HS Code 0303.53 : Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), anchovies (Engraulis spp.), sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), Indian mackerels (Rastrelliger spp.), seerfishes (Scomberomorus spp.), jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), jacks, crevalles (Caranx spp.), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), silver pomfrets (Pampus spp.), Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), scads (Decapterus spp.), capelin (Mallotus villosus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis), bonitos (Sarda spp.), marlins, sailfishes, spearfish (Istiophoridae), excluding edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99, Sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus)
MODULE 2: EXTRACTABLE ANSWER (AEO / SPEAKABLE)
EN (Official WCO)
FR (Pending)
ES (Pending)
The 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for herrings (clupea harengus, clupea pallasii), anchovies (engraulis spp.), sardines (sardina pilchardus, sardinops spp.), sardinella (sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (sprattus sprattus), mackerel (scomber scombrus, scomber australasicus, scomber japonicus), indian mackerels (rastrelliger spp.), seerfishes (scomberomorus spp.), jack and horse mackerel (trachurus spp.), jacks, crevalles (caranx spp.), cobia (rachycentron canadum), silver pomfrets (pampus spp.), pacific saury (cololabis saira), scads (decapterus spp.), capelin (mallotus villosus), swordfish (xiphias gladius), kawakawa (euthynnus affinis), bonitos (sarda spp.), marlins, sailfishes, spearfish (istiophoridae), excluding edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99, sardines (sardina pilchardus, sardinops spp.), sardinella (sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (sprattus sprattus) is 0303.53. Under the 2026 Australia (ABF), the representative MFN general duty rate is 5.00% [ABF Working Tariff 2026].
MODULE 3: SIGNATURE A: HS DECODE VISUAL HIERARCHY
Subheading .53
.53
Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), anchovies (Engraulis spp.), sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), Indian mackerels (Rastrelliger spp.), seerfishes (Scomberomorus spp.), jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), jacks, crevalles (Caranx spp.), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), silver pomfrets (Pampus spp.), Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), scads (Decapterus spp.), capelin (Mallotus villosus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis), bonitos (Sarda spp.), marlins, sailfishes, spearfish (Istiophoridae), excluding edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99, Sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus)
MODULE 4: SIGNATURE B: TARIFF MATRIX
Import Duty Rates by Destination
8-DIGIT AU WORKING TARIFF CODE
0303.53.00
ABF Working Tariff Schedule
Customs Authority
Australian Border Force
ICS Electronic Clearance
De Minimis (LVT)
AUD $1,000
Low-Value Threshold
Advance Ruling System
ABF Tariff Advice System
Part XVI Customs Act 1901
TRACK THIS HS CODE
Get Real-Time Tariff & Trade Remedy Change Alerts for HS 0303.53
Receive an automated email notification whenever the ABF publishes duty rate adjustments or customs notices for 0303.53.
MODULE 6: Mandatory Customs Entry Document Matrix
Rule-Derived Customs Entry Package Checklist
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Commercial Invoice
Itemized description, currency, Incoterms, seller/buyer details, and country of origin.
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Packing List & Bill of Lading
Gross/net weight, container/seal numbers, piece count, and transport B/L or Air Waybill.
AGENCY-CONDITIONAL (PGA)
FDA Prior Notice / USDA Phytosanitary Cert
Rule-derived from verified PGA flag: Mandatory prior notice filing and health certificate.
MODULE 7: Regulatory Compliance & Partner Government Agency (PGA) Flags
ACE PGA Message-Set Flags:
FDA (FOO): Prior Notice (PN) + Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)NOAA (SIM): Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) Catch Certificate
Official ACE program code: ACE/PGA [FDA 21 CFR 1.276].
MODULE 8: Australian Trade Remedies (Anti-Dumping Commission) & Safeguards
Anti-Dumping Commission (ADC) Status
Standard Working Tariff
Australian Anti-Dumping Commission [ADC]
MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)
| Agreement Code | Trade Agreement / Program | Preferential Rate | Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement |
|---|
MODULE 10: Logistics, Freight & Transport Specifications
Standard 20ft Container
~28 CBM / 28,000 kg Payload
Standard 40ft High-Cube
~68 CBM / 28,600 kg Payload
Stowage Factor & Handling
Standard commercial packaging for Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), anchovies (Engraulis spp.), sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), Indian mackerels (Rastrelliger spp.), seerfishes (Scomberomorus spp.), jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), jacks, crevalles (Caranx spp.), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), silver pomfrets (Pampus spp.), Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), scads (Decapterus spp.), capelin (Mallotus villosus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis), bonitos (Sarda spp.), marlins, sailfishes, spearfish (Istiophoridae), excluding edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99, Sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus)
MODULE 11: Australian Border Force Tariff Advice Rulings
Legally binding tariff classification decisions issued by the Australian Border Force (ABF), Part XVI Customs Act 1901 for HS 0303.53.
Query official ABF Tariff Advice classification rulings:
Search Official ABF Tariff Advice Database for 0303.53 →ABF Australian 8-Digit Working Tariff Lines (0303.53)
| Commodity Code | Description | Duty Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), anchovies (Engraulis spp.), sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), Indian mackerels (Rastrelliger spp.), seerfishes (Scomberomorus spp.), jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), jacks, crevalles (Caranx spp.), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), silver pomfrets (Pampus spp.), Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), scads (Decapterus spp.), capelin (Mallotus villosus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis), bonitos (Sarda spp.), marlins, sailfishes, spearfish (Istiophoridae), excluding edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99, Sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus) | 5.00% | — |
MODULE 12: Candidate Subheadings & Related Codes
| Related HS Code | Heading Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0303.11 | Subheading under Heading 0303 | Compare Subheading 0303.11 → |
| 0303.12 | Subheading under Heading 0303 | Compare Subheading 0303.12 → |
| 0303.13 | Subheading under Heading 0303 | Compare Subheading 0303.13 → |
| 0303.14 | Subheading under Heading 0303 | Compare Subheading 0303.14 → |
| 0303.19 | Subheading under Heading 0303 | Compare Subheading 0303.19 → |
| 0303.23 | Subheading under Heading 0303 | Compare Subheading 0303.23 → |
| 0303.24 | Subheading under Heading 0303 | Compare Subheading 0303.24 → |
| 0303.25 | Subheading under Heading 0303 | Compare Subheading 0303.25 → |
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
Australian Border Force Working Tariff 2026 ↗
Official Australian 8-digit Working Tariff items and General duty rates.
DAFF Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) ↗
Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry biosecurity requirements.
MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide
What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and Australia (ABF) general duty for Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), anchovies (Engraulis spp.), sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), Indian mackerels (Rastrelliger spp.), seerfishes (Scomberomorus spp.), jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), jacks, crevalles (Caranx spp.), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), silver pomfrets (Pampus spp.), Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), scads (Decapterus spp.), capelin (Mallotus villosus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis), bonitos (Sarda spp.), marlins, sailfishes, spearfish (Istiophoridae), excluding edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99, Sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus)?
Under WCO Harmonized System 2022 and Australia (ABF), Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), anchovies (Engraulis spp.), sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), Indian mackerels (Rastrelliger spp.), seerfishes (Scomberomorus spp.), jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), jacks, crevalles (Caranx spp.), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), silver pomfrets (Pampus spp.), Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), scads (Decapterus spp.), capelin (Mallotus villosus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis), bonitos (Sarda spp.), marlins, sailfishes, spearfish (Istiophoridae), excluding edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99, Sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus) is classified under HS 0303.53 (Heading 0303, Chapter 03). The representative AU MFN general duty rate is 5.00%.
How is HS 0303.53 distinguished within Heading 0303 (Fish, frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304)?
Heading 0303 covers Fish, frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Subheading 0303.53 specifically isolates Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), anchovies (Engraulis spp.), sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), Indian mackerels (Rastrelliger spp.), seerfishes (Scomberomorus spp.), jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), jacks, crevalles (Caranx spp.), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), silver pomfrets (Pampus spp.), Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), scads (Decapterus spp.), capelin (Mallotus villosus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis), bonitos (Sarda spp.), marlins, sailfishes, spearfish (Istiophoridae), excluding edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99, Sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus). Importers must verify whether physical characteristics, processing state, or composition require alternative subheadings under Heading 0303.
What are the primary candidate subheadings related to HS 0303.53?
Related subheadings under Heading 0303 include 0303.11, 0303.12, 0303.13, 0303.14, 0303.19, 0303.23, 0303.24, 0303.25. Classification depends on processing stage, decaffeination, purity, or material form.
What mandatory commercial entry documents are required to import Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), anchovies (Engraulis spp.), sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), Indian mackerels (Rastrelliger spp.), seerfishes (Scomberomorus spp.), jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), jacks, crevalles (Caranx spp.), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), silver pomfrets (Pampus spp.), Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), scads (Decapterus spp.), capelin (Mallotus villosus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis), bonitos (Sarda spp.), marlins, sailfishes, spearfish (Istiophoridae), excluding edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99, Sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus) into Australia?
Importers require an ABF Full Import Declaration (FID) via ICS portal, Australian Business Number (ABN), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and DAFF biosecurity clearance where applicable.
Can goods under HS 0303.53 enter duty-free under FTAs into Australia?
Yes. Goods originating in US (AUSFTA), China (ChAFTA), Japan (JAEPA), Korea (KAFTA), UK (A-UKFTA), India (AI-ECTA), or CPTPP/RCEP enter Australia duty-free or at concessional rates.
What is the Australian customs duty de minimis threshold for Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), anchovies (Engraulis spp.), sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber australasicus, Scomber japonicus), Indian mackerels (Rastrelliger spp.), seerfishes (Scomberomorus spp.), jack and horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), jacks, crevalles (Caranx spp.), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), silver pomfrets (Pampus spp.), Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), scads (Decapterus spp.), capelin (Mallotus villosus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis), bonitos (Sarda spp.), marlins, sailfishes, spearfish (Istiophoridae), excluding edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99, Sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus)?
Consignments with a Customs Value of AUD $1,000 or less enter Australia duty-free. Low-value B2C imports are subject to 10% GST under vendor registration rules.
How can an importer obtain an ABF Tariff Advice ruling for HS 0303.53 in Australia?
Importers or customs brokers may lodge an application for an ABF Tariff Advice under Part XVI of the Customs Act 1901 for a legally binding tariff classification decision.
What DAFF BICON biosecurity controls apply to food/agricultural goods under HS 0303.53 in Australia?
Imports of food, plant, or animal products under Chapter 03 into Australia require compliance with DAFF BICON biosecurity import conditions and phytosanitary inspection.
How is Australian GST calculated on imports of HS 0303.53?
Australia levies 10.00% GST on the Value of the Taxable Importation = customs value + customs duty + international transport + insurance. There is no US-style MPF/HMF.
What is the ABN and import declaration requirement in Australia?
Commercial importers require an Australian Business Number (ABN) and lodge an ABF Full Import Declaration (FID) via the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
What DAFF biosecurity (BICON) controls apply to HS 0303.53 in Australia?
Imports must satisfy Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) BICON biosecurity import conditions; food, plant, and animal products require inspection and clearance.
What Australian anti-dumping or countervailing measures apply to HS 0303.53?
Importers must verify whether measures administered by the Anti-Dumping Commission apply to their specific country of origin.
How do Australian FTA preferences (AUSFTA, ChAFTA, CPTPP) apply to HS 0303.53?
Qualifying originating goods from FTA partners enter duty-free or at concessional rates with a valid Certificate/Declaration of Origin meeting the relevant Rules of Origin.
Are there entry processing fees or harbor taxes in Australia?
Beyond customs duty and 10% GST, an Import Processing Charge applies to declarations above the AUD $1,000 low-value threshold; there is no US-style MPF/HMF.
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