Dried, Salted, or Brined Fillets of Tilapia, Catfish, Carp, Eel, Nile Perch, and Snakehead

The 2008 Farm Bill transferred regulatory authority over catfish (siluriform fish) from FDA to USDA FSIS, making catfish the only seafood category subject to mandatory FSIS inspection. Foreign establishments exporting catfish products to the US must be certified by their national competent authority and listed on the FSIS-approved establishment roster. Other species in this heading — tilapia, carp, eel, Nile perch, snakehead — remain under FDA jurisdiction.

Yes. Any eel or other species fillet that has undergone a smoking process — even light or cold smoking — is excluded from heading 030531 and would instead classify under the smoked fish provisions of heading 030549 or related smoked fish headings. The preservation method stated on the commercial invoice and product specification sheet is the controlling factor, and ambiguous curing processes should be reviewed with a licensed customs broker.