Frozen Blue Whiting (Whole/Dressed, Excluding Fillets, Livers & Roe)

Classification under 030368 is species-specific: only Micromesistius poutassou and Micromesistius australis qualify. Other species commonly called 'whiting' — such as Merluccius spp. — classify under different headings. Importers should include the scientific name on commercial invoices to avoid misclassification and potential delays.

Both end uses occur. Whole frozen blue whiting is used as a raw material for surimi and fish sticks in food manufacturing, and also as a feedstock for fishmeal and fish oil production. The intended end use does not change the HTS classification but may affect FDA registration requirements for the foreign facility.