USDA FSIS has jurisdiction over certain catfish species (family Ictaluridae and others designated by regulation) under the mandatory catfish inspection program established by the 2008 Farm Bill. For catfish species covered by FSIS, the foreign country must have an equivalent inspection system recognized by FSIS. Species not covered by the FSIS catfish program remain under FDA oversight. Importers should confirm species-level agency jurisdiction before entry.

The fillet lines in HTS 0304.49 cover fish flesh separated from the bone in a standard fillet cut, while 0304510120 and 0304510190 cover other meat presentations — such as steaks, chunks, or whole dressed fish — of the same species. The distinction matters for both classification and processing documentation, as the cut form must be accurately described on the commercial invoice and packing list.