HS 020850 Of reptiles (including snakes and turtles)

Quick Answer: Reptile meat, including that of snakes and turtles, imported under HS 020850 enters the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 9.00%, and the US at 6.4% MFN. This classification specifically covers edible meat derived from reptiles. Importers should be aware of potential variations in preferential duty rates for the US, with several Free Trade Agreements offering duty-free entry. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based rates for optimal trade compliance.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0208500000 8.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0208500000 9.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0208500000 6.4% Free (17 programs) ["kg"]

Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.

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.

Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 0208.50?

Imports of Of reptiles (including snakes and turtles) may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.

United States (HTSUS)

Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs

European Union (TARIC)

Preferential rate data not yet available.

United Kingdom

Preferential rate data not yet available.

Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.

Data compiled by HSRates.

Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?

Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.

Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.

How Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 020850 cover?

This subheading covers fresh, chilled, or frozen meat and edible offal of reptiles, including snakes and turtles. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is specifically for the flesh of these cold-blooded animals, intended for human consumption. Official tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, confirm that this code applies to the meat and edible offal derived from any species of reptile.

What falls outside HS 020850?

The following products are excluded from HS 020850: live reptiles, which are classified under heading 0106; reptile skins, hides, and other parts not intended for human consumption, which fall under Chapter 41; and products derived from reptiles that are not meat or edible offal, such as reptile eggs (Chapter 04) or medicinal preparations (Chapter 30). For instance, pet snakes or turtles would not be classified here, nor would processed goods like reptile leather handbags.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 020850?

A common error is misclassifying reptile products based on their preparation method or intended use, rather than their inherent nature as meat or edible offal. For example, if reptile meat is preserved in brine or oil, it might be mistakenly classified under prepared or preserved foods (Chapter 16) without careful consideration of the primary product. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) and the Section and Chapter Notes is crucial to ensure correct classification.

How should importers classify products under HS 020850?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 020850 involves first identifying the product as meat or edible offal of a reptile. Importers and customs brokers must then consult the relevant national tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to confirm the specific wording and any additional notes or subdivisions. Verification of the product's condition (fresh, chilled, or frozen) is also necessary for precise classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 020850?

A 10 kg shipment of frozen turtle meat declared at a customs value of $200 USD would attract a US duty of $20.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 2.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 2.0% × $200 USD = $4.00. However, if the turtle meat were subject to a specific duty, for example, $2.00 per kilogram, the duty would be $2.00/kg × 10 kg = $20.00. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 020850?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 020850, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and agreements with developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). For products originating from Canada or Mexico under USMCA, the duty rate is typically Free, requiring a valid origin declaration. For eligible developing countries under GSP, preferential rates can also be Free, necessitating a GSP Form A. Specific documentation requirements vary by jurisdiction.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 021093 HS 020830 HS 020860 HS 020810 HS 020840 HS 010620

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 020850 (meat of reptiles)?

Import duty rates for HS code 020850, covering meat of reptiles, vary significantly by country. For example, the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 8.00% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC system may have different rates, often around 6.4% ad valorem, but can be subject to specific quotas or suspensions. The UK Trade Tariff also lists varying rates, with a standard rate of 9.00% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date rates.

Are there preferential duty rates available for HS code 020850 under trade agreements?

Yes, preferential duty rates are often available for HS code 020850 under various free trade agreements (FTAs). For instance, under certain agreements, countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may benefit from reduced or duty-free entry into markets such as the United States or the European Union, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in those agreements. Importers must verify the specific FTA and ensure compliance with its origin requirements to claim preferential treatment.

How is the import duty for HS code 020850 calculated, and can you provide an example?

The import duty for HS code 020850 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate into the U.S. is 8.00% and you import reptile meat valued at $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 0.08 (8.00% duty rate) = $800. Some countries may also have specific duties based on weight or other units, or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties. Always confirm the duty calculation method with the importing country's customs authority.

What documentation is typically required when importing meat of reptiles under HS code 020850?

Importing meat of reptiles under HS code 020850 generally requires specific documentation beyond standard customs declarations. This often includes health certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, confirming the meat is fit for human consumption and free from diseases. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the species of reptile, permits from wildlife or environmental protection agencies (e.g., CITES permits if the species is listed) may also be necessary. Importers should consult the importing country's food safety and wildlife regulations well in advance.

What are the classification criteria for HS code 020850, and what distinguishes it from other HS codes for meat?

HS code 020850 specifically covers 'Other meat and edible meat offal, of birds, of rabbits and hares, of reptiles (including snakes and turtles), other than those of heading 0201 to 0207.' The key classification criterion is the species of animal. This code is distinct from codes for mammals (0201-0203), fish (Chapter 03), or poultry (0207). It is crucial to correctly identify the species of reptile to ensure accurate classification. If the meat is from a mammal, bird, or rabbit/hare, it would fall under a different heading. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance on distinguishing between these categories.