HS Code 1604
Prepared Fish and Caviar
HS code 1604 covers prepared or preserved fish, including canned tuna, salmon, fish fingers, and caviar or caviar substitutes from fish eggs.
4-digit Section IVReefer
HS Code 1604 — Prepared Fish and Caviar
Covers fish that has been cooked, canned, smoked, or otherwise prepared, including fish fingers and surimi. It also includes luxury items like sturgeon caviar and more affordable fish egg substitutes.
What's included
- Canned tuna in oil
- Frozen fish fingers
- Smoked salmon fillets
- Sturgeon caviar
- Surimi (crab sticks)
What's excluded
- Fresh or chilled fish fillets → use
0304(Fresh/chilled fillets are primary products in Chapter 3.) - Fish stuffed pasta → use
1902(Stuffed pasta is classified in Chapter 19 even if it contains fish.)
Common examples
- John West Canned Tuna
- Birds Eye Fish Fingers
- Beluga Caviar
- Smoked Mackerel
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CITES permit for caviar?
Yes, all sturgeon caviar (HS 1604.31) requires a CITES permit for international trade.
Trade & shipping notes
- Typical duty range: 0% - 25%
- Documentation: IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fishing catch certificates are mandatory for EU entries.
- Typical shipping mode: Reefer
- Top exporters: Thailand, China, Ecuador
- Top importers: United States, Japan, Italy
Related HS codes
Key takeaway
Critical to distinguish between CITES-regulated caviar and non-regulated substitutes.
Related HS codes
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