HS 030445 Swordfish (Xiphias gladius)

Quick Answer: Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) imported under HS 030445 enters the UK at 18.00%, the EU at 18.00%, and the US at a rate of 5.5¢/kg for fresh or chilled, and duty-free for frozen. This HS code specifically covers swordfish, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen, excluding fillets and other meat of fish of the subheading 0304.9. Importers and customs brokers should note the significant difference in duty structure between the US and the EU/UK, with the US employing a specific duty based on weight for fresh/chilled product. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these varied rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0304450000 18.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0304450000 18.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0304450000 Free — ["kg"]

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.

How Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 030445 cover?

This subheading covers swordfish (Xiphias gladius), specifically the fillets and other meat of swordfish, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, Heading 0304 pertains to fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced, fresh, chilled or frozen. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this specific subheading is dedicated to the meat of swordfish, excluding the whole fish or other parts not classified as fillets or meat.

What falls outside HS 030445?

The following products are excluded from HS 030445: whole swordfish, swordfish steaks (which are typically classified under 0304.89.90 in the US HTS), swordfish heads, fins, or other offal not considered meat, and any swordfish products that have undergone further preparation beyond simple chilling, freezing, or filleting, such as cooking or smoking, which would place them in different headings. Products of other fish species, even if visually similar, are also not covered by this subheading.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 030445?

A common error is misclassifying swordfish steaks as fillets or meat under 030445. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. While swordfish meat is covered, the precise cut can be critical; steaks are often considered distinct from general "meat" or "fillets" in some tariff schedules, leading to potential misclassification under a more general or specific sub-category within 0304. Additionally, confusing swordfish with other large pelagic fish can occur.

How should importers classify products under HS 030445?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030445 involves a detailed examination of the product's form and species. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and that it consists of fillets or meat, not whole fish or other parts. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and comparing the product description with the precise wording of subheading 0304.45 is essential. Obtaining a Certificate of Origin can also be crucial for preferential duty claims.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030445?

A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of frozen swordfish fillets, declared at a customs value of $15,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,500.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the customs value ($15,000 USD × 10% = $1,500.00). Note that some tariff schedules may also have specific rates per kilogram, but for this example, the ad valorem rate is used as per the US HTS for this product.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030445?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030445, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty-free entry for qualifying swordfish originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free entry for eligible swordfish from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 030454 HS 030484 HS 030357 HS 030247 HS 030195 HS 030456

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

FAQ

What are the import duty rates for Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) under HS code 030445?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Swordfish (Xiphias gladius), fresh or chilled, fillets and other meat of fish, excluding finfish, under HS code 030445 is 18.00% ad valorem in the United States. For the European Union, the Common Customs Tariff (CCT) rate is also 18.00% ad valorem. In the United Kingdom, the duty rate is Free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most current and applicable rates, as these can change.

How is the import duty for HS code 030445 calculated, and can you provide an example?

The duty for HS code 030445 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if importing 1,000 kg of Swordfish fillets valued at $10,000 USD into the United States, with an MFN duty rate of 18.00%, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.18 (18.00% duty rate) = $1,800 USD. Some countries may also have specific weight-based duties (e.g., cents per kilogram) that could apply, so always verify the specific duty calculation method.

Are there any preferential duty rates or trade agreements that might affect the import of Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) under HS code 030445?

Yes, preferential duty rates can significantly impact the cost of importing Swordfish. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may benefit from reduced or zero duty rates, provided they meet the rules of origin. Similarly, the EU has various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with partner countries that could offer preferential access. Importers must obtain a Certificate of Origin from the exporter to claim these preferential rates and ensure compliance with the specific requirements of each trade agreement.

What are the key classification criteria for HS code 030445, and what documentation is typically required?

HS code 030445 specifically covers 'Swordfish (Xiphias gladius), other than Loin'. This means the product must be identifiable as Swordfish and should not be classified as loin. The product can be fresh or chilled. Documentation commonly required for importing Swordfish includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin if preferential treatment is claimed. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations, a health certificate or a catch certificate issued by the flag state may be necessary to verify the origin and safety of the fish.