HS 030246 Cobia (Rachycentron canadum)
Quick Answer: Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) imported under HS 030246 enters the UK at 14.00%, the EU at 15.00%, and the US with rates varying from 3% to 25%, with certain trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This HS code specifically covers fresh or chilled cobia, a saltwater fish known for its firm, white flesh. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate differentials across major markets, necessitating careful consideration of origin and applicable trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of accurate classification for optimizing landed costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0302460000 | 14.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0302460000 | 15.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 030246 | — | — | — |
| 0302461100 | 3% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 0302465000 | Free | — | ["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 0302.46?
Imports of Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) 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?
What products does HS 030246 cover?
This subheading covers fresh or chilled cobia (Rachycentron canadum), a species of fish known for its firm, white flesh. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to the whole fish or fish fillets that have not undergone any preservation process beyond chilling. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this code is specifically for this species in its fresh or chilled state, excluding any processed forms.
What falls outside HS 030246?
The following products are excluded from HS 030246: frozen cobia, which would be classified under HS 0303; dried, salted, or brined cobia, typically found in HS 0305; and cobia that has been cooked, filleted with skin removed and frozen, or otherwise prepared or preserved, which would fall under HS 1604. For instance, smoked cobia fillets are classified under HS 1604.19.80, not this heading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030246?
A common error is misclassifying frozen cobia as fresh or chilled under HS 030246. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify cobia that has undergone minor processing, such as vacuum-sealing for extended freshness, if they do not fully understand the distinction between "fresh or chilled" and "preserved."
How should importers classify products under HS 030246?
The correct procedure for classifying cobia under HS 030246 involves verifying the product's condition upon importation. Importers and customs brokers must confirm that the cobia is presented in its fresh or chilled state, without any freezing, drying, salting, or cooking. Reviewing the accompanying documentation, such as the bill of lading and any supplier declarations, is crucial to ascertain the exact form and preservation status of the product.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030246?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of fresh cobia fillets, declared at a customs value of $8,000 USD, would attract a US Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty of $400.00. This is calculated using the MFN rate of 5.0% ad valorem published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for HS 030246, applied to the declared value: 5.0% × $8,000 USD = $400.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030246?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030246. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), cobia originating from Canada or Mexico may be admitted duty-free, provided a valid claim is made with a self-certified origin statement. Similarly, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) could offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam, potentially reducing duties to Free.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) under HS code 030246?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Cobia (Rachycentron canadum), fresh or chilled, excluding fillets and other meat of fish of heading 0302, is 14.00%. However, preferential duty rates are available for imports from certain countries. For example, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), rates can be as low as Free (A*, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). It is crucial to verify the specific origin of the goods and consult the relevant tariff schedule (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC database, or UK Trade Tariff) for the applicable rate based on the country of origin and any trade agreements in force.
How is the import duty for Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) calculated if it's subject to the 14.00% MFN rate?
The import duty for Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) under HS 030246, when subject to the 14.00% MFN rate, is calculated on an ad valorem basis. This means the duty is a percentage of the customs value of the imported goods. For example, if 100 kg of Cobia are imported with a customs value of $5 per kg, the total customs value is $500 (100 kg * $5/kg). The import duty would then be $70.00 (14.00% of $500). Always ensure the customs value is determined according to the rules of the importing country, typically based on the transaction value.
What specific documentation is typically required for importing Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) under HS code 030246?
When importing Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) under HS code 030246, standard documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations and the product's condition (e.g., fresh, chilled, frozen), a health certificate or sanitary certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country may be required to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Importers should also be prepared to provide proof of origin to claim preferential duty rates if applicable.
Which trade agreements commonly provide preferential duty rates for Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) into major markets like the US, EU, or UK?
Major markets often have trade agreements that offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030246. For instance, the United States has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Chile (CL), Singapore (SG), and Australia (AU), which may grant duty-free entry for Cobia. The European Union has Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Association Agreements with various African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, as well as Mediterranean partners, potentially offering reduced or zero duties. The UK, post-Brexit, has its own set of Continuity Trade Agreements mirroring many EU agreements. Importers must consult the specific tariff schedules of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) and verify the rules of origin for each agreement to confirm eligibility for preferential treatment.
Are there specific classification criteria or conditions that must be met for Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) to be classified under HS 030246?
HS code 030246 specifically covers 'Cobia (Rachycentron canadum), fresh or chilled'. The key classification criteria are the species of fish (Cobia, scientific name Rachycentron canadum) and its condition (fresh or chilled). If the Cobia is frozen, it would fall under HS code 0303. If it is presented as fillets or other meat of fish, it would be classified under a different subheading within Chapter 03, such as 0304. Therefore, accurate product description and confirmation of the physical state (fresh/chilled vs. frozen, whole vs. fillet) are critical for correct classification.