HS 030497 Rays and skates (Rajidae)

Quick Answer: Rays and skates (Rajidae) imported under HS 030497 enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 7.50%, and the US at a general rate of 6% ad valorem, with preferential rates available for certain trading partners and a higher rate of 25% for others. This HS code specifically covers all species of rays and skates, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine, but excludes fillets and other meat of rays and skates which are classified under 0304.99. Importers should consult specific Free Trade Agreements for potential duty reductions in the US. CustomTariffs aggregates this information for compliance.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0304970000 6.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0304970000 7.50 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0304970000 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 0304.97?

Imports of Rays and skates (Rajidae) 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 030497 cover?

This subheading covers fresh, chilled, or frozen rays and skates (family Rajidae), presented as fillets or other fish meat, whether or not minced. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, Heading 0304 specifically pertains to fish fillets and other fish meat, whether or not minced, fresh, chilled or frozen. Subheading 030497 is a specific designation within this broader category, focusing exclusively on the flesh of these cartilaginous fish, excluding whole fish or other parts not classified as meat.

What falls outside HS 030497?

The following products are excluded from HS 030497: whole rays and skates, fish heads, fins, tails, and other offal not considered fish meat. Additionally, products that have undergone cooking, drying, salting, or are preserved in brine or other ways that alter their state from fresh, chilled, or frozen are classified elsewhere. For instance, dried or smoked rays and skates would fall under different headings, typically within Chapter 03 but in distinct subheadings based on their preservation method.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 030497?

A common error is misclassifying minced fish meat. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If fish meat is minced, it still falls under 030497 if it originates from rays and skates. Confusion can also arise if the product is a mixture of fish species, requiring careful examination of the predominant species or specific tariff provisions for mixed goods.

How should importers classify products under HS 030497?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030497 involves first identifying the species of fish. If the product consists of the flesh of rays and skates (family Rajidae) and is presented fresh, chilled, or frozen, it should be classified here. Importers and customs brokers must consult official tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database, to confirm the specific wording and any applicable notes or rulings that might affect classification for their particular shipment.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030497?

A shipment of 100 kilograms of frozen skate 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). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 030497. The specific rate can vary based on origin and trade agreements.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030497?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030497, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid origin declaration is required. For goods originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a Form A certificate of origin is typically needed to claim preferential duty rates, often resulting in a reduced or free duty status.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 030457 HS 030448 HS 030382 HS 030282 HS 030496 HS 030447

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

FAQ

What are the import duty rates for HS code 030497 (Rays and skates)?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 030497 (Rays and skates, excluding fillets and other meat of fish of the subheadings 0304.11 to 0304.89) is typically 6.00%. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, rates can be Free (0%) for imports from countries such as Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), among others listed under specific preferential schemes. It is crucial to consult the relevant tariff schedule for the importing country to determine the exact applicable rate based on the origin of the goods.

How is the duty for HS code 030497 calculated, and can you provide an example?

The duty for HS code 030497 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 6.00% and you import 1,000 kg of rays and skates with a declared customs value of $5,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: $5,000 USD (Value) * 6.00% (Duty Rate) = $300 USD (Duty Amount). If the tariff also specifies a per-kilogram duty, the calculation would involve both components, and the higher amount would typically be applied.

What are the key classification criteria for HS code 030497?

HS code 030497 specifically covers 'Rays and skates (Rajidae)' that are not fillets or other fish meat falling under subheadings 0304.11 to 0304.89. This means the product must be identifiable as whole or pieces of rays and skates, not processed into finer meat cuts. The classification relies on the species identification and the form in which the product is presented. For customs purposes, accurate species identification is paramount to ensure correct classification and compliance.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 030497?

When importing goods classified under HS code 030497, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations and the product's origin, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates. Health certificates or phytosanitary certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country are often mandatory for fish and fishery products to ensure food safety and compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030497?

Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 030497. For instance, agreements like the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), the US-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CL), and the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KR) often grant duty-free access for originating goods. Other agreements, such as those with Canada (E), Mexico (M), and various countries in the Middle East (e.g., Oman - OM, Jordan - JO) and Latin America (e.g., Peru - PE, Colombia - CO), also offer reduced or zero duty rates. Importers must verify that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the specific trade agreement to qualify for these benefits.