Smoked Salmon
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1604112020 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1604112030 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π£ Smoked Salmon: The Ultimate Customs Classification & Tariff Guide
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Compliance
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Smoked Salmon"?
Smoked salmon is a premium preserved fish product, highly valued in global trade. However, in international customs, "Smoked Salmon" is NOT a standalone HS code. It is classified based on processing method and species.
Crucial Distinction:
- Hot Smoked vs. Cold Smoked: Both fall under "Prepared or Preserved Fish."
- Whole/Chunks vs. Minced: Must be specified.
- Species: Salmon type (e.g., Pink/Humpie, Sockeye) matters for specific sub-codes.
β οΈ Key Classification Point:
- If the product is smoked, packed in oil, and in airtight containers β It falls under Chapter 16 (Prepared Fish).
- If it is freshly smoked but not in oil/airtight β It may fall under Chapter 03 (Fresh/Chilled/Smoked Fish), but the provided data focuses on Chapter 16 (Prepared/Preserved in Oil).
Based on the provided , we are dealing with Smoked Salmon in Oil, in Airtight Containers, classified under HS Code 1604.11.20.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1604.11.20.20 | Salmon: In oil, in airtight containers; Pink (Humpie) | Smoked Pink Salmon packed in oil, sealed tins/jars | β
Pink Salmon β In Oil β Airtight |
| 1604.11.20.30 | Salmon: In oil, in airtight containers; Sockeye | Smoked Sockeye Salmon packed in oil, sealed tins/jars | β
Sockeye Salmon β In Oil β Airtight |
π Important Note:
- "Smoked" is implied in these codes as part of "Prepared or preserved fish."
- "Pink (Humpie)" and "Sockeye" are specific salmon species. You MUST know the species to choose the correct code.
- "In oil, in airtight containers" is mandatory. If the product is vacuum-packed but not in oil, or if itβs not airtight (e.g., bulk smoked salmon), these codes may NOT apply.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rates Explained (Inclusive of Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed for surtax calculation)
β Effective Date: Current as of 2026 tariff schedule
π― 1. 1604.11.20.20 ββ Smoked Pink Salmon in Oil, Airtight Containers
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% |
| Surtax (Section 301 / IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 6.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 6.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Prepared fish is generally not eligible for de minimis for high-value items, but specifically, the data shows no surtax, making it low risk if declared correctly) |
| Legal Basis | USITC Subheading 1604.11.20.20 |
π Explanation:
- Pink (Humpie) Salmon has a 6% base tariff.
- No additional surtax is applied to this specific sub-code in the provided data. This makes it significantly cheaper than many other prepared fish products.
π― 2. 1604.11.20.30 ββ Smoked Sockeye Salmon in Oil, Airtight Containers
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Surtax (Section 301 / IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (but rate is already 0%) |
| Legal Basis | USITC Subheading 1604.11.20.30 |
π Explanation:
- Sockeye Salmon in oil, airtight containers has a 0% base tariff.
- No surtax applies. This is a duty-free entry for this specific product category.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls in Real Operations)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Smoked Pink/Sockeye Salmon, in oil, in airtight containers." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify net/gross weight, number of containers, and oil weight vs. fish weight if possible. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Crucial for proving origin (e.g., Canada, Russia, Chile) to avoid misclassification. |
| β FDA Prior Notice | βοΈ | Required for all food products imported into the US. |
| β Labeling Compliance | βοΈ | Must meet US FDA labeling requirements (ingredients, allergens, net weight, country of origin). |
| β Species Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state "Pink (Humpie)" or "Sockeye" to avoid customs audits. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Species Matters, Oil & Airtight, 0% for Sockeye, 6% for Pink!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked Pink Salmon in oil, sealed tin | 1604.11.20.20 |
Declare as general "Salmon" β Risk of reclassification & penalty |
| Smoked Sockeye Salmon in oil, sealed tin | 1604.11.20.30 |
Declare as "Fish Fillets" β 0% vs 6% difference |
| Smoked Salmon Vacuum-Packed (No Oil) | NOT 1604.11.20 | Must use different code (e.g., 1604.14 or 03.11) β Incorrect declaration |
| Smoked Salmon Loose/Bulk | NOT 1604.11.20 | Must use different code |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Species Containers | If a container has both Pink and Sockeye, separate shipments or declare the higher tariff rate for the entire lot to avoid penalties. |
| Oil Content Not Specified | If the invoice does not specify "in oil," customs may reclassify as "Smoked Salmon not in oil," which could have a different HS code and potentially higher duties. |
| Wild vs. Farmed | HS codes 1604.11.20.20 and .30 do not distinguish between wild and farmed. Both are eligible for the same tariff rate. |
| Labeling Errors | FDA-compliant labels are mandatory. Non-compliance leads to refusal of entry, not just customs issues. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1604.11.20.20 / .30 |
6% (Pink) / 0% (Sockeye) | FDA, USDA | No surtax for these codes |
| π¨π³ China | 1604.13 (Prepared Fish) | Varies | CIQ | Different classification system |
| πͺπΊ EU | 1604 13 30 (Smoked Salmon) | 9% + Duty-Free Quota | EFSA | Strict labeling & traceability |
| π¬π§ UK | 1604 13 30 | 9% | FSA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π―π΅ Japan | 1604.14.000 | 5% - 10% | FSC | Stricter inspection |
π Conclusion:
- The US offers 0% duty on Sockeye Salmon in oil, airtight containers, making it the most favorable market for this specific product.
- Pink Salmon incurs a 6% duty, still relatively low compared to other prepared foods.
- Always specify "in oil" and "airtight containers" to qualify for these codes.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Smoked Salmon" without specifying "in oil" or "airtight"
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify under a different code with higher duties or require additional documentation.
β Error 2: Confusing "Pink" and "Sockeye" species
π Consequence: Incorrect tariff application (6% vs 0%). If under-declared, back taxes and penalties apply.
β Error 3: Ignoring FDA labeling requirements
π Consequence: Product refused entry at US ports, even if customs duties are correctly paid.
β Error 4: Using "Vacuum-Sealed" instead of "Airtight Containers in Oil"
π Consequence: Vacuum-sealed without oil may fall under Chapter 03 (Smoked Fish) or 1604.14 (Other prepared fish), with different tariff rates.
β Correct Approach:
"Smoked Pink Salmon, canned in oil, airtight container, FDA-compliant label, Country of Origin: Canada."
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings, Risk Reduction
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Species First: Sockeye = 0%, Pink = 6%"
πΉ "Oil + Airtight = Chapter 16; No Oil = Chapter 03"
πΉ "FDA Labeling is Non-Negotiable!"
π Pro Tip:
- Sockeye Salmon is duty-free in the US under this specific classification.
- Pink Salmon has a low 6% duty.
- Always verify species and packaging before shipping.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker.
π Ensure FDA labeling compliance.
π Declare species and packaging method accurately.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Bottom Line Depends on Precise Tariff Application!
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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.