HS 010649 Other

Quick Answer: Insects imported under HS 010649 enter the UK and EU duty-free, while the US applies a 15% ad valorem duty rate for certain entries, with others being free. This classification specifically covers live insects, excluding those for human or animal consumption, such as those used for scientific research, pest control, or as pets. Importers should verify specific subheadings within the US tariff schedule to confirm the applicable duty rate. According to CustomTariffs data, careful attention to the precise description of the live insects is crucial for accurate classification and duty assessment across different jurisdictions.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0106490000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0106490000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
01064900 Free — —
0106490010 — — ["kg"]
0106490090 — — ["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?

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What products does HS 010649 cover?

This subheading covers "Other" live animals not specified in preceding subheadings of heading 0106. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is a residual one for live animals, specifically excluding mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. For instance, in the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), this would encompass various insects and other invertebrates not otherwise classified, such as certain beneficial insects used in agriculture or research specimens, provided they do not fall under more specific headings like 0106.32 (insects) or 0106.41 (bees).

What falls outside HS 010649?

The following products are excluded from HS 010649: live mammals (0101-0105), live birds (0106.11-0106.19), live reptiles and amphibians (0106.20), live fish (0301), and live insects such as bees (0106.41). For example, a live honeybee colony, despite being an invertebrate, is specifically classified under 0106.41. Similarly, live ornamental fish intended for aquariums would be classified under 0301.90, not 0106.49.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 010649?

A common error is misclassifying live insects that have a more specific HS code. For example, live bees, which are explicitly mentioned in heading 0106.41, are frequently incorrectly placed under 0106.49. This is contrary to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(c), which states that goods should be classified under the heading which occurs last in numerical order among those which equally merit consideration. In this case, 0106.41 is more specific and appears earlier numerically than 0106.49.

How should importers classify products under HS 010649?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 010649 involves a thorough review of the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific national tariff schedule, such as the EU TARIC or the UK Trade Tariff. Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the live animal fits into any of the more specific subheadings within heading 0106. If it is a live animal not specifically listed in 0106.11 through 0106.41, and it is not a mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, or fish, then 0106.49 is the appropriate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 010649?

A shipment of 100 live ladybugs (Coccinellidae), 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 0106.49 in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule is 0% ad valorem. Therefore, the duty calculation is 0% × $500 = $0.00. This classification assumes the ladybugs are not specifically covered by other more precise subheadings and are intended for general purposes, not as biological control agents which might have specific exemptions.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 010649?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 010649, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. Additionally, depending on the specific country of origin and the importing country's trade policies, other agreements like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) might offer reduced or free entry for eligible developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 010639 HS 020649 HS 010619 HS 010690 HS 320649 HS 010239

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 010649, covering 'Other' live insects?

Import duty rates for HS code 010649, which covers live insects not specified elsewhere in Chapter 01, vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States applies a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 0.00% ad valorem. The European Union, under the TARIC system, often lists 'Free' for such classifications, but specific national provisions or import licenses may apply. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff also typically shows a Free rate for this heading. It is crucial to verify the specific rate applicable to your destination country at the time of import, as these can change and may be subject to specific import regulations or quotas.

How is HS code 010649 'Other' live insects classified, and what are common pitfalls?

HS code 010649 is a residual category for live insects not classified under 0106.41 (bees) or 0106.42 (silkworms). Classification hinges on the biological identity of the insect. Common pitfalls include misclassifying insects intended for research or specific industrial uses (e.g., insect farming for feed) if they fall under a more specific heading or if their intended use triggers different regulatory requirements. Importers must ensure the insects are indeed live and accurately identified. Consulting taxonomic guides or expert entomological resources is recommended.

What documentation is typically required for importing live insects under HS code 010649?

Importing live insects under HS code 010649 generally requires specific documentation beyond standard customs declarations. This often includes a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permit if the species is listed, health certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country to attest to the absence of diseases, and potentially import permits from the destination country's agricultural or environmental agencies. The exact requirements depend on the species and the importing country's regulations concerning biosecurity and wildlife protection. Always check with the relevant authorities in the destination country well in advance.

Do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU Free Trade Agreements, offer preferential duty rates for HS code 010649?

Preferential duty rates under trade agreements for HS code 010649 depend entirely on the specific agreement and the countries involved. For instance, if importing into the United States from a country with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that covers live animals or insects, and if the insects meet the rules of origin for that agreement, a reduced or zero duty rate might apply. Similarly, the EU has FTAs with various countries that could impact duties. Importers must consult the specific text of the relevant trade agreement and ensure compliance with its rules of origin and procedural requirements to claim preferential treatment. Often, for HS codes with a standard MFN rate of Free, preferential rates may not offer further reduction but are still subject to origin verification.

How is the import duty calculated for live insects under HS code 010649 if a duty rate applies?

If an ad valorem duty rate applies to HS code 010649, the duty is calculated as a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if importing 1,000 units of a specific live insect valued at $5 per unit, with a total customs value of $5,000, and the applicable duty rate is 15% ad valorem, the duty would be calculated as: $5,000 (Customs Value) × 15% (Duty Rate) = $750. If a specific duty (e.g., per kilogram or per head) applies, the calculation would be based on the quantity. Always ensure the customs value is correctly declared according to the importing country's valuation rules (e.g., based on the transaction value).