0303.89.00.04 - Other smelts

This HTS category, "Other smelts," encompasses frozen fish that are classified as smelts but do not fall under the specific subcategory of "Sea smelts" (HTS code 0303.89.00.01). Smelts are small, slender, silvery fish typically found in both marine and freshwater environments, known for their delicate flavor and texture. The primary classification criterion here is the frozen state of the fish, excluding any fillets or processed fish meat that would be classified under heading 0304.

The distinction between this category and its sibling, "Sea smelts," lies in the origin of the fish. While "Sea smelts" specifically refers to smelts harvested from marine waters, this category is intended for smelts originating from freshwater environments, such as lakes and rivers. Therefore, when classifying frozen smelts, the key determinant is whether the fish was caught in saltwater or freshwater.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification decisions for "Other smelts" will therefore rely on the specific identification of the fish species as a smelt and its freshwater origin, in conjunction with the requirement that the product be presented in frozen form, un-filleted.