Frozen Anchovies (Excluding Fillets, Livers & Roes)

The intended end use does not change the HTS classification of the frozen whole anchovies at the time of import — they enter under 0303590000 regardless of downstream processing. However, if the anchovies are imported already processed into fish sauce or paste, those products would be classified under entirely different HTS headings in chapters 16 or 21. Importers should classify based on the product's condition at the time of entry.

FDA periodically places foreign seafood facilities on import alert based on HACCP violations, filth, or decomposition findings. Vietnam, a leading supplier of frozen anchovies, has had facilities subject to FDA import alerts for various seafood products. Importers should check FDA's import alert database for the specific foreign establishment before placing orders, as shipments from alerted facilities may be detained without physical examination.