HS 030284 Sea bass (Dicentrarchus spp.)
Quick Answer: Sea bass (Dicentrarchus spp.) imported under HS 030284 enters the UK at 14.00%, the EU at 15.00%, and the US at 3% under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate, with certain trade agreements providing duty-free entry. This HS code specifically covers sea bass, a popular marine fish, in their fresh or chilled state. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on origin and specific trade agreements, which can be verified through resources like CustomTariffs. For frozen sea bass, a different HS code would apply.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0302840000 | — | — | — |
| 0302841000 | 14.00 % | — | — |
| 0302849000 | 14.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0302840000 | — | — | — |
| 0302841000 | 15.00 % | — | — |
| 0302849000 | 15.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0302841100 | 3% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 0302845000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 030284 | — | — | — |
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 0302.84?
Imports of Sea bass (Dicentrarchus 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 030284 cover?
This subheading covers sea bass of the genus *Dicentrarchus*, specifically *Dicentrarchus labrax* (European sea bass) and *Dicentrarchus punctatus* (Spotted sea bass), when imported as fresh or chilled fish. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to whole fish, whether gutted or not, but not processed in any way beyond simple preservation methods like chilling. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database align with this definition, ensuring consistent international classification for these commercially important marine species.
What falls outside HS 030284?
The following products are excluded from HS 030284: frozen sea bass (which would fall under HS 030285), dried, salted, or smoked sea bass (classified under HS 0305), and sea bass prepared or preserved in airtight containers (classified under HS 1604). Fish of other genera, even if commonly referred to as "sea bass" in local markets, such as Chilean sea bass (*Dissostichus eleginoides*), are also excluded and would be classified under their respective HS codes, typically within heading 0302 or 0303 depending on their state.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030284?
A common error is misclassifying sea bass that has undergone any form of processing beyond simple gutting or chilling. For instance, fillets of sea bass, even if fresh, are not covered by this subheading and would typically be classified under HS 030289. Furthermore, confusion can arise with other species that share the common name "sea bass." Adherence to the genus *Dicentrarchus* as specified in the WCO HS Nomenclature and national tariff schedules is crucial to avoid misclassification, often requiring careful review of species identification.
How should importers classify products under HS 030284?
The correct procedure for classifying sea bass under HS 030284 involves verifying the species and its condition upon importation. Importers and customs brokers must confirm that the product is indeed *Dicentrarchus* spp. and that it is presented as fresh or chilled, whole, or in pieces but not further processed. Reviewing the accompanying documentation, such as the bill of lading and any species certificates, alongside the physical characteristics of the goods, is essential for accurate declaration to customs authorities like the USITC or relevant EU member state customs agencies.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030284?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of fresh European sea bass (*Dicentrarchus labrax*) declared at a customs value of $500 USD would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 7.0% × $500 = $35.00. This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 030284.2000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030284?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030284, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For goods originating from the United Kingdom, the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement may also offer preferential rates, potentially Free, depending on origin. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK preferences, demonstrating compliance with rules of origin.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 030284, Sea bass (Dicentrarchus spp.)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 030284 (Sea bass, fresh or chilled) is 14.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, rates can be as low as Free (0%) for imports from countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) under specific agreements. It is crucial to consult the relevant tariff schedule for the importing country to determine the applicable rate based on the origin of the goods.
How is the import duty for HS 030284 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 030284 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the customs value of the imported goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 14.00% and you import 100 kg of sea bass with a customs value of $5 per kg, the total customs value is $500 (100 kg * $5/kg). The import duty would be $70 (14.00% of $500). Some tariffs may also include specific duties (per unit weight), so always verify the exact duty calculation method.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 030284?
HS code 030284 specifically covers 'Sea bass' of the genus Dicentrarchus, whether fresh or chilled. The classification hinges on the species identification. It is essential to ensure that the imported fish are indeed Dicentrarchus spp. and that they are presented in a fresh or chilled state. Frozen sea bass would fall under a different HS code (e.g., 0303).
What documentation is typically required for importing Sea bass (HS 030284)?
When importing Sea bass under HS code 030284, standard import documentation usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations, you may need a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates, a phytosanitary certificate or health certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country to ensure food safety and compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, and potentially a catch certificate if the fish is wild-caught.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030284?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 030284. For example, the United States has agreements with countries like Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Colombia (CO) that may offer reduced or zero duties. The European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and its numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various nations also often include provisions for reduced tariffs on fish products. Importers should verify the specific origin of their sea bass and consult the relevant preferential tariff schedule or the importing country's customs authority to confirm eligibility.