cod fish paste
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1604201000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1604200590 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Cod Fish Paste (Pastes of Fish)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Understand "Cod Fish Paste"?
Cod Fish Paste refers to processed fish products where the meat of cod (or other fish) is pounded, mashed, or ground into a smooth, uniform consistency, often mixed with salt, spices, or preservatives. It is not a simple fillet, fillet steak, or canned whole pieces. It falls under the category of "Pastes" prepared from fish.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a smooth, homogenous paste suitable for spreading or mixing β It is "Pastes" (1604.20.10.00).
- If the product contains meat of crustaceans, molluscs, or other aquatic invertebrates (e.g., shrimp paste mixed with fish) β It is "Products containing meat of crustaceans, molluscs..." (1604.20.05.90).
- If it is merely "cooked fish fillets" or "canned fish chunks" β It does NOT qualify as "Paste" and belongs to other headings (e.g., 1604.14, 1604.19, etc.).
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (China Origin to US) |
|---|---|---|---|
1604.20.10.00 |
Pastes of fish (including cod paste) | Smooth fish paste, fish spreads, surimi-based spreads (pure fish) | 25.0% |
1604.20.05.90 |
Other prepared/preserved fish; Products containing meat of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates | Fish paste mixed with shrimp/crab, seafood mixes, prepared meals with fish + shellfish | 30.0% |
π Key Reminder:
- Pure Cod Paste β1604.20.10.00(25% total tax).
- Fish Paste with Shrimp/Crab β1604.20.05.90(30% total tax).
- Do NOT misdeclare "Fish Paste" as "Canned Fish" (e.g., 1604.14) to avoid lower duties; the physical state (paste vs. chunks) dictates the code.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From 2025-11-10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 1604.20.10.00 β Pastes of Fish (e.g., Pure Cod Paste)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25.0% (under USITC Footnote for Section 16) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available (Section 321 de minimis generally excluded for certain food products under scrutiny; confirm specific trade action applicability, but typically high-risk for misclassification) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:1604.20.10.00 β Footnote:25% |
π Explanation:
- "Base Duty 0%" is the standard MFN rate for prepared fish pastes.
- "Additional Duty 25%" is applied due to Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-origin goods in Chapter 16.
- Total 25% is the final landed duty cost.
- Caution: Ensure no shellfish content is present; otherwise, it shifts to 30%.
π― 2. 1604.20.05.90 β Other Prepared Fish (Containing Crustaceans/Molluscs)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Duty | +25.0% (Section 301) |
| Total Tax Rate | 30.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 30% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:1604.20.05.90 β Footnote:25% |
π Note:
- This code applies if your "Cod Fish Paste" contains shrimp, crab, squid, or other invertebrates.
- Even if cod is the main ingredient, the presence of any crustacean/mollusc meat triggers this higher duty category.
- Base duty is higher (5%) than pure paste (0%), plus the same 25% surcharge.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (No Exceptions)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Detailed ingredient list (in %), texture description, net weight |
| β Ingredient Declaration | βοΈ | Crucial: Must explicitly state "100% Fish (Cod)" or "Fish + Shrimp" to justify HS code |
| β Product Photos (Packaging & Contents) | βοΈ | Show label, ingredients, and the paste texture (not chunks) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Cod Fish Paste" or "Prepared Fish Paste," NOT "Canned Fish" |
| β Bill of Lading / Packing List | βοΈ | Ensure weight and piece count match |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To confirm China origin (triggers 25%/30% duties) |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Paste = 25%, Mix = 30%, Chunks = Wrong Code!"
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure cod/paste, smooth texture | 1604.20.10.00 |
Misdeclare as "Canned Fish Fillets" β Risk of seizure |
| Cod paste with shrimp | 1604.20.05.90 |
Declare as "Fish Paste" β Underpayment of 5% |
| Cooked cod chunks (not paste) | Not 1604.20 | Misdeclare as "Paste" β Wrong classification, penalty |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "Surimi" Products | If surimi is processed into a paste form, it may still fall under 1604.20.10.00 if it meets the "paste" definition. Provide texture proof. |
| Fish Sauce/Extract | Not "Paste." Fish sauce is liquid and classified under 2103.90 or 0409.00. Do not confuse. |
| Frozen vs. Canned | Both frozen and shelf-stable pastes fall under 1604.20. Temperature does not change the HS code here. |
| Private Label | Ensure the supplierβs CO matches the shipper. Mismatched origin can lead to duty evasion charges. |
π 5. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 1604.20.10.00 |
25% | FDA Registration + Labeling | High duty; strict ingredient declaration |
| π¨π³ China | 1604.20.10.00 |
0% - 10% | HACCP, ISO | Depends on import policy |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 1604.20.10.00 |
0% - 12% | EU Food Safety Standards | Varies by member state; generally lower than US |
| π―π΅ Japan | 1604.20.10.00 |
0% - 10% | JAS, Food Sanitation Act | Strict origin labeling |
π Conclusion:
- The US imposes the highest effective duty (25%) on pure fish paste due to Section 301 tariffs.
- Misclassification is a major risk: Declaring mixed seafood paste as pure fish paste can lead to penalties for undervaluation.
- FDA Compliance is mandatory for all food imports into the US. Ensure your facility is FDA-registered and labels meet 21 CFR requirements.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Cod Fish Paste" as "Canned Cod" (1604.14)
π Consequence: The HS code is wrong. Customs may audit, assess back duties, and impose fines.
Fix: Ensure the product is truly a paste, not chunks.
β Error 2: Ignoring "Shrimp/Crab" content in a "Seafood Paste"
π Consequence: If the paste contains 5% shrimp, it falls under 1604.20.05.90 (30%), not 1604.20.10.00 (25%).
Fix: Declare accurately. The 5% difference adds up on large volumes.
β Error 3: Using vague descriptions like "Fish Product"
π Consequence: Customs cannot determine the correct code β Delay in clearance, storage fees.
Fix: Use specific terms: "Cooked Cod Paste," "Prepared Fish Paste."
β Correct Declaration Example:
"COD FISH PASTE, COOKED, PASTEURIZED, INGREDIENTS: COD MEAT 95%, SALT 3%, SPICES 2%, NET WT 1KG, MADE IN CHINA, FDA REG NO: XXXXX"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Pure Paste = 25%, Mixed Shellfish = 30%, Vague Name = Delay & Fines!"
πΉ "HS Code decides duty, 5% difference costs thousands, accurate declaration is key!"
π Tips:
- If your cod paste is originating from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may avoid the 25% US additional duty. Check Free Trade Agreement (FTA) eligibility.
- Apply for a Binding Ruling from CBP if you are unsure whether your product is a "paste" or a "prepared meal."
- Ensure FDA Prior Notice is filed before shipment arrival.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide ingredient list + Apply for FDA registration
π Ensure your cod fish paste clears customs smoothly, avoids penalties, and maximizes profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of duty you pay should be legally justified and optimized!
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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.