Canned Fish

🐟 Canned Fish: Salmon & Chum Species Clearance Guide

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Canned Salmon"?

Canned Fish, specifically under the scope of HS Chapter 16, refers to fish that have been processed, preserved, or canned. It is not "fresh" or "frozen" fish, but rather heat-sterilized products intended for long-term storage.

In the context of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), "Salmon" is a broad category. The critical distinction lies in the species:

• Pink Salmon (Humpie): The most common commercial salmon, smaller in size.
• Chum Salmon (Dog): Known for its lower fat content and distinctive striped pattern.
• Other Salmon: Includes King, Coho, Sockeye, etc. (Not included in the specific DATA provided below, but relevant for context).

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the fish is minced (e.g., fish paste, surimi) → NOT Canned Fish in this context.
- If the fish is whole or in pieces (chunks, fillets) → YES, this guide applies.
- Species Matters: Pink and Chum have specific HS codes, meaning they are treated differently for tax purposes than "Other Salmon."

📦 II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Harmonized Tariff Schedule)

Based on the provided , there are two specific HS Codes for Canned Salmon (Whole or in pieces, not minced):

🔍 Critical Clarification:
- Both Chum and Pink salmon fall under the same tax rate (25%) in this dataset.
- However, they are different HS Codes. Mixing them up can lead to customs audits or delays because the duty breakdown must match the invoice exactly.
- "Other Canned" implies these are not smoked, pickled, or in brine with special additives that would shift them to other subheadings. They are standard heat-sterilized canned fish.

💰 III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Analysis)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN) (Inferred from the "25% total tax" which typically reflects the Section 301 additional duty on Chinese goods)
✅ Effective Date: Ongoing (Subject to USITC regulations)

🎯 1. 1604.11.40.10 —— Chum (Dog) Salmon, Canned

📌 Explanation:
- The 0% base rate reflects the WTO MFN status for canned fish.
- The 25% additional duty is the critical cost driver. This is a retaliatory tariff on Chinese-origin goods under the Trade Act of 1974, Section 301.
- Note: Even though the base is 0%, the effective tax burden is 25%. This is high for food products compared to many electronics.

🎯 2. 1604.11.40.20 —— Pink (Humpie) Salmon, Canned

📌 Explanation:
- Identical tax treatment to Chum salmon.
- Pink Salmon is the most abundant salmon species in Alaska. If your supply chain is from Alaska, USA, or Canada, you may qualify for Duty-Free entry (General Rate of Duty), but NOT if the origin is China.
- ⚠️ Origin Control: Ensure your Certificate of Origin explicitly states the nation of origin. Misdeclaring Chinese salmon as Canadian can result in severe penalties.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist

✅ 2. Classification Tips (Golden Rules)

🔥 "Be Specific: Species + Preservation Method!"

✅ 3. Special Scenarios & Solutions

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive for Chinese canned salmon due to the 25% punitive tariff.
- For competitive pricing, consider sourcing from Alaska (USA) or Canada to bypass the 301 tariff.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Declaring "Canned Fish" generally without specifying species.
👉 Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration, assign their own code, or delay shipment.

❌ Error 2: Confusing Chum and Pink salmon.
👉 Consequence: While both are 25%, accurate reporting is required for FDA and statistical purposes. Inaccurate data can trigger audits.

❌ Error 3: Ignoring FDA Prior Notice.
👉 Consequence: Shipment refused entry and destroyed. Food products have strict prior notice rules.

❌ Error 4: Not verifying Origin.
👉 Consequence: If you claim US/Canadian origin but the CO says China, you face fraud penalties and back-tariffs.

✅ Correct Practice:

"Canned Pink Salmon, chunks in oil, Net Weight 5.5 oz, Origin: Alaska, USA"
→ Use 1604.11.40.20 with USMCA Certificate for 0% Duty.

🎯 VII. Final Recommendations

🎯 Key Takeaways:

🔹 "Species Specificity is Mandatory" – Use 1604.11.40.10 for Chum, 1604.11.40.20 for Pink.
🔹 "25% Tax is Real for China Origin" – Factor this into your pricing model.
🔹 "FDA Compliance is Non-Negotiable" – No Prior Notice = No Entry.
🔹 "Check Origin" – If not China, you likely pay 0% duty.

📌 Pro Tip:
If you are importing from China, consider supply chain diversification. Sourcing from Canada or Peru (if applicable) can save you 25% in duties.
For US Domestic products (Alaska), ensure your supplier provides a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin to claim duty-free status.

📣 Action Item:

📞 Verify your Supplier's Origin
📄 Ensure FDA Prior Notice is filed 48-72 hours before arrival
📊 Calculate landed cost including 25% tariff

✨ Accurate Classification = Cost Savings + Smooth Clearance!
💼 Your profit margin depends on correct HS Codes!