HS 030254 Hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.)
Quick Answer: Hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.) imported under HS 030254 enters the UK at 14.00%, the EU at 15.00%, and the US at 3% under the MFN rate, with duty-free access for certain trade partners. This HS code specifically covers hake, a type of white fish, in its fresh or chilled state. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on origin and specific trade agreements, which CustomTariffs aggregates. For customs brokers, precise documentation confirming the species and condition of the fish is crucial for accurate classification and duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0302540000 | — | — | — |
| 0302541100 | 14.00 % | — | — |
| 0302541500 | 14.00 % | — | — |
| 0302541900 | 14.00 % | — | — |
| 0302541910 | 14.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0302541100 | 15.00 % | — | — |
| 0302541900 | 15.00 % | — | — |
| 0302541920 | 15.00 % | — | — |
| 0302540000 | — | — | — |
| 0302541500 | 15.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 030254 | — | — | — |
| 0302541100 | 3% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 0302545000 | 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 0302.54?
Imports of Hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.) 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 030254 cover?
This subheading covers hake, specifically fish of the genera *Merluccius* and *Urophycis*. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes fresh or chilled hake, excluding fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Official tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, confirm that this classification is for whole or gutted hake, intended for direct human consumption, and excludes any processed forms beyond basic preservation.
What falls outside HS 030254?
The following products are excluded from HS 030254: fish of the genera *Merluccius* and *Urophycis* that have been processed beyond fresh or chilled, such as frozen, dried, salted, or smoked hake. Additionally, fillets, meat, and other edible fish offal of hake are classified under HS 0304. Fish of other genera, even if visually similar or commonly referred to as hake in certain regions, will not fall under this specific subheading and require careful identification based on scientific genus.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030254?
A common error is misclassifying hake fillets or other meat preparations under HS 030254, when they should be classified under HS 0304. This often occurs due to a lack of precise understanding of the distinction between whole fish and its constituent parts. Furthermore, confusion can arise with other white fish species that may be colloquially named hake but do not belong to the *Merluccius* or *Urophycis* genera, violating General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1.
How should importers classify products under HS 030254?
The correct procedure for classifying hake under HS 030254 involves verifying the scientific genus of the fish. Importers and customs brokers must consult product documentation, including invoices and packing lists, to confirm that the fish belongs to either *Merluccius* spp. or *Urophycis* spp. If the product is fresh or chilled and whole or gutted, and not a fillet or other meat product, then HS 030254 is appropriate. Cross-referencing with official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC is crucial.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030254?
A shipment of fresh hake weighing 1,000 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.03 = $150.00). This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) under subheading 0302.54.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030254?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030254, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating hake from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer duty-free treatment for originating hake from certain developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for Hake (HS code 030254) into the United States?
The U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) provides specific duty rates for Hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.) under HS code 030254. The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 14.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For example, goods originating from countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), or South Korea (KR) might benefit from a Free (0%) duty rate, as indicated by the provided sample rates. It is crucial to consult the latest USITC HTS publication for definitive rates and eligibility criteria for preferential treatment.
How is the import duty for Hake (HS 030254) calculated in the U.S.?
The import duty for Hake (HS 030254) is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of Hake has a customs value of $10,000 and the MFN duty rate is 14.00%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 * 0.14 = $1,400. If a specific duty rate (e.g., per kilogram) is also applicable, the duty would be the higher of the two calculations. Always verify the specific calculation method and applicable rates with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or a licensed customs broker.
What documentation is typically required for importing Hake (HS 030254) into the U.S.?
Importing Hake (HS 030254) requires specific documentation to ensure compliance with U.S. food safety and customs regulations. Key documents include a commercial invoice, a packing list, a bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. Additionally, importers must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements, which may involve prior notice of imported food shipments and adherence to the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) for certain species. Verification of the species (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.) and its condition upon arrival is critical.
Are there specific classification criteria for HS code 030254 (Hake)?
HS code 030254 specifically covers 'Hake (Merluccius spp., Urophycis spp.)' when imported as fresh or chilled fish, not including fillets or other meat of fish of heading 0304. The classification hinges on the correct identification of the species within the Merluccius or Urophycis genera. Misclassification can occur if the fish is processed beyond fresh or chilled (e.g., frozen, dried, or filleted), which would place it under different HS codes. Accurate species identification, often confirmed by scientific names, is paramount for correct classification.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for Hake (HS 030254) into the U.S.?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for Hake (HS 030254) into the United States. Based on the sample rates provided, agreements with countries such as Australia (AU), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), South Korea (KR), and others marked with specific letters (e.g., D, E, P, S, SG) likely offer reduced or zero duty rates. To claim these preferential rates, importers must ensure the Hake originates from a qualifying country and provide a valid Certificate of Origin as per the specific FTA's requirements. Consulting the USITC HTS and the relevant FTA text is essential for determining eligibility and compliance.