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HSChapter 03
U.S. imports of frozen sardines, sardinella, brisling & sprats (whole, excluding fillets, livers & roes) (HS 030353) totaled $450K in April 2026, traded with 14 countries.
Importers of Frozen Sardines, Sardinella, Brisling & Sprats (Whole, Excluding Fillets, Livers & Roes) paid $33K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $308K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataSmall pelagic species — sardines (Sardina pilchardus and Sardinops spp.), sardinella, brisling, and sprats — are grouped under a single frozen whole-fish heading, 0303530000, reflecting their similar commercial and processing profiles. Mexico leads US supply, followed by Portugal, with India and Morocco also notable sources — a supplier mix that spans both Atlantic and Pacific fisheries. These species feed the canned seafood, smoked fish, and aquaculture bait industries, and their seasonal catch patterns can create significant supply variability. All shipments require FDA entry review and seafood HACCP documentation from the foreign processor.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Yes — under HTS 0303530000, brisling (Sprattus sprattus) and sprats are classified together with sardines and sardinella as a single tariff line. Importers do not need to distinguish between these species for duty purposes, but commercial invoices should accurately identify the species for FDA entry review and seafood labeling compliance.
Sardine and small pelagic fisheries are highly seasonal and subject to stock fluctuations driven by oceanographic conditions such as El Niño cycles. Importers sourcing from Pacific fisheries (e.g., Mexico) or Mediterranean sources (e.g., Portugal, Morocco) should build lead time and safety stock into procurement plans, as catch closures or quota exhaustion can interrupt supply with limited notice.
Monthly import values over time
Supplier Network
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0303530000 | SARDINES ETC, FROZEN, EXCEPT FILLET, LIVER AND ROE | $450K | 10.62% | $33K |
SARDINES ETC, FROZEN, EXCEPT FILLET, LIVER AND ROE
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0303530000 | SARDINES ETC, FROZEN, EXCEPT FILLET, LIVER AND ROE | $8K |
SARDINES ETC, FROZEN, EXCEPT FILLET, LIVER AND ROE
2.3K kg
SHRIMPS AND PRAWNS, FROZEN, NESOI
HS 030617
PACIFIC, ATLANTIC, DANUBE SALMON FILLET FRESH/CHLL
HS 030441
CRABS, INCLUDING IN SHELL, FROZEN
HS 030614
ATLANTIC SALMON AND DANUBE SALMON FRESH OR CHILLED
HS 030214
PACIFIC, ATLANTIC AND DANUBE SALMON FILLETS FROZEN
HS 030481
FISH FILLETS, FROZEN, NESOI
HS 030489
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $190K | -- | -$190K |
| Massachusetts | $99K | -- | -$99K |
| Maine | $49K | -- | -$49K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTAY MESA, CA | $143K | -- | -$143K |
| NEWARK, NJ | $78K | -- | -$78K |
| PORTLAND, ME | $49K | -- | -$49K |