0305.32.00 - Fish of the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae and Muraenolepididae

This HTS category, 0305.32.00, specifically classifies fillets of fish that are dried, salted, or preserved in brine, but critically, not smoked. The covered fish belong to the families Bregmacerotidae, Euclichthyidae, Gadidae, Macrouridae, Melanonidae, Merlucciidae, Moridae, and Muraenolepididae. These are typically white fleshed fish, often referred to as cod-like fishes, and the preparation method of drying, salting, or brining is the primary defining characteristic for inclusion.

To distinguish this category from its siblings, it is important to note that 0305.31.01.00 covers fillets of specific, commonly farmed or commercially significant fish species (tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, etc.) that are also dried, salted, or in brine, but not smoked. This current category, 0305.32.00, is broader, encompassing other fish families not listed in the sibling category. Furthermore, the "Other" sibling category (0305.39) would include any remaining dried, salted, or brined fish fillets not covered by 0305.31 or 0305.32.

Within the 0305.32.00 classification, further subdivisions exist to differentiate specific types of fish. The subcategory 0305.32.00.10 is dedicated to "Cod" fillets meeting the dried, salted, or brined, not smoked criteria. All other fillets from the specified families that are prepared in the same manner but are not cod are classified under the subcategory 0305.32.00.90, "Other." This hierarchical structure allows for precise identification based on the species of fish and its preparation method.