HS 030111 Ornamental fish

Quick Answer: Ornamental fish imported under HS 030111 enter the UK and EU duty-free, and the US duty-free under the MFN rate. This Harmonized System (HS) code specifically covers live fish intended for aquariums and ornamental ponds, excluding those for human consumption or scientific purposes. Importers should be aware that while duty rates are generally favorable across major markets, specific import regulations concerning live animal health, quarantine, and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) may apply. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff data, highlighting the generally low duty burden for this category.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0301110000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0301110000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0301110010 — — ["kg"]
0301110090 — — ["kg"]
03011100 Free — —
0301110020 — — ["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 Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 030111 cover?

This subheading covers live ornamental fish, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. Specifically, it pertains to fish intended for aquariums or ornamental ponds, excluding those primarily raised for consumption. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, emphasizing their aesthetic value and non-food purpose, such as goldfish, koi, and various tropical aquarium species.

What falls outside HS 030111?

The following products are excluded from HS 030111: live fish intended for human consumption, which are classified under other headings in Chapter 03. Also excluded are fish eggs and larvae, which fall under HS 030190 or other relevant codes depending on their stage of development. Live fish for scientific research or stocking purposes, unless specifically ornamental, are also not covered by this subheading, and specimens intended for zoos or public aquariums may also be classified differently based on their primary purpose.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 030111?

A common error is misclassifying fish that, while visually appealing, are also commonly consumed, such as certain types of carp or tilapia. General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3 of the Harmonized System are crucial here, guiding classification based on the primary use or essential character. Importers may also incorrectly classify fish eggs or fry under this subheading when they should be classified as "fish, other than ornamental" or under specific codes for spawn.

How should importers classify products under HS 030111?

The correct procedure for classifying live fish under HS 030111 involves confirming their intended use as ornamental. Importers and customs brokers must consult official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the explanatory notes for Chapter 03. Verification of the species and its common purpose (aquarium/pond vs. food) is paramount, and if uncertainty exists, seeking a binding ruling from customs authorities is advisable.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030111?

A shipment of 100 Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) weighing approximately 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $200 USD would attract a US duty of $0.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which lists a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of Free (0%) for live ornamental fish under HS 030111. Therefore, 0% × $200 USD = $0.00 duty.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030111?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030111, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in Free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, depending on the jurisdiction's requirements.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 030191 HS 030193 HS 030811 HS 030493 HS 030544 HS 030311

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 0301.11 (Ornamental fish)?

For HS code 0301.11, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the United States is Free. Similarly, the United Kingdom's standard duty rate is Free, and the European Union's TARIC duty rate is also Free. Importers should always verify specific rates based on the country of origin and any applicable trade agreements, as these can change.

How are ornamental fish classified under HS code 0301.11, and what are the key criteria?

HS code 0301.11 covers live ornamental fish. The primary classification criterion is the fish's intended use: they must be kept for aesthetic purposes in aquariums or ornamental ponds, rather than for consumption or scientific research. This excludes fish intended for aquaculture or human food. The World Customs Organization (WCO) and national customs authorities provide explanatory notes that further define 'ornamental' based on species characteristics and common market practices.

What documentation is typically required for importing live ornamental fish under HS code 0301.11?

Importing live ornamental fish requires specific documentation to ensure compliance with customs and animal welfare regulations. This typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations, a health certificate from the exporting country's veterinary authorities may be required to certify the fish are free from disease. CITES permits may be necessary if the species are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU Free Trade Agreements, affect the duty rates for HS code 0301.11?

Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates. For example, if importing ornamental fish from a country with a preferential trade agreement with the importing nation (e.g., a country that is part of the USMCA or has an FTA with the EU), the duty rate could be reduced to Free or a lower percentage, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. Importers must obtain a valid certificate of origin from the exporter to claim preferential treatment under these agreements.

How is the duty calculated for ornamental fish if a duty rate other than Free applies?

The duty calculation for HS code 0301.11 is typically based on an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value of the goods) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity). For example, if a country had a 5% ad valorem duty rate on ornamental fish and the customs value of a shipment was $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: Duty = Customs Value × Duty Rate = $10,000 × 5% = $500. If a specific duty applied, such as $2 per kilogram, the duty would be calculated based on the net weight of the fish.