HS 020130 Boneless

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What products does HS 020130 cover?

This subheading covers fresh or chilled bovine meat, boneless, falling under Heading 0201. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this specifically refers to the flesh of cattle, excluding any bones. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes cuts such as sirloin, ribeye, and tenderloin, provided they are presented without any bone fragments. The key criterion is the complete absence of bone material.

What falls outside HS 020130?

The following products are excluded from HS 020130: bovine meat that is bone-in, such as whole carcasses or primal cuts still attached to the bone. Additionally, meat that has been processed beyond simply being deboned, such as cooked, cured, or salted beef, would be classified under different headings. For instance, ground beef, even if boneless, is typically classified under HS 020230 if frozen, or other relevant headings if fresh or chilled and prepared in a specific manner. Frozen boneless beef is classified under HS 020230.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 020130?

A common error is misclassifying bone-in cuts as boneless, or vice versa, especially when minor bone fragments may be present. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers must ensure that the product is entirely free of bone material to qualify for this subheading. Another mistake is classifying processed beef products, such as marinated or seasoned beef, under this heading when they should be classified based on their further processing.

How should importers classify products under HS 020130?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 020130 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical characteristics. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the bovine meat is fresh or chilled and, critically, that it is entirely free of bone. This often requires consulting product specifications, supplier declarations, and potentially visual inspection. Cross-referencing with official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is essential to confirm the correct subheading and any associated notes or legal texts.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 020130?

A 500 kg shipment of boneless sirloin steak, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty of $1,000.00. This is calculated using the MFN duty rate of 20% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 20% of $5,000 USD = $1,000.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 02013000. Note that specific rates can vary by country and trade agreement.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 020130?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 020130. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), originating boneless beef from Canada or Mexico can enter the US duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Similarly, originating boneless beef from countries with a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union may benefit from reduced or zero duties, often requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate. The United Kingdom also offers preferential rates under various trade agreements, typically requiring similar origin documentation.

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