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 United Kingdom (UKGT), the representative MFN general duty rate is 12.00 % [HMRC Trade 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
United Kingdom (UK Global Tariff / UKGT 2026)
0303539000
MODULE 5: UK IMPORT DUTY & VAT BREAKDOWN
UK Customs De Minimis
£135.00
Duty-free threshold
Notice: UK import duties and VAT are governed by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Always verify declarable 10-digit commodity codes and preference eligibility before customs lodgement.
TRACK THIS HS CODE
Get Real-Time Tariff & Trade Remedy Change Alerts for HS 0303.53
Receive an automated email notification whenever HMRC 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: UK Trade Remedies (TRA) & Safeguards
UK TRA Anti-Dumping Status
Standard UKGT Tariff
UK Steel Safeguards
Exempt (Non-Steel Commodity)
DEFRA / MHRA Control Status
Standard Statutory Clearance
MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)
| Agreement Code | Trade Agreement / Program | Preferential Rate | Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCA | UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement | Free | Must satisfy UK-EU Statement on Origin and product-specific rules. |
| AUS | UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement | Free | Direct origin proof or tariff shift requirement. |
| CPTPP | Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership | Free | CPTPP Certificate of Origin and regional value content rule. |
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: UK Advanced Tariff Rulings (ATaR)
Legally binding classification rulings issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for HS 0303.53.
Query the official HMRC Advanced Tariff Rulings (ATaR) database:
Search HMRC Trade Tariff Database for 0303.53 →UKGT Declarable Commodity Lines (0303.53)
| HTS Code | Description | General Rate | Special (FTA) Rate | Column 2 Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0303.53.00.00 | 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) | 1.1¢/kg | Free (A*,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) | 2.2¢/kg | kg |
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
HMRC Trade Tariff Service (UKGT 2026) ↗
Official UK 10-digit commodity codes and UKGT MFN duty rates.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Customs Declarations ↗
UK customs entry guidance and CDS procedures.
MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide
What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and United Kingdom (UKGT) 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 United Kingdom (UKGT), 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 UK MFN general duty rate is 12.00 %.
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 the United Kingdom?
Importers require a Commercial Invoice (detailing Incoterms and origin), Packing List, Bill of Lading (or Air Waybill), HMRC Customs Declaration Service (CDS) entry declaration (or Single Administrative Document / SAD), active EORI number, and proof of origin.
Can goods under HS 0303.53 enter duty-free under UK Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in EU Member States, US, Japan, Australia, or CPTPP countries enter duty-free or under reduced tariff rates provided they satisfy Rules of Origin with an official Statement on Origin.
What is the UK customs duty de minimis threshold for shipments of 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)?
Shipments imported into Great Britain with an intrinsic value of £135 or less enter customs duty-free under UKGT rules, though 20.00% import VAT remains payable.
How can an importer obtain an official UK Advanced Tariff Ruling (ATaR) for HS 0303.53?
Importers may apply to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for an Advanced Tariff Ruling (ATaR). An ATaR provides legally binding tariff classification for 3 years across the United Kingdom.
What UK DEFRA sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls apply to HS 0303.53?
Food and plant products in Chapter 03 imported into Great Britain require pre-notification via IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System) and official phytosanitary/health certification.
What import VAT rate applies to HS 0303.53 in the United Kingdom?
Standard UK import VAT is 20.00%, calculated on total landed CIF cost (Customs Value + Freight/Insurance + UKGT Import Duty). Reduced or zero rates apply to specific statutory essential goods.
What is the UK EORI registration requirement for commercial imports under HS 0303.53?
All businesses importing goods into Great Britain require a UK EORI number starting with 'GB' (registered via HMRC Government Gateway) for CDS customs entry declarations.
How does UK Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) work for imports of HS 0303.53?
Under UK PVA rules, UK VAT-registered importers can account for and recover import VAT on their standard VAT return rather than paying upfront at the port of entry.
What UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) safeguarding or anti-dumping duties apply?
Importers must verify whether specific trade remedies (anti-dumping or countervailing measures) published by the UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) apply to their originating country.
What prohibited or restricted goods controls apply to HS 0303.53 in the UK?
Certain commodities under HS 0303.53 require import licenses or phytosanitary inspections from DEFRA, MHRA, or the UK Environment Agency prior to UK customs release.
Are there entry processing fees or harbor taxes in the UK?
No. The United Kingdom does not charge additional entry processing fees or harbor taxes beyond standard UKGT customs duties and applicable import VAT. Customs declarations are processed via HMRC CDS.