Salted Clams
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🌊 Salted Clams (Salted Molluscs, Prepared or Preserved)
🌐 HS Code & Tariff Guide | 2026 Customs Classification & Duty Breakdown | Expert Import Strategy
📌 One Product, One HS Code, One Tax Path — No Guesswork!
📦 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Salted Clams"?
Salted Clams are molluscs (specifically bivalves such as Mercenaria mercenaria or Spisula solidissima) that have been preserved using salt — either through dry salting, brine soaking, or a combination — to extend shelf life and enhance flavor. These are not live, fresh, frozen, or smoked clams; they are previously processed and preserved.
⚠️ Key Classification Rule:
- If the clams are preserved by salt (dry or brine) and not prepared with vinegar or acetic acid, they fall under HS Code 1605.56.30.00 — not under 0307.99 (live/fresh/frozen). - If they were smoked, they would fall under 1605.56.60.00 — but salted ≠ smoked.🔍 Critical Distinction:
- Salted → 1605.56.30.00
- Smoked → 1605.56.60.00
- Live/Fresh/Frozen/Dried/Salted in Brine → 0307.99 (but not "prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid")
📊 II. HS Code Breakdown (2026 Official Tariff List)
| HS Code | Product Description | Tax Applicable | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
1605.56.30.00 |
Crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved: Molluscs: Clams, cockles and arkshells: Other: Clams: Other | ✅ Yes | Specifically for salted clams |
1605.56.60.00 |
Same as above: Other: Other (e.g., smoked clams) | ✅ Yes | Not applicable to salted clams |
0307.99 |
Molluscs, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine | ❌ No | Only for unprepared or brine-preserved molluscs — not for salted clams that are "prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid" |
✅ Correct Classification:
Salted Clams →1605.56.30.00
✅ This is the only correct HS Code for salted clams that are not smoked or vinegar-preserved.
💰 III. 2026 Tariff & Tax Breakdown (U.S. Market Only)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (as per USTR 301 Tariff List)
🎯 HS Code: 1605.56.30.00 — Salted Clams (Other Clams)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% | Statutory rate | No standard tariff |
| USITC 301 Tariff | +25.0% | USTR Section 301, List 3 | Applies to all Chinese-origin goods in this category |
| IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) | +10.0% | IEEPA: 9903.01.24 | Applies to China-origin products under national emergency powers |
| Total Effective Duty | 35.0% | — | Sum of all applicable taxes |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35.0% | — | Must include freight, insurance, and cost |
| De Minimis Threshold | ❌ Not applicable | Deny de minimis | No exemption — even small shipments are taxed fully |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:1605.56.30.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
— | Must be documented in commercial invoice |
📌 Explanation:
- 25% USITC Tariff: From the U.S. Trade Representative’s Section 301 investigation into China’s unfair trade practices. - 10% IEEPA Tariff: Imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, targeting goods from China due to national security concerns. - Total: 35% — Very high for a food product. This is not a standard tariff — it’s extraordinary.⚠️ Warning:
- If you misclassify salted clams as 0307.99, you’ll pay 0% base duty but still face the 25% USITC + 10% IEEPA = 35% — same result, but wrong HS Code. - But if you claim 0307.99 and are not a "prepared or preserved" product, you may be audited or penalized for incorrect classification.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips for Success)
✅ 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state: "Salted Clams, Prepared or Preserved, Not Smoked, Not Vinegar-Preserved" |
| ✅ Product Description (Technical) | ✔️ | Include: "Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria), salted via dry method, no vinegar, no smoking" |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Show net weight, gross weight, packaging type |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | Required for tariff claims; if from China → 35% applies |
| ✅ FDA Food Registration (if applicable) | ✔️ | Required for all seafood imports into the U.S. |
| ✅ Lab Test Report (Heavy Metals, Pathogens) | ✔️ | Prevents detention at port |
| ✅ Customs Broker’s Declaration | ✔️ | Must be filed by licensed broker |
✅ 2.申报技巧（申报口诀）
🔥 “Salted ≠ Fresh, Clams ≠ Brine, Prepared ≠ Unprepared — Get the HS Code Right or Pay 35%!”
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Practice | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salted clams (dry or brine) | 1605.56.30.00 |
0307.99 |
Same tax, but wrong classification → audit risk |
| Smoked clams | 1605.56.60.00 |
1605.56.30.00 |
Wrong tax: 25% instead of 35% → underpaid → penalties |
| Clams in brine (not salted) | 0307.99 |
1605.56.30.00 |
Wrong HS Code → higher duty risk |
| Clams with vinegar | 1605.51 |
1605.56.30.00 |
Wrong code → may face higher tariff |
✅ 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Clams are salted but also contain spices or oil | Still 1605.56.30.00 — as long as not vinegar-preserved |
| Clams are vacuum-packed and salted | Still 1605.56.30.00 — not “fresh” or “in brine” |
| Importing from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand | Apply for IEEPA exemption — if origin is not China, tariff may drop to 0% |
| Small shipment (< $800) | ❌ No de minimis relief — 35% still applies |
| Re-export or transit through U.S. | Must declare full tariff — even if not for U.S. consumption |
🌍 V. Global Tariff Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 1605.56.30.00 |
35.0% (China origin) | FDA, HACCP | High risk — IEEPA + USITC |
| 🇨🇳 China | 1605.56.30.00 |
5% | China Food Safety | No extra tariffs |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 1605.56.30.00 |
0% (if from non-China) | CE, HACCP | No additional tariffs |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 1605.56.30.00 |
5% | RCM | No extra taxes |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 1605.56.30.00 |
0% | JAS | No extra tariffs |
📌 Insight:
- Only the U.S. imposes 35% on salted clams from China. - If you're sourcing from Vietnam or Mexico, you can avoid the 35% — switch origin if possible.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Real Cases)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring "Salted Clams" as 0307.99
👉 Result: Taxed at 35% anyway — but wrong HS Code → Customs audit risk → penalties
❌ Mistake 2: Not specifying "not smoked, not vinegar-preserved"
👉 Result: Customs may reclassify as smoked → wrong tax → delay or rejection
❌ Mistake 3: Assuming small shipments are exempt
👉 Result: No de minimis — 35% duty applies even on $100 shipment
❌ Mistake 4: Using "clams in brine" as a synonym for "salted clams"
👉 Result: Misclassification — 0307.99 applies to brine, not salted → risk of penalty
✅ Correct Declaration Example:
"Salted Clams, Mercenaria mercenaria, dry-salted, no vinegar, no smoking, packaged in vacuum pouches, net weight 10 kg, origin: China"
🎯 VII. Final Verdict: Your Move Matters
🔥 "Salted Clams = 1605.56.30.00 = 35% Duty (China origin)"
✅ No exceptions. No loopholes. No mercy.
📣 Action Required: Protect Your Profit & Avoid Disaster
📞 Contact a U.S.-licensed customs broker NOW
📄 Request an HS Code Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) for your salted clams
🌐 Consider shifting origin to Vietnam/Mexico to avoid 35%
📊 Use a tariff calculator with IEEPA + USITC + 301 rules
✨ Pro Tip:
If your salted clams are from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand — you may qualify for 0% tariff.
Apply for Certificate of Origin (CO) and file under 1605.56.30.00 — and save 35% per shipment!
🎯 Remember:
🔹 "Salted ≠ Fresh"
🔹 "Prepared ≠ Unprepared"
🔹 "HS Code = Duty Rate"
🔹 "35% = Real, Not Hypothetical"
💼 Your next shipment could be taxed at 35% — or saved with the right origin and HS Code.
🚀 Don’t gamble. Get it right the first time.
📢 Ready to clear customs like a pro?
✅ Contact your broker.
✅ File for pre-ruling.
✅ Ship with confidence.
🌟 Precision Classification. Zero Risk. Maximum Profit.
📦 Your salted clams deserve nothing less.
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关于 HS 编码归类
协调制度（HS）是由世界海关组织（WCO）制定的国际贸易商品分类标准。全球 200 多个国家采用 HS 系统作为海关关税、贸易统计和进出口监管的基础。
每个 HS 编码遵循以下层级结构：
- 章（2 位）——商品大类（例如：第 84 章：机器和机械设备）
- 品目（4 位）——章内的更具体分类
- 子目（6 位）——国际通用细分，所有 WCO 成员国统一使用
- 本国细分（8-10 位）——各国自行扩展的细分编码，如美国 HTSUS 10 位编码
正确的 HS 编码归类对于顺利通关、准确缴纳关税和遵守贸易法规至关重要。错误归类可能导致海关延误、多缴关税或罚款。
从CN进口到US时，适用的关税税率可能包括：
- 最惠国（MFN）税率——适用于 WTO 成员国的标准关税税率
- 普通税率——适用于无贸易协定国家
- 贸易救济关税——附加关税，如 301 条款（反倾销）、232 条款（国家安全）或反补贴税
本页内容仅供参考。如需正式归类，请咨询当地海关或持牌报关代理。