification, tariff determination, and trade statistics.
What products fall under HS 03?
HS Code 03 covers: Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. This is a broad category that includes more specific subcategories. Browse the child codes below for detailed product classifications.
How do I use HS Code 03 for customs?
When classifying goods under HS 03, ensure the product matches the specific description. As a chapter-level code, this is a broad category. You'll need to narrow down to a 4-digit heading or 6-digit subheading for customs declaration.
What are the trade regulations for Live Animals; Animal Products?
Many countries impose strict sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements on animal imports. USDA and EU health certificates are commonly required.
Is HS 03 the same in every country?
The first 6 digits of HS codes are standardized worldwide by the World Customs Organization (WCO). However, most countries add additional digits (8-10 total) for their national tariff schedules. Always verify the full code with your destination country's customs authority.
What is the US import duty for HS 03?
The average US import duty for products under HS 03 is approximately 0.5% (range: 0-15%). Most FTAs: 0% Note: actual rates depend on the specific product classification and country of origin. Verify with USITC for official rates.
Can I get a lower tariff rate under a Free Trade Agreement?
Most FTAs: 0%. The US has FTAs with 20 countries including Canada, Mexico (USMCA), South Korea (KORUS), Australia, and others. To qualify for preferential rates, goods must meet rules of origin requirements and have proper documentation (e.g., Certificate of Origin).

Data verified March 2026 · Source: UN Comtrade & USITC

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