HS 030271 Tilapias (Oreochromis spp.), catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), carp (Cyprinus spp., Carassius spp., Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Hypophthalmichthys spp., Cirrhinus spp., Mylopharyngodon piceus, Catla catla, Labeo spp., Osteochilus hasselti, Leptobarbus hoeveni, Megalobrama spp.), eels (Anguilla spp.), Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.), excluding edible fish offal of subheadings 0302 91 to 0302 99
Quick Answer: Tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads imported under HS 030271 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.00%, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 25%, with specific preferential rates for certain trade agreements. This classification covers specific species of freshwater fish, excluding edible offal. Importers should be aware of the varying Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates in the US, which can significantly impact landed costs. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-of-origin rules for preferential treatment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0302710000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0302710000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 030271 | — | — | — |
| 0302711100 | 3% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 0302715000 | 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 0302.71?
Imports of Tilapias (Oreochromis spp.), catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), carp (Cyprinus spp., Carassius spp., Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Hypophthalmichthys spp., Cirrhinus spp., Mylopharyngodon piceus, Catla catla, Labeo spp., Osteochilus hasselti, Leptobarbus hoeveni, Megalobrama spp.), eels (Anguilla spp.), Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and snakeheads (Channa spp.), excluding edible fish offal of subheadings 0302 91 to 0302 99 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 030271 cover?
This subheading covers a specific selection of fresh or chilled fish, excluding offal, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) nomenclature. It specifically includes Tilapias (Oreochromis spp.), various catfish species (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), carp (Cyprinus spp., Carassius spp., Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Hypophthalmichthys spp., Cirrhinus spp., Mylopharyngodon piceus, Catla catla, Labeo spp., Osteochilus hasselti, Leptobarbus hoeveni, Megalobrama spp.), eels (Anguilla spp.), Nile perch (Lates niloticus), and snakeheads (Channa spp.). Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this precise scope.
What falls outside HS 030271?
The following products are excluded from HS 030271: edible fish offal of subheadings 0302 91 to 0302 99, which are classified separately. Additionally, any fish not explicitly listed within the Tilapia, catfish, carp, eel, Nile perch, or snakehead families, even if commonly consumed, would not fall under this specific subheading. For instance, frozen versions of these fish would be classified under HS 0303, and fish fillets or other meat of fish, whether or not minced, not elsewhere specified or included, would fall under HS 0304.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030271?
A common error is misclassifying fish that are similar in appearance or common name but do not belong to the specific genera listed in the subheading's description. For example, classifying a non-Pangasius catfish or a non-Oreochromis tilapia under 030271 would be incorrect. Adherence to the scientific genus names provided in the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules, such as the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial, as is correctly distinguishing between fresh/chilled (0302) and frozen (0303) products, following General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1.
How should importers classify products under HS 030271?
The correct procedure for classifying fish under HS 030271 involves a meticulous review of the product's scientific classification and its physical state. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the fish species precisely matches one of the listed genera (e.g., Oreochromis spp. for Tilapia). Confirmation of the product being fresh or chilled, not frozen, is also essential. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the EU TARIC database, and cross-referencing with WCO HS Explanatory Notes provides the definitive guidance for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030271?
A shipment of fresh Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) weighing 1,000 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD would attract a US duty of $500.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 10% = $500.00). If the duty were based on quantity, and the rate was, for example, $0.50 per kilogram, the duty would be $500.00 (1,000 kg × $0.50/kg).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030271?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030271, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), where originating fish from Canada or Mexico may be admitted duty-free. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates for originating products from member countries like Vietnam, potentially reducing duties to Free. Documentation required typically includes a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin declaration, depending on the specific agreement and importing country's regulations.
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FAQ
What are the standard import duty rates for HS code 030271 (Tilapias, catfish, carp, eels, Nile perch, and snakeheads)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 030271 is typically 8.00% ad valorem. However, specific preferential duty rates apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and trade programs. For example, rates can be as low as Free (e.g., under agreements with Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), Singapore (SG)) or higher, such as 3% or 25%, depending on the country of origin and the specific trade arrangement. Importers must consult the relevant tariff schedule for the importing country based on the origin of the goods to determine the applicable rate.
How is the import duty for HS code 030271 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 030271 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the imported goods. For example, if a shipment of Tilapia fillets (classified under 030271) has a customs value of $10,000 and the applicable MFN duty rate is 8.00%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (customs value) × 0.08 (duty rate) = $800. If the duty were based on a combination of value and weight (e.g., specific duty), the calculation would involve both factors. Always verify the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the official tariff schedule.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 030271, and what species are specifically included or excluded?
HS code 030271 covers certain specific species of fish, including Tilapias (Oreochromis spp.), Catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), Carp (Cyprinus spp., Carassius spp., etc.), Eels (Anguilla spp.), Nile Perch (Lates niloticus), and Snakeheads (Channa spp.). The classification hinges on the precise species identification. Crucially, this code excludes edible fish offal of subheadings 0302 91 to 0302 99. Importers must ensure the product description and species align exactly with the scope of this heading to avoid misclassification.
Which common trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 030271, and what are the typical benefits?
Several trade agreements offer reduced or preferential duty rates for products classified under HS code 030271. Examples include agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), which may offer Free (0%) duty rates for originating goods. Other agreements, such as those with Mexico and Canada (USMCA), or agreements with countries like Oman (OM) or Jordan (JO), also provide specific preferential rates. The primary benefit is a reduction in the landed cost of imports, making trade more competitive. Importers must obtain a Certificate of Origin to claim these preferential rates.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 030271, especially when claiming preferential duty rates?
Standard import documentation for HS code 030271 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and import declaration. For perishable goods like fresh fish, health certificates or phytosanitary certificates from the exporting country's competent authority may be required to ensure food safety and compliance with import health regulations. When claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by the exporting country's authorities or a self-certification document, as stipulated by the specific agreement, is mandatory. This COO must accurately list the HS code and confirm the goods' origin.