Refined Herring Oil
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1504204000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1504104000 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1506000000 | 37.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1520000000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1504204000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Refined Herring Oil (ι²±ι±Όζ²Ή)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Herring Oil"?
Refined Herring Oil is a lipid extracted from herring fish, primarily used in animal feed, aquaculture, nutritional supplements, and industrial applications. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its source specificity and chemical refinement level.
Key Distinction:
- Specific Herring Oil: If the oil is strictly derived from herring (Clupeidae family), it is classified under 1504.20.40.00.
- General Fish Oil: If it is a blend or unspecified fish oil (other than herring/sardine), it falls under 1504.10.40.00.
- General Animal Oil: If the source is ambiguous or considered a by-product of non-specified origin, it may be classified under 1506.00.00.00.
- Chemical Related Products: If the product is chemically related to glycerin or alcohols (e.g., fatty alcohols derived from the oil), it might be classified under 1520.00.00.00.
β οΈ Critical Note:
- "Herring Oil" is specific. Do not misclassify it as general "Fish Oil" (1504.10.40.00) if it is purely herring-derived, as this affects the base duty rate.
- "Refined" does not automatically change the HS Code unless the chemical nature changes (e.g., to fatty acids or alcohols).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Tax Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
1504.20.40.00 |
Herring Oil, material is herring, form is oil | Pure herring oil, refined or unrefined | βββββ (Highly Specific) |
1504.10.40.00 |
Fish Oil, other than herring/sardine, other than liver oil | General fish oil, blends, unspecified fish species | ββββ |
1506.00.00.00 |
Animal Fats and Oils, other | Ambiguous source, general animal fat/oil | βββ |
1520.00.00.00 |
Animal/ Vegetable Oils & Fats; Glycerol | Chemically related to glycerin/alcohols, refined derivatives | ββββ |
π Key Reminder:
- If the product is explicitly labeled as "Herring Oil", use 1504.20.40.00.
- If the product is a blend of fish oils and cannot be distinguished as pure herring, use 1504.10.40.00.
- Do not use 1506.00.00.00 if the source is known; it is a fallback category.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 1504.20.40.00 ββ Refined Herring Oil (Specific Source)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 1Β’/kg (Specific Duty) |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122) | +10.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Total Tax Rate | 1Β’/kg + 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | (CIF Value Γ 35%) + ($0.01 Γ Weight in kg) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:1504.20.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The base duty is extremely low (1Β’/kg) because herring oil is a specific fish oil.
- However, the combined ad valorem surcharge is 35% (25% + 10%).
- Total Cost Impact: For high-value refined oils, the 35% component dominates. For low-value bulk oils, the 1Β’/kg may be negligible.
π― 2. 1504.10.40.00 ββ General Fish Oil (Non-Specific)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:1504.10.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- If your "Herring Oil" is misclassified or is actually a blend, you will pay 37.5% instead of 35% + 1Β’/kg.
- This is a higher effective rate than the specific herring oil classification for most values.
π― 3. 1506.00.00.00 ββ General Animal Oil (Ambiguous Source)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.3% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:1506.00.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- This is a fallback category. Use only if the source cannot be proven as fish or is mixed with other animal fats.
- 37.3% is slightly lower than general fish oil (37.5%) but still higher than specific herring oil (35%).
π― 4. 1520.00.00.00 ββ Chemically Related Products (Glycerol/Fatty Alcohols)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:1520.00.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- This classification is for chemically modified products (e.g., fatty alcohols, glycerol derivatives), NOT for simple refined oil.
- If you are importing refined herring oil (not chemically altered), do not use this code. Misclassification here could lead to penalties.
- Lowest Rate (17.5%), but only applicable to specific chemical derivatives.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (No Exceptions)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Herring Oil," source fish (Clupea harengus), refinement level. |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Shows fatty acid profile, purity, and confirms it is not a chemical derivative (unless classifying under 1520). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Herring Oil" or "Fish Oil, Unspecified". Avoid vague terms like "Animal Fat." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Net weight and gross weight (for 1Β’/kg calculation). |
| β Bill of Lading (B/L) | βοΈ | Consistent with invoice description. |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | If from China, this triggers the 25%+10% surcharges. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Source Specific, Tax Specific. Herring is 1Β’+35%, General is 37.5%!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Herring Oil | 1504.20.40.00 - "Herring Oil" |
"Fish Oil" β 37.5% |
| Mixed Fish Oil | 1504.10.40.00 - "Fish Oil, Other" |
"Herring Oil" β Risk of misclassification penalty |
| Fatty Alcohol Derivative | 1520.00.00.00 - "Fatty Alcohols" |
"Herring Oil" β Major misclassification |
| Generic Animal Fat | 1506.00.00.00 - "Animal Oil, Other" |
"Herring Oil" β If source is unknown, acceptable fallback |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Branded Herring Oil | Ensure supplier invoice matches the exact product name. If it's "Supplement Grade Herring Oil," specify it. |
| Refined vs. Crude | Both fall under 1504.20.40.00 if from herring. "Refined" does not change the HS Code unless it becomes a chemical derivative. |
| Small Quantity Samples | β No De Minimis. Even small shipments are subject to full tariff + duties. |
| Transshipment via Third Country | β No Exemption. If origin is China, US surcharges still apply. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1504.20.40.00 |
1Β’/kg + 35% | FDA Registration | Highest effective rate due to surcharges |
| π¨π³ China | 1504.20.40.00 |
5% | None | Low tariff, no surcharges |
| πͺπΊ EU | 1504.20.40.00 |
0% (if qualified) | CE (if supplement), REACH | No additional surcharges |
| π¬π§ UK | 1504.20.40.00 |
5% | FSA Registration | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π―π΅ Japan | 1504.20.40.00 |
0% | JAS (if organic) | No surcharges |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for herring oil due to 35% surcharges.
- EU, UK, Japan offer 0-5% tariffs. Consider supply chain adjustments if targeting the US.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Herring Oil" as "Fish Oil" (1504.10.40.00)
π Consequence: Pay 37.5% instead of 35% + 1Β’/kg.
β Error 2: Declaring "Refined Herring Oil" as "Fatty Alcohol" (1520.00.00.00)
π Consequence: Penalty + Back Taxes. The product is not a chemical derivative.
β Error 3: Ignoring the 1Β’/kg specific duty
π Consequence: Underpayment. For large shipments, this adds up.
β Error 4: Assuming De Minimis applies to small samples
π Consequence: Seizure or Fine. All herring oil imports from China are denied de minimis.
β Correct Practice:
"Herring Oil, Refined, For Animal Feed/Nutritional Use, Fatty Acid Profile: EPA/DHA X%, Source: Clupea Harengus"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Herring is Specific (1Β’+35%), Fish is General (37.5%). Don't Mix!"
πΉ "USA Surcharges Are Real: 25% + 10% = 35%. Plan Accordingly!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing Herring Oil for human consumption (supplements), ensure FDA Prior Notice is filed.
For animal feed, ensure EPA/FDA compliance for feed ingredients.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Customs Broker + Provide COA & Invoice + Verify HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Minimize Downtime, Protect Margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty Counts!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.