HS 030333 Sole (Solea spp.)

Quick Answer: Sole (Solea spp.) imported under HS 030333 enters the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 7.50%, and the US at 1.1¢/kg (MFN). This HS code specifically covers frozen sole, not intended for direct consumption, from the genus Solea. Importers should be aware of potential preferential duty rates available under various Free Trade Agreements for the US market, as indicated by the extensive list of countries with duty-free entry. Exporters should verify specific origin requirements for these preferential treatments. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0303330000 6.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0303330000 7.50 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0303330000 1.1¢/kg Free (17 programs) ["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 0303.33?

Imports of Sole (Solea 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?

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What products does HS 030333 cover?

This subheading covers frozen fillets of sole (Solea spp.), as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) nomenclature. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification is specific to the genus *Solea*. Products must be in a frozen state and presented as fillets to qualify for this code, excluding whole fish or other forms of processing.

What falls outside HS 030333?

The following products are excluded from HS 030333: fresh or chilled sole fillets (which would fall under HS 0304), whole frozen sole (classified under HS 030331), sole that has been cooked, dried, or otherwise processed beyond freezing, and fillets of fish other than *Solea* species, such as flounder or turbot, which are classified under different subheadings within Heading 0303 or 0304 based on their specific species and presentation.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 030333?

A common error is misidentifying the species of fish. Importers may mistakenly classify fillets of other flatfish, such as flounder or plaice, under this subheading if they are not carefully verified against the scientific genus *Solea*. Additionally, confusion can arise regarding the state of the product; if the sole fillets are not frozen, they would be classified under HS 0304 (Fish fillets and other fish meat), not HS 0303 (Fish, frozen, excluding fish fillets and other fish meat).

How should importers classify products under HS 030333?

The correct procedure for classifying frozen sole fillets under HS 030333 involves confirming the species is indeed *Solea* spp. and that the product is presented as frozen fillets. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to verify the exact wording and any specific notes. Accurate product documentation, including species identification and processing details, is crucial for correct classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030333?

A shipment of 100 kilograms of frozen sole fillets, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $50.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 10% = $50.00), as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. This specific rate applies to imports from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030333?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030333. For imports into the EU or UK, preferential rates of Free may apply under agreements like the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate for qualifying goods originating from the UK or EU respectively. For imports into the United States, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) can offer preferential rates, often Free, for goods originating from Canada or Mexico, requiring a self-certified origin statement. Other GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) beneficiaries may also qualify for reduced duties.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 030223 HS 030332 HS 030443 HS 030331 HS 030483 HS 030334

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the import duty rates for HS code 030333 (Sole, Solea spp.) into the United States?

For imports into the United States, the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 030333 (Sole, Solea spp., frozen, excluding fillets and other meat of fish of the subheadings) is 6.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under various trade agreements. For example, under the Free Trade Agreement with Australia (AU), the rate is Free. It is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (USITC) for the most current and specific rates applicable to your import, as these can change and depend on the country of origin.

How is the import duty for HS code 030333 calculated, and can you provide an example?

The duty for HS code 030333 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 6.00% and you import 1,000 kg of frozen sole with a declared customs value of $5,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $5,000 (value) × 0.06 (duty rate) = $300 USD. Always verify the specific duty rate applicable to your import's country of origin and the current valuation rules.

What documentation is typically required for importing Sole (Solea spp.) under HS code 030333?

When importing Sole (Solea spp.) under HS code 030333, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the destination country's regulations, you may need a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates. For seafood products, specific health certificates or phytosanitary certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country might be necessary to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Always check the specific import requirements of the destination country.

Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030333, and what are some common examples?

Several trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030333. For example, imports from countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may benefit from duty-free entry into the United States under their respective Free Trade Agreements. The European Union's TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also list preferential rates for various trading partners. Importers should consult the relevant tariff schedule (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the specific country of origin to determine eligibility and the applicable preferential rate.

What are the classification criteria for HS code 030333, and what distinguishes it from other fish classifications?

HS code 030333 specifically covers 'Sole (Solea spp.)' that are 'frozen, excluding fillets and other meat of fish of the subheadings'. The key classification criteria are: 1) the species must belong to the genus Solea (true soles), and 2) the product must be frozen. It excludes products that are presented as fillets or other meat of fish. This distinction is crucial; for example, frozen sole fillets would fall under a different subheading within Chapter 3. Accurate identification of the species and the form of the product is essential for correct classification.