1604.20.20.00 - In airtight containers

This HTS classification, 1604.20.20.00, pertains to "other prepared or preserved fish" that are packaged in airtight containers. This category encompasses a wide array of fish products beyond those specifically enumerated in other subheadings of 1604.20. The defining characteristic for this classification is the method of preservation and packaging; the goods must be hermetically sealed to prevent spoilage. Examples could include pre-cooked fish fillets, fish stews, or fish preparations where the fish is the primary ingredient and preserved within a sealed container for extended shelf life.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its sibling, 1604.20.25.00, which covers "other" prepared or preserved fish *not* specifically described or classified elsewhere. While both fall under the umbrella of "Other prepared or preserved fish," the key differentiator for 1604.20.20.00 is the explicit requirement of being in airtight containers. If a prepared fish product is not in an airtight container, or if its primary characteristic aligns with the broader "Other" category without this specific packaging, it would likely fall under the sibling subheading.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Therefore, the classification is definitive for products meeting the criteria of being prepared or preserved fish, not explicitly covered by other specific subheadings, and crucially, packaged in airtight containers. When classifying, one should confirm the nature of the fish preparation and the definitive presence of an airtight seal as the primary determinant for inclusion in this subheading.