0304.94.10.05 - Surimi

This HTS category specifically covers "Surimi," which is a processed fish paste. Surimi is made from deboned, washed, and processed white fish meat, often blended with starches, sugars, and seasonings to create a pliable, gel-like product. It serves as a base ingredient for a wide variety of imitation seafood products, such as imitation crab sticks, shrimp, and scallops. The classification is applied to surimi in its frozen state, provided it is presented in bulk or in immediate containers exceeding 6.8 kg in weight, and is specifically minced.

Within the "Other, frozen" category for fish meat, this HTS code differentiates itself from its sibling, 0304.94.10.10, which covers "Other" minced frozen fish meat not specifically identified as surimi. While both involve minced frozen fish, this heading is reserved for the distinct processed product known as surimi, recognized for its unique texture and intended use as a food ingredient.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories for "Surimi." The classification is precise, and therefore, the focus for importers and exporters should be on accurately identifying the product as surimi based on its processing characteristics and composition, ensuring it meets the criteria of being minced and frozen, and presented in bulk or large immediate containers.