Trans Fatty Acid Fish Oil
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🐟 Trans Fatty Acid Fish Oil (Clarified: Omega-3 vs. Trans Fat Content)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Strategy
⚠️ Critical Clarification First: Commercially, "Trans Fatty Acid Fish Oil" is a misnomer. High-quality Fish Oil (used for supplements or food) is rich in Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) and is specifically refined to remove trans fats. Trans fats are generally considered impurities or degradation products in fish oil.
However, if the product is hydrogenated fish oil (partially hydrogenated oils containing trans fats) or if the user is asking about Fish Oil containing trace trans fats, the classification depends on the primary purpose and state of refinement.
Below is the guide based on the two most likely scenarios: 1. High-Quality Refined Fish Oil (Low/Negligible Trans Fat, intended for health/supplement). 2. Industrial/Partially Hydrogenated Fish Oil (High Trans Fat, intended for industrial use or lower-grade food).
📌 Key Distinction Point:
- If the oil is refined for human consumption (supplements/food) with low trans fat content (<0.5g/serving) → HS 1504.20
- If the oil is hydrogenated or intended for non-food/industrial use, or has high trans fat due to processing → HS 1518.00 or 1504.20 (depending on final use)
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Trans Fat Content |
|---|---|---|---|
1504.20.00.00 |
Fish or marine mammal oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified | Refined Fish Oil for human consumption (supplements, cooking) | Low (<1%) |
1504.20.90.00 |
Other fish oils, not chemically modified | Crude/Unrefined Fish Oil or industrial-grade fish oil | Varies |
1518.00.90.00 |
Animal or vegetable oils and their fractions, boiled, oxidized, dehydrated, sulphurized, blown, polymerized by heat in vacuum or in inert gas or otherwise chemically modified (e.g., Hydrogenated) | Partially Hydrogenated Fish Oil (contains significant Trans Fats) | High (>5%) |
2106.90.90.00 |
Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included | Fortified Supplements (Fish oil mixed with other ingredients) | N/A |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- Fish Oil for Health Supplements is almost always classified under 1504.20. The "Trans Fatty Acid" label in your query likely refers to a lab test result or a misleading marketing term.
- If the oil has been hydrogenated to increase shelf life or texture, it becomes chemically modified → HS 1518.00.
- Trans Fats themselves are not a separate HS category; they are a component. The process determines the code.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (USA Import from China)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025 November 10 onwards
🎯 1. 1504.20.00.00 —— Refined Fish Oil (Standard Supplement/Food Grade)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% (for China/HK products, from 2025 Nov 10) |
| Total Tariff | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:1504.20.00.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- Fish oil (refined) falls under Chapter 15 (Animal/Vegetable Fats/Oils).
- 35% Total Duty is significant. This is a high-cost import.
- Trans Fat Content: If the product is labeled "Trans Fat Free" or has <0.5g/serving, it remains under 1504.20. If it has high trans fats due to hydrogenation, it may be reclassified.
🎯 2. 1518.00.90.00 —— Chemically Modified Fish Oil (Hydrogenated/Trans-Fat Heavy)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:1518.00.90.00 |
📌 Note:
- If the fish oil is hydrogenated (to create trans fats for texture/shelf-life), it moves to 1518.00.
- Same 35% rate, but different regulatory scrutiny (trans fat labeling requirements under FDA are stricter for modified oils).
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | ✔️ | Must show Trans Fatty Acid content (e.g., <0.1g/serving) |
| ✅ Formula/Ingredients List | ✔️ | Detailed breakdown of Omega-3, EPA, DHA, and any additives |
| ✅ Production Process Description | ✔️ | Must state if Hydrogenated or R refined. If hydrogenated, flag as 1518.00 |
| ✅ FDA Prior Notice | ✔️ | Required for all food/dietary supplements entering the US |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state "Fish Oil, Refined, Not Hydrogenated" (if applicable) |
| ✅ Origin Certificate | ✔️ | Proof of Chinese origin for tariff application |
| ✅ FDA Registration | ✔️ | Facility must be registered with FDA |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 “Check the Process, Declare the State, Label the Trans Fat!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Refined Fish Oil (Low Trans Fat) | HS 1504.20.00.00“Refined Fish Oil, RBD, For Human Consumption” |
Calling it “Hydrogenated Oil” → HS 1518.00 (Same tariff, different scrutiny) |
| Hydrogenated Fish Oil (High Trans Fat) | HS 1518.00.90.00“Partially Hydrogenated Fish Oil” |
Calling it “Refined Fish Oil” → Misclassification Risk |
| Softgel Capsules (Supplement) | HS 2106.90.90.00 or 1504.20.00.00 |
Declaring as “Pharmaceutical” → HS 3004 (Requires NDA/Drug Approval) |
| Fish Oil Powder (Mixed with Maltodextrin) | HS 2106.90.90.00 |
Declaring as pure oil → Under/Over-valuation Risk |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| “Trans Fat Free” Labeling | Ensure COA shows <0.5g/serving. If >0.5g, must label “Contains Trans Fat” → FDA rejection risk |
| FDA Compliance | Fish oil as a Dietary Supplement requires DSHEA compliance. Must be listed in FDA’s FFD&C Act |
| Heavy Metal Testing | Mercury, Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium must be tested. Provide Third-Party Lab Report (e.g., Eurofins, SGS) |
| Oxidation Value | High oxidation = rancid fish oil. Must meet Peroxide Value < 5 for import |
🌍 V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 1504.20.00.00 |
35% | FDA + GMP | High Tariff. Strict Trans Fat Labeling |
| 🇨🇳 China | 1504.20.00.00 |
9% | GB Standard | No additional tariffs |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 1504.20.00 |
0% | EFSA + REACH | Trans Fat <2g/100g allowed in supplements |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 1504.20.00 |
0% | FSA | Post-Brexit, same as EU |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 1504.20.00 |
0% | FOSHU | Specific Health Food approval needed for claims |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the only major market with 35% tariff on Chinese Fish Oil.
- Trans Fat Content is a FDA labeling issue, not a tariff issue, unless it changes the chemical modification status (HS 1518 vs 1504).
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
❌ Error 1: Declaring Hydrogenated Fish Oil as Refined Fish Oil (1504.20 instead of 1518.00)
👉 Consequence: Misclassification. FDA may flag for “Undeclared Hydrogenation” → Detention + Rejection.
❌ Error 2: Ignoring Trans Fat Labeling (if >0.5g/serving)
👉 Consequence: FDA Warning Letter + Product Recall.
❌ Error 3: Not providing COA for Trans Fats
👉 Consequence: Customs may assume high trans fat → Higher scrutiny → Delay.
❌ Error 4: Declaring as Pharmaceutical (3004) without NDA
👉 Consequence: Import Ban. Fish oil is a Supplement, not a drug (unless approved).
✅ Correct Practice:
“Refined Fish Oil, Omega-3 Rich, EPA/DHA 60%, Trans Fat <0.1g/serving, RBD, For Dietary Supplement Use, FDA Registered Facility, COA Attached”
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Safe Clearance, Cost Optimization!
🎯 Remember the Mnemonic:
🔹 “Refined is 1504, Hydrogenated is 1518, Both 35% Tariff”
🔹 “Check Trans Fat Label, Avoid FDA Trouble”
🔹 “COA is Key, Prevents Delay!”
📌 Pro Tip:
If your fish oil is originating from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may apply for IEEPA Exemption, reducing tariff to 0%~5%.
Recommend Advance Ruling from CBP to confirm HS Code (1504.20 vs 1518.00) based on your Hydrogenation Process.
📣 Take Action Now:
📞 Contact Professional Customs Broker + Provide COA + Apply for CBP Advance Ruling
🚀 Ensure your Fish Oil, Smooth Clearance, Efficient Export, Profit Maximized!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Penny of Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
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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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.