Frozen Nile Perch Fillets

Portugal functions as a processing and re-export hub: raw or semi-processed Nile perch caught in East African lakes (primarily Lake Victoria) is shipped to European processing facilities, then re-exported to the US. The country of export for customs purposes is Portugal, even though the fish originates elsewhere. Importers should verify country-of-origin labeling requirements under COOL rules, which require disclosure of the harvest origin, not just the last country of export.

No. The US tariff schedule consolidates all frozen Nile perch fillets under a single 10-digit line (0304630000) regardless of whether the fillets are skin-on or skinless. Classification distinctions that apply to other white-fish species — such as separate lines for skinned fillets in frozen blocks exceeding 4.5 kg — do not exist for this species at the 10-digit level.

Importers must file a Prior Notice with FDA before the shipment arrives and ensure the foreign processor is registered as a food facility. The importer of record is also responsible for maintaining HACCP records demonstrating hazard controls for the product. FDA may conduct physical examination or sampling at the port of entry, particularly for species with a history of prior detention.