1604.12.20.00 - In oil, in airtight containers

This HTS subcategory, 1604.12.20.00, specifically covers herrings that have been prepared or preserved in oil and are packaged in airtight containers. This includes a variety of preparations where whole or pieces of herring are sealed in a manner that prevents the entry of air and often includes oil as a preservation medium. Examples would be canned herring in vegetable oil, olive oil, or other edible oils, intended for consumption without further significant preparation.

This classification is distinct from its sibling category, "Other," which would encompass herrings prepared or preserved in ways not specifically detailed elsewhere within the 1604.12.00 heading. For instance, herrings preserved in brine, tomato sauce, or other liquid mediums, or those not in airtight containers, would likely fall under the "Other" classification. The key differentiator here is the presence of oil as the preserving agent and the airtight nature of the packaging.

As a leaf node, this category does not have further subcategories. Therefore, classification within 1604.12.20.00 relies on the direct fulfillment of the criteria: the product must be herring, presented whole or in pieces (not minced), preserved in oil, and sealed in airtight containers. The nature of the oil (e.g., vegetable, olive) is generally not a determining factor for classification at this level, provided it is an edible oil used for preservation.