The heading 0309 applies only to flours, meals, and pellets that are fit for human consumption — meaning they meet food-safety standards and are intended for use in food products. Fish meal destined for animal feed or aquaculture feed classifies in a different chapter (Chapter 23, covering animal feeding preparations). The intended use and the production standards of the foreign facility are the key factors; importers should retain documentation confirming the human-consumption designation.

Fish flours and meals fit for human consumption are used as protein-enriching ingredients in processed foods, dietary supplements, and specialty nutrition products. Crustacean-derived meals — such as shrimp or krill powder — appear in flavoring compounds and functional food formulations. The relatively small trade volume compared to animal-feed fish meal reflects the niche but growing demand in health-food and food-ingredient markets.