HS 030496 Dogfish and other sharks
Quick Answer: Dogfish and other sharks imported under HS 030496 enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 7.50%, and the US at 6% MFN, with some trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This code specifically covers the meat of dogfish and other shark species, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen, excluding fillets and other fish meat of heading 0304. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on origin and specific trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0304960000 | — | — | — |
| 0304961000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 0304962000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 0304963000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 0304969000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0304960000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 0304962000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 0304969000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 0304961000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 0304963000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0304960000 | 6% | 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 0304.96?
Imports of Dogfish and other sharks 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 030496 cover?
This subheading covers dogfish and other sharks, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen, including fillets and other meat of sharks. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification is within Heading 0304, which pertains to fish fillets and other fish meat. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this code is specifically for the meat of dogfish and various shark species, excluding whole fish or other aquatic invertebrates.
What falls outside HS 030496?
The following products are excluded from HS 030496: whole dogfish and sharks (which would typically fall under HS 0302 or 0303 depending on whether they are fresh/chilled or frozen), shark fins (classified under HS 030499), and products where shark meat is merely an ingredient in a composite good, such as breaded shark fillets (which would be classified based on the composite nature, often in Chapter 16). Additionally, live sharks are classified under Chapter 01.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030496?
A common error is misclassifying shark products that are not solely meat or fillets. For instance, whole frozen sharks are correctly classified under HS 0303, not 0304. Another mistake involves confusing dogfish with other fish species. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial to avoid misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 030496?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030496 involves a detailed examination of the product's form and species. Importers and customs brokers must confirm that the product consists of dogfish or other shark meat, excluding whole fish or fins. Consulting official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing the specific product description and any accompanying documentation are essential steps to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030496?
A shipment of 100 kg of frozen shark 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 value ($500 USD × 10% = $50.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 030496.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030496?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030496, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating shark products from Canada and Mexico can enter the US duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer duty-free treatment for originating products from certain developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 030496 (Dogfish and other sharks)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 030496 is typically 6.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, imports from Australia (AU), Chile (CL), and Singapore (SG) may enter duty-free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment, as rates can vary. For instance, the EU TARIC system might show different rates based on origin and specific trade arrangements.
How is HS code 030496 defined, and what specific products fall under 'Dogfish and other sharks'?
HS code 030496 covers fresh, chilled, or frozen meat of dogfish (family Squalidae) and other sharks, excluding fish of the order Squaliformes. This includes various species of sharks intended for consumption. The classification is based on the biological classification of the fish and its presentation (fresh, chilled, or frozen). Exclusions typically relate to other fish species or products not meeting the definition of shark meat. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides guidance on the interpretation of HS headings and subheadings.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 030496?
Importers and customs brokers should be prepared to provide a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. A certificate of origin is essential for claiming preferential duty rates. Depending on the importing country's regulations, a health certificate or sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country may be required to ensure the fish is fit for human consumption and meets safety standards. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the UK Trade Tariff provide detailed information on specific documentation requirements.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030496, and what are some examples?
Several trade agreements can provide reduced or zero duty rates for HS code 030496. Examples include agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), which often grant duty-free access. The specific preferential rate depends on the origin of the goods and the terms of the applicable trade agreement. Importers should verify the list of eligible countries and the specific tariff treatment under agreements such as the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) or the EU's trade agreements.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 030496, and can you provide a numerical example?
The duty for HS code 030496 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 6.00% and you import 1,000 kg of frozen shark meat with a declared customs value of $5,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: 6.00% of $5,000 USD = $300 USD. Some countries may also have specific additional duties or taxes that apply. Always confirm the applicable duty rate and valuation rules with the importing country's customs authority.