1604.20.40.00 - Neither cooked nor in oil 🖩

This HTS category, 1604.20.40.00, covers prepared or preserved fish products that are neither cooked nor preserved in oil. Specifically, it encompasses fish sticks and similar products of any size or shape that have been breaded, coated with batter, or otherwise similarly prepared for cooking. These products are typically sold in a frozen or chilled state, ready for further cooking by the consumer. The key characteristic is the external preparation of the fish product, distinguishing it from simply portioned or prepared fish.

It is important to differentiate this category from its sibling, 1604.20.50, which covers "Other" prepared or preserved fish. While this sibling category also falls under "Other prepared or preserved fish," it does not specifically detail the breaded or coated nature. Therefore, if a fish product is prepared or preserved in a manner other than being breaded, battered, or similarly prepared (e.g., marinated fish, fish in sauce that is not oil-based, or simply portioned and frozen fish without an external coating), it would likely be classified under 1604.20.50.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. The classification criteria are focused on the physical preparation of the fish, specifically the application of a coating or batter, and the absence of pre-cooking or preservation in oil. This ensures that products intended for a specific type of consumer preparation (like frying or baking breaded fish) are appropriately identified.