HS 030285 Sea bream (Sparidae)
Quick Answer: Sea bream (Sparidae) imported under HS 030285 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 offering duty-free entry. This code specifically covers sea bream, a family of marine fish known for their firm, white flesh, excluding fillets and other fish meat. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on preferential trade agreements, particularly for US imports. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based duty rates for accurate customs declarations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0302850000 | — | — | — |
| 0302851000 | 14.00 % | — | — |
| 0302853000 | 14.00 % | — | — |
| 0302859000 | 14.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0302850000 | — | — | — |
| 0302851000 | 15.00 % | — | — |
| 0302853000 | 15.00 % | — | — |
| 0302859000 | 15.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0302851100 | 3% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 030285 | — | — | — |
| 0302855000 | 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 0302.85?
Imports of Sea bream (Sparidae) 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 030285 cover?
This subheading covers fresh or chilled sea bream (family Sparidae), as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. Official definitions, such as those found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, confirm that this classification applies to various species within the Sparidae family, including but not limited to gilthead sea bream ( *Sparus aurata* ) and other commercially significant species, provided they are presented in their fresh or chilled state, whole or in pieces, but not otherwise prepared or preserved.
What falls outside HS 030285?
The following products are excluded from HS 030285: sea bream that has been subjected to any form of preservation, such as freezing (classified under HS 0303), drying, salting, or smoking (classified under HS 0305). Additionally, prepared or preserved sea bream, such as fillets in batter or canned products, are classified under different headings, typically within Chapter 16. Fish roes of sea bream are also excluded and fall under HS 0309.90.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030285?
A common error is misclassifying sea bream that has undergone minimal processing, such as filleting or portioning, without proper consideration of the "prepared or preserved" exclusion in Chapter 16. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also mistakenly classify other white fish species as sea bream if they are not precisely identified, leading to incorrect duty rates.
How should importers classify products under HS 030285?
The correct procedure for classifying sea bream under HS 030285 involves a multi-step verification process. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the product is indeed a species belonging to the Sparidae family. Next, they must ascertain that the product is presented in a fresh or chilled state, without any preservation methods beyond chilling. Reviewing the specific product's presentation and consulting official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030285?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of fresh whole gilthead sea bream, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the customs value ($500 USD × 0.03 = $15.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 0302.85.10.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030285?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030285, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer preferential rates or duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced rates for certain developing countries. Documentation required typically includes a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction, to claim these preferential rates.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 030285 (Sea bream, fresh or chilled)?
Import duty rates for HS code 030285 (Sea bream, fresh or chilled) can vary significantly depending on the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is often 3%. However, preferential rates may apply. The EU's TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also list specific rates. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the definitive rate.
How is the import duty for HS 030285 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS 030285 typically involves an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value) or a specific rate (per unit of weight), or a combination. For instance, if a shipment of fresh sea bream has a customs value of $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate in the US is 3%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.03 (Duty Rate) = $300 USD. Always verify the specific duty calculation method (ad valorem, specific, or compound) and the correct value or quantity basis from the importing country's tariff schedule.
What documentation is typically required for importing fresh or chilled sea bream under HS code 030285?
Importing fresh or chilled sea bream (HS 030285) generally requires specific documentation to ensure compliance with food safety and customs regulations. This often includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. Additionally, health certificates or phytosanitary certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country are usually mandatory to verify the fish is safe for consumption and meets import health standards. Importers should confirm the exact requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS 030285, and how can importers benefit?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS 030285. For example, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), EU Free Trade Agreements with various countries, and the UK's Global Tariff often list reduced or zero duty rates for specific origins. To benefit, importers must ensure the sea bream originates from a country that is a party to a relevant trade agreement and can provide a valid proof of origin (e.g., a certificate of origin) that meets the agreement's specific rules. Consulting the official customs resources of the importing country and the text of the trade agreement is essential.
Are there specific classification criteria or conditions that must be met for sea bream to be classified under HS 030285?
Yes, HS code 030285 specifically covers 'Sea bream (Sparidae), fresh or chilled'. The key classification criteria are the species (belonging to the Sparidae family) and the condition (fresh or chilled, not frozen, dried, or otherwise preserved). If the sea bream is frozen, it would fall under HS code 0303. If it's processed (e.g., fillets, smoked), it would be classified under different headings. Verification of the species and condition upon import is crucial for correct classification.