HTS Code 030384: Sea Bass (Dicentrachus spp.) — 2026 US Tariff Rates
Quick Answer
HTS 030384 = Sea Bass (Dicentrachus spp.)
Duty rate: Free · Unit: 03-digit · Column 1: Free
Complete Classification Table
All 8-digit and 10-digit tariff codes under HTS subheading 030384. Use this table to find the correct statistical suffix and applicable duty rate for your product.
| HTS Code | Full Description | General Rate | Special Rate | Column 2 Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0303.84.00.00 |
Sea Bass (Dicentrachus spp.) | Free | — | 2.2¢/kg |
What Importers Need to Know About HTS Chapter 03
This subheading falls under an HTS chapter covering fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates — fresh, frozen, processed, or preserved. Importers of these products should be aware of the following trade compliance considerations:
Seafood imports are subject to NOAA Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) for certain species at risk of IUU fishing. FDA also regulates seafood safety under HACCP requirements.
For the specific subheading HTS 030384, we recommend you:
- Verify the correct 10-digit statistical suffix — even within a 6-digit subheading, duty rates can differ significantly between suffixes
- Check FTA eligibility — if your product qualifies for preferential treatment under USMCA, KORUS, or another FTA, you may reduce or eliminate duties by providing the required origin certification
- Monitor for trade remedy changes — Section 301, Section 232, and anti-dumping duties are updated periodically. A rate that was correct last quarter may have changed
- Consult CBP resources — for binding classification rulings, CBP's National Commodity Specialist Division provides written determinations
Quick Answer: HTS 030384 Duty Rates
HTS subheading 030384 (sea bass (dicentrachus spp.)) contains 1 sub-classification.
1 suffix carry duty-free General rates.
Suffix 0303.84.00.00: General rate Free.
Always verify with CBP — Section 301, Section 232, and ADD/CVD may apply.
Chapter 03 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NOAA Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP)?
SIMP requires importers of certain seafood species (shrimp, abalone, tuna, swordfish, and others) to provide harvest and chain-of-custody data before entry. This combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Non-compliance results in entry refusal.
Are anti-dumping duties common on seafood imports?
Yes. Shrimp from China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and other countries face significant ADD rates (up to 100%+). Tuna, salmon, and other species may also be subject to ADD/CVD. Check the Commerce Department's active orders before importing.
How do I classify smoked salmon under the HTS?
Smoked salmon is classified under heading 0305 (dried, salted, or smoked fish) if it is only smoked without further preparation. If it is smoked and cooked, or smoked with other ingredients making it a prepared meal, it falls under Chapter 16 (heading 1604).
Do frozen fish fillets have different duty rates than whole frozen fish?
Yes. Frozen fillets (heading 0304) and frozen whole fish (heading 0303) have separate subheadings with different duty rates. Fillets typically face lower duty rates to encourage value-added processing in the US. The classification depends on the product as imported.
Can I claim FTA duty-free treatment for seafood imports?
Many seafood products qualify for duty-free treatment under FTAs with countries that have significant fishing industries (US-Australia, US-Chile, US-Peru, US-Singapore). USMCA provides preferential rates for Canadian and Mexican-origin seafood. Check the Special rate column for your country.
HTS Chapter 03 Classification Guide: Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs & Aquatic Invertebrates
Chapter 03 covers fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates in all forms — live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or smoked. Classification is determined by the species, processing state, and presentation form (whole, fillet, minced). Crustaceans and molluscs have separate headings from finfish.
Common Misclassification Errors
- Misclassifying prepared or preserved fish under Chapter 03 instead of Chapter 16 (prepared foodstuffs) — cooking or preserving moves the product to Chapter 16
- Confusing frozen fillets (0304) with frozen whole fish (0303) — the processing state determines the heading
- Failing to declare correct species for shrimp and tuna, which have species-specific subheadings and different duty rates
Duty Calculation Tips for HTS 030384
Many seafood products face anti-dumping duties from specific countries (especially shrimp from China, India, Vietnam, Thailand). Check ADD rates before importing. NOAA SIMP reporting is mandatory for certain species. Wild-caught vs. farm-raised distinction can affect classification and duty rates for some species like salmon.
At a Glance
- All 1 sub-classifications under HTS 030384 are duty-free under the General rate — no tariff applies regardless of country of origin.
- This code falls under a chapter covering fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates — fresh, frozen, processed, or preserved.
Importing Under HTS 030384: What Importers Ask
Does this HTS code require USDA or FDA clearance?
Yes — most agricultural and food products under this HTS chapter require USDA phytosanitary certificates, FDA prior notice, or FSVP compliance. Verify your specific product's regulatory requirements with USDA APHIS or FDA before importing.
Are there seasonal or country-specific tariff restrictions on this product?
Many agricultural products face seasonal duty rates, country-specific quotas, or anti-dumping orders. Check the Special rate column for FTA preferences and review USDA FAS for current commodity-specific trade restrictions affecting your country of origin.
How do I handle perishable goods entering under this classification?
Perishable imports require coordinated logistics — CBP agricultural specialists must inspect fresh produce, meat, and seafood before release. Arrange for cold chain storage at the port of entry and factor FDA or USDA hold times into your shipment planning. Prior notice and electronic filing can reduce inspection delays.
Official Sources
PoliteDraft recommends verifying duty rates directly with official government sources before filing import documentation.
Independent editors organize official USITC HTS data and explain how to check the exact suffix, unit, origin, and trade remedies. This site is a research reference, not a customs broker, attorney, or classification opinion.
Related HTS Codes in This Section
Related Chapters
HTS Chapter 03 is frequently cross-referenced with the following chapters in supply chain and trade compliance workflows.
Browse All HTS Codes in This Section
See the complete list of HTS subheadings under the same section as 030384.
View Section Overview →<strong>Editorial note:</strong> The first listed General rate for HTS 030384 (Sea Bass (Dicentrachus spp.)) is duty-free in this revision. Check every statistical suffix and the Special column for country-specific treatment before filing.