HS 010641 Insects
Quick Answer: Insects imported under HS 010641 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at a Free rate under the MFN tariff, though a 15% rate also exists. This classification specifically covers live insects, excluding those for human or animal consumption. Importers should note potential phytosanitary or veterinary import requirements that may apply, regardless of duty rates. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0106410000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0106410000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0106410000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 010641 cover?
This subheading covers live insects, specifically those belonging to the order Diptera, commonly known as flies. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification is for live flies and other Diptera. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this includes a wide variety of fly species, such as houseflies, fruit flies, and mosquitoes, when imported live and intended for purposes like research, biological control, or as animal feed.
What falls outside HS 010641?
The following products are excluded from HS 010641: live insects that are not Diptera, such as bees (classified under 010649), ants, or beetles. Also excluded are dead insects, insect larvae, pupae, or eggs, which are typically classified under other headings within Chapter 01 or Chapter 05 depending on their specific form and intended use. Products that are processed or preserved, even if derived from Diptera, will also fall outside this subheading and require classification based on their processed nature.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 010641?
A common error is misclassifying live insects that are not Diptera. For instance, live bees, which are crucial for pollination, are classified under HS 010649. Another mistake involves confusing live insects with their immature stages or dead specimens. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes, meaning the live, adult stage of Diptera is paramount for this specific subheading.
How should importers classify products under HS 010641?
The correct procedure for classifying live insects under HS 010641 involves verifying that the product consists of live specimens of the order Diptera. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to confirm the precise scope of the subheading. Accurate product descriptions, including scientific names and intended use, are crucial for ensuring correct classification and avoiding delays or penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 010641?
A shipment of 10,000 live fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) declared at a customs value of $500 USD would attract a US duty of $0.00. This is because the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 010641 in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule is Free (0.0%). Therefore, the duty calculation is 0.0% × $500 = $0.00, assuming no other specific taxes or fees apply. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 010641?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 010641, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which provides for Free entry for originating goods. Originating goods from Canada and Mexico would benefit from this preferential rate. For goods originating in countries that are beneficiaries of the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), duties may also be reduced or eliminated, requiring a GSP Form A. Documentation requirements vary by jurisdiction, but typically involve a certificate of origin or a self-certified origin statement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 0106.41 (Insects)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 0106.41, covering live insects, is generally 0.00% ad valorem in the United States. However, specific preferential rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, under the US-Korea FTA, the rate is Free. Importers should always verify the applicable rate based on the country of origin and any relevant trade agreements. The EU TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also provide specific duty rates for live insects, which can vary by member state and origin.
What specific criteria determine classification under HS code 0106.41 for live insects?
HS code 0106.41 is specifically for 'live insects'. This means the insects must be alive at the time of importation. The classification is based on the biological classification of the organism. This code generally covers insects not elsewhere specified or included in other headings. For example, live bees (Apis mellifera) are typically classified under 0106.41. It is crucial to ensure the insects are not processed or dead, as this would lead to a different HS classification. Referencing the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Explanatory Notes for Chapter 01 provides detailed guidance on the scope of this heading.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing live insects under HS code 0106.41?
Yes, importing live insects often requires specific documentation beyond standard customs declarations. This can include health certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, phytosanitary certificates (especially if the insects are intended for agricultural or horticultural purposes), and permits from relevant government agencies in the importing country (e.g., USDA APHIS in the United States, or equivalent bodies in other regions). These documents verify the health, origin, and intended use of the insects and are critical for customs clearance to prevent the introduction of pests or diseases.
How is the import duty for live insects calculated, and can you provide an example?
Import duty for live insects under HS code 0106.41 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 0.00%, the duty calculation is straightforward: Rate × Value = Duty. If, hypothetically, a country applied a 5% ad valorem duty on live insects with a customs value of $10,000, the duty would be calculated as 5% of $10,000, resulting in a duty payment of $500. In cases where a specific duty (e.g., per kilogram) is applicable, the calculation would involve multiplying the rate per unit by the net weight of the imported insects. Always confirm the specific duty basis (ad valorem or specific) with the relevant customs authority.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for live insects (HS 0106.41)?
Several major trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates, often reducing them to Free, for live insects under HS code 0106.41. For example, the United States has FTAs with countries like South Korea (KORUS FTA) and Australia (AUSFTA) where such goods may receive preferential treatment. The European Union's trade agreements with various partners, and the UK's post-Brexit trade deals, also often include provisions for reduced or zero duties on live animals and insects, depending on the origin. Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and the relevant trade agreement text to confirm eligibility and claim preferential rates, which typically requires a proof of origin certificate.