9815.00.20.00 - Products of American fisheries (including fish, shellfish and other marine animals, spermaceti and marine animal oils), which have not been landed in a foreign country, or which, if so landed, have been landed solely for transshipment without change in condition

HTS Code 9815.00.20.00 specifically classifies products originating from American fisheries that have not been processed or landed in a foreign country. This includes a broad range of marine life, such as fish, shellfish, and other sea creatures, as well as their byproducts like spermaceti and marine animal oils. The crucial element for classification under this code is that these goods must either be directly imported into the United States after being caught by American vessels, or if they were temporarily landed in a foreign port, it was solely for the purpose of transshipment without undergoing any alteration in their condition.

This provision is distinct from other HTS categories that might cover fish or marine products. For instance, it does not apply to goods caught by foreign vessels, even if imported into the U.S., nor does it cover American fishery products that have been landed in a foreign country for processing, packaging, or any other form of modification. The emphasis is on the continuous possession and direct shipment from the point of origin (the American fishing grounds) to the United States, or a direct transit that preserves the original condition of the catch.

As a leaf node, HTS Code 9815.00.20.00 does not have further subdivisions. Therefore, the classification hinges entirely on meeting the specific criteria outlined: origin from American fisheries and the handling of the goods prior to importation. Importers must ensure that proper documentation substantiates the American origin of the catch and the nature of any foreign port calls to qualify for this special provision.