0302.89.50.77 - Other

This HTS classification, 0302.89.50.77, designated as "Other" within the context of fresh or chilled fish excluding fillets and other fish meat, serves as a residual category for a variety of edible fish that do not fit into more specific subheadings. It encompasses a broad range of fish species that are not explicitly enumerated under prior subheadings within the "Other fish" category (0302.89). The primary criterion for inclusion here is that the fish must be presented whole, in pieces, or as gutted and beheaded, but not filleted, in a fresh or chilled state, and not be otherwise classified.

To distinguish this "Other" category from its siblings, it is important to note that it captures those species not specifically listed by common name or group. For instance, while subheadings exist for smelts, cusk, shad, sturgeon, and sable fish, this residual category would apply to species like pompano, grouper, or mackerel if they are not otherwise specified at a higher level of detail. The classification relies on the absence of a more precise description for the particular species being imported or exported.

As a leaf node in the HTS structure, 0302.89.50.77 does not have further subcategories. Therefore, the classification hinges on accurately determining that a specific species of fresh or chilled fish, which is edible and not of the fish meat of heading 0304, is not accounted for by any of the preceding, more specific classifications within the "Other fish" grouping. Customs brokers and importers must carefully review the complete list of siblings to ensure that the merchandise does not qualify for a more specific tariff line before resorting to this residual "Other" designation.