HS Heading 1604 : Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs
HEADING DEFINITION & DISAMBIGUATION
HS Heading 1604 encompasses prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs. It classifies 12 6-digit WCO subheadings within Chapter 16 under the Harmonized System [USITC HTS 2026].
Subheadings Under Heading 1604
| HS Code | WCO 6-Digit Subheading Description | Chapter | Operational Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1604.11 | Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, Salmon | 16 | View 1604.11 Package → |
| 1604.12 | Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, Herrings | 16 | View 1604.12 Package → |
| 1604.13 | Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, Sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats | 16 | View 1604.13 Package → |
| 1604.14 | Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, Tunas, skipjack tuna and bonito (Sarda spp.) | 16 | View 1604.14 Package → |
| 1604.15 | Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, Mackerel | 16 | View 1604.15 Package → |
| 1604.16 | Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, Anchovies | 16 | View 1604.16 Package → |
| 1604.17 | Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, Eels | 16 | View 1604.17 Package → |
| 1604.18 | Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, Shark fins | 16 | View 1604.18 Package → |
| 1604.19 | Fish, whole or in pieces, but not minced, Other (including yellowtail) | 16 | View 1604.19 Package → |
| 1604.20 | Other prepared or preserved fish | 16 | View 1604.20 Package → |
| 1604.31 | Caviar and caviar substitutes, Caviar | 16 | View 1604.31 Package → |
| 1604.32 | Caviar and caviar substitutes, Caviar substitutes | 16 | View 1604.32 Package → |
DISAMBIGUATION & CLASSIFICATION GUIDE
How to Select the Correct Subheading Under Heading 1604
Commercial shipments must be declared under the exact 6-digit WCO subheading that matches physical, chemical, or processing characteristics. Review the subheading descriptions above and verify against binding CBP CROSS rulings prior to entry filing.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Heading 1604 ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
CBP e-Rulings database for Heading 1604 precedent rulings.
WCO Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization Harmonized System 2022 nomenclature standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau HTS-to-NAICS concordance and Schedule B export database.
Heading 1604 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commercial articles are grouped under HS Heading 1604?
HS Heading 1604 covers Prepared or preserved fish; caviar and caviar substitutes prepared from fish eggs, grouping 12 6-digit WCO subheadings.
How are 6-digit subheadings structured under Heading 1604?
Subheadings under Heading 1604 range from 1604.11 to 1604.90, classifying goods by processing state, origin, or material composition.
What is the representative US import duty rate for Heading 1604?
US MFN general duty rates for Heading 1604 commodities range from Duty-Free up to representative ad valorem percentages under the 2026 US HTS.
Are Section 301 tariffs applicable to goods under Heading 1604?
Section 301 additional tariffs depend on the specific 8-digit or 10-digit US HTS code and country of origin (e.g. China Lists 1–4A).
What PGA message set flags apply to Heading 1604?
Partner Government Agency flags (FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA) apply depending on the specific commodity sub-classification.
How do I distinguish between subheadings under Heading 1604?
Review WCO subheading terms and candidate descriptions. For example, unroasted vs. roasted or decaffeinated vs. non-decaffeinated.
Can goods under Heading 1604 enter duty-free under USMCA?
Yes. Goods originating in USMCA territories (US, Mexico, Canada) enter duty-free under SPI code P with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Heading 1604?
Eligible import shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal customs entry of Heading 1604?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer get a binding CBP classification ruling for Heading 1604?
Importers may apply for a binding ruling via CBP National Commodity Specialist Division under 19 CFR Part 177.