Frozen Food Imports

Frozen food imports classify by product type – frozen vegetables HTS 0710; frozen fruit HTS 0811; frozen seafood HTS 0303 or 0304; frozen prepared meals HTS 1602 or 1605. FDA food facility registration. Cold chain compliance critical for clearance.

This guide covers U.S. import tariff and compliance for frozen foods.

For SMB importers in this category, the practical questions are HTS classification, applicable Section 232/301/122 stacks, FTA opportunities, and regulatory overlay (FDA/USDA/EPA/CPSC where relevant).

HTS classification basics

Frozen vegetables HTS 0710. Frozen fruit HTS 0811. Frozen fish HTS 0303. Prepared meals HTS 1602 or similar.

Tariff stack and rates

Base varies (0-20%) + Section 122 (15% on non-USMCA). Some seafood faces AD/CVD orders.

Country of origin considerations

China, Vietnam, Mexico (vegetables), Chile/Peru/Mexico (fruit), various (seafood).

Regulatory overlay

FDA food facility registration. USDA FSIS for meat/poultry. Cold chain temperature documentation. HACCP for some products.

Mitigation opportunities

USMCA qualification on Mexican-frozen. CAFTA-DR for Central American produce.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical effective duty rate?

Depends on origin and HTS classification. China-origin: 22-42% effective when Section 301 + Section 122 stack. USMCA-qualifying Mexican production: often 0-3%. Vietnam, India, Korea: 15-17% with Section 122.

Can I qualify under USMCA?

Possible if production occurs in U.S., Mexico, or Canada and meets rules of origin (typically 60% RVC under transaction value or 50% net cost). USMCA-qualifying goods are exempt from Section 122.

Are IEEPA refunds available?

Yes – for entries between April 5, 2025 and February 24, 2026 that paid IEEPA duty. Filed through CBP’s CAPE portal. We file claims on contingency for filings above $50k.

What about Section 232 exposure?

Specific to product type. Steel and aluminum derivatives expansion brought some downstream products into scope. Component-level analysis identifies actual coverage.

How do you help with this category?

Tariff exposure assessment ($2,500-$7,500), classification audit, USMCA qualification, refund recovery, audit response. Independent of any customs brokerage.