0303.53.00.00 - Sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus)

This HTS subheading, 0303.53.00.00, specifically classifies frozen sardines (belonging to the species *Sardina pilchardus* and *Sardinops spp.*), frozen sardinella (*Sardinella spp.*), and frozen brisling or sprats (*Sprattus sprattus*). These are small, oily fish commonly found in marine environments and are often preserved through freezing for later consumption. The classification is restricted to the whole, ungutted, or dressed forms of these fish, excluding any further processed fish meat or fillets which would fall under heading 0304.

The distinction between this category and its sibling categories lies in the precise species of fish included. For instance, while 0303.51.00.00 covers frozen herrings and anchovies, and 0303.54.00.00 deals with frozen mackerel, this subheading is exclusively for the aforementioned sardines, sardinella, and sprats. This targeted approach ensures accurate tariff application based on the specific biological identity of the frozen fish.

As this HTS code represents a leaf node, there are no further subcategories beneath 0303.53.00.00. The classification is complete at this level, meaning any frozen product fitting the description of sardines, sardinella, or brisling/sprats will be assigned to this specific code, provided it adheres to the general conditions of Chapter 3 for frozen fish, excluding fillets and other meat of heading 0304.