1605.30.05 - Products containing fish meat; prepared meals

This HTS classification, 1605.30.05, specifically addresses prepared or preserved products that contain fish meat, forming part of a prepared meal. This designation is crucial for distinguishing these composite food items from simpler preparations of fish or other aquatic life. The inclusion of "fish meat" is a key determinant, indicating that the primary protein source or a significant component of the product is derived from fish, and it is presented as a meal rather than an ingredient or a standalone aquatic product.

While the immediate parent category deals with prepared crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates, and sibling categories like 1605.30.10 capture "Other" preparations of these invertebrates, this particular code focuses on the integration of fish meat into a meal format. This distinction is vital for importers and exporters to ensure accurate reporting and duty assessment, as it reflects the complexity and intended use of the product. The scope is limited to goods where fish is a central element within a ready-to-eat or easily prepared meal.

Underneath this classification, further subdivisions exist to provide greater specificity. The subcategories 1605.30.05.10 and 1605.30.05.90 differentiate based on packaging. Products packed "In airtight containers" (1605.30.05.10) are for specific preservation methods and consumer packaging, while "Other" (1605.30.05.90) encompasses all remaining preparations not meeting the criteria for airtight containers. This granular detail allows for precise classification based on the final presentation and preservation of the fish meat-containing prepared meal.