HS 030542 Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii)
Quick Answer: Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii) imported under HS 030542 enter the UK at 10.00% ad valorem, the EU at 10.00% ad valorem, and the US at rates including free and 6.6¢/kg. This HS code specifically covers herrings, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, or dried, but not smoked. Importers should note that while the UK and EU share a common tariff rate for this product, the US offers a more varied tariff structure, including duty-free options depending on specific subheadings and origin. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these jurisdictional differences is crucial for accurate duty assessment and cost optimization.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0305420000 | 10.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0305420000 | 10.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03054200 | Free | — | — |
| 0305420050 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 0305420020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 0305420060 | — | — | ["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?
What products does HS 030542 cover?
This subheading covers salted herrings, whether or not dried or smoked, specifically identifying the species *Clupea harengus* and *Clupea pallasii*. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is for herrings that have undergone a salting process, which may be combined with drying or smoking. Official tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, confirm that only herrings of these specific scientific classifications, prepared by salting, fall within this code.
What falls outside HS 030542?
The following products are excluded from HS 030542: herrings that are not salted, such as fresh, chilled, or frozen herrings (which would typically be classified under HS 0303 or 0304), and herrings prepared or preserved in any other manner, such as canned herrings (HS 1604). Additionally, fish other than *Clupea harengus* and *Clupea pallasii*, even if salted, dried, or smoked, will be classified under different headings. For instance, salted mackerel would fall under HS 030569.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030542?
A common error is misclassifying salted herrings that have undergone additional processing not covered by the "salted" description. For example, if herrings are heavily smoked and then lightly salted, they might be incorrectly entered under 030542 instead of a more appropriate subheading for smoked fish. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and 3 is crucial, ensuring the primary characteristic of the product aligns with the specific description of "salted herrings" under this code.
How should importers classify products under HS 030542?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030542 involves a detailed examination of the product's preparation method and species. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed herring (*Clupea harengus* or *Clupea pallasii*) and that the primary preservation method is salting, even if it is also dried or smoked. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing product specifications and supplier declarations are essential steps.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030542?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of salted herrings, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,000. This is calculated using the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 20% ad valorem, applied to the customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.20 = $1,000 USD). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which specifies ad valorem duties for this product category.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030542?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030542, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating herrings from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or free entry for products from certain developing countries, typically requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 030542 (Herrings, prepared or preserved)?
The import duty rates for HS code 030542, which covers 'Herrings, prepared or preserved,' vary significantly by country and trade agreement. For example, under the US Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff, the rate is 10.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. For instance, imports from Canada under the USMCA may be eligible for duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for any preferential treatment. Source: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
How is the duty calculated for HS 030542, using a specific example?
The duty calculation depends on whether the rate is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit of weight or quantity). For example, if a country imposes a specific duty of 6.6¢/kg and you import 1,000 kg of herrings valued at $3,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as follows: 1,000 kg * $0.066/kg = $66.00 USD. If the duty were 10.00% ad valorem on the same $3,000 USD shipment, the duty would be $3,000 USD * 0.10 = $300.00 USD. Always confirm the applicable duty basis (ad valorem or specific) and rate for your shipment.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 030542?
HS code 030542 specifically covers 'Herrings (Clupea harengus, Clupea pallasii), prepared or preserved.' The key classification criteria are: 1. Species: The fish must be identified as herrings, specifically Clupea harengus or Clupea pallasii. 2. Condition: The product must be 'prepared or preserved.' This typically includes methods like salting, drying, smoking, cooking, or packing in oil or sauce, but excludes simple freezing or chilling unless further processed. The preparation method is critical for accurate classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 030542?
Importing prepared or preserved herrings under HS code 030542 generally requires standard customs documentation, plus specific requirements for food products. Essential documents include: a commercial invoice, a packing list, a bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. Additionally, importers must provide health or sanitary certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, confirming the product meets the importing country's food safety standards. A detailed product description specifying the preparation method is also crucial for customs verification.
Which major trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030542?
Several trade agreements can impact duty rates for HS code 030542. For imports into the United States, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) often provides duty-free access for qualifying goods. For imports into the European Union, agreements with countries like Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland, as well as various Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, may offer reduced or zero duty rates. Importers must ensure their goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement to benefit from preferential treatment. Always consult the specific trade agreement and the importing country's customs authority for definitive guidance.