0304.53.00 - Fish of the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae and Muraenolepididae

This HTS category, 0304.53.00, encompasses fish fillets and other fish meat, whether minced, fresh, chilled, or frozen, belonging to specific families: Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae, and Muraenolepididae. These families primarily include various types of cod, haddock, pollock, and hake, which are commercially significant whitefish. The classification focuses on the biological origin of the fish product, identifying it by its family rather than a common name alone.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, such as Salmonidae (salmon and trout) or shark products, is crucial. While all fall under the broader heading of fish meat, 0304.53.00 specifically isolates the aforementioned families. Unlike the broader category for "Other, fresh or chilled" fish meat at the 0304.50 level, this subheading provides a more granular classification based on the scientific grouping of the fish, allowing for more precise import and export tracking of these particular species.

The subcategories under 0304.53.00 further refine the classification within these families. For example, specific provisions exist for Haddock (0304.53.00.20), Pollock (0304.53.00.25), and Hake (0304.53.00.30). The "Other" designation (0304.53.00.90) is reserved for fish from the covered families that do not fit into these more specific subheadings, ensuring all applicable products are accounted for within this classification.