HS 030571 Fish fins, heads, tails, maws and other edible fish offal

Quick Answer: Fish fins, heads, tails, maws, and other edible fish offal imported under HS 030571 enter the UK at 12.00%, the EU at 12.00%, and the US at 2.8¢/kg under the MFN rate. This classification encompasses non-filleted, non-meat parts of fish that are intended for human consumption, often utilized in culinary preparations or as ingredients. Importers should be aware that while the US duty is specific, the EU and UK apply an ad valorem rate. According to CustomTariffs data, these rates are generally consistent across the major trading blocs for this specific sub-heading, simplifying compliance for many international shipments.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305710000 12.00 % — —
0305711500 12.00 % — —
0305711510 12.00 % — —
0305711590 12.00 % — —
0305713000 12.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305711500 12.00 % — —
0305711590 12.00 % — —
0305713000 12.00 % — —
0305713010 12.00 % — —
0305713090 12.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0305710000 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 to Classify This HS Code?

```html

What products does HS 030571 cover?

This subheading covers fish fins, heads, tails, maws, and other edible fish offal, which are by-products of fish processing intended for human consumption. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, these items are specifically enumerated as distinct from whole fish or fillets. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes parts like fish cheeks, gills, and roe (if not separately classified), provided they are derived from fish of heading 0302 or 0304 and are intended for food use.

What falls outside HS 030571?

The following products are excluded from HS 030571: fish intended for purposes other than human consumption, such as fishmeal for animal feed; fish roe that is specifically classified under other headings (e.g., caviar); fish heads, tails, and offal that have undergone significant processing beyond simple cleaning or freezing, such as canning or cooking, which would place them in Chapter 16; and any fish parts that are not considered edible or are used for non-food purposes like bait or pharmaceutical extraction.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 030571?

A common error is the misclassification of fish heads, tails, or maws that have been further processed. For instance, if fish heads are fried or canned, they would likely fall under Chapter 16 (Preparations of meat, of fish, of crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates) rather than remaining as raw offal under 030571. Additionally, confusion can arise with edible fish offal that is not specifically listed, requiring careful application of General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(c) to determine the most appropriate classification based on the essential character of the goods.

How should importers classify products under HS 030571?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030571 involves a thorough examination of the product's form, intended use, and any processing it has undergone. 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 of the subheading. It is crucial to determine if the product is indeed "fish offal" as defined and if it originates from fish covered by headings 0302 or 0304, and is intended for human consumption.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030571?

A shipment of 1,000 kg of frozen fish heads from cod, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value (0.05 × $2,500 = $125.00). This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 0305.71.0000. Note that some countries may apply specific rates per kilogram for certain fish offal.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030571?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030571. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), originating fish products may enter the US duty-free. Similarly, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) can offer preferential rates or duty-free entry for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement or a specific certificate of origin, depending on the agreement and the exporting country.

```

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 030572 HS 030391 HS 030551 HS 030291 HS 030561 HS 030541

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

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 030571 (Fish fins, heads, tails, maws and other edible fish offal)?

Import duty rates for HS code 030571 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the general Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 12.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US may enter duty-free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the country of origin to determine the applicable duty rate.

How is the import duty for HS code 030571 calculated, and can you provide an example?

The duty calculation for HS code 030571 typically depends on whether the duty is assessed on an ad valorem (based on value) or specific (based on weight) basis. For example, if a country applies a 12.00% ad valorem duty and you import 100 kg of fish heads valued at $500, the duty would be calculated as 12.00% of $500, which equals $60. If the duty were specified as 2.8¢/kg, the duty on 100 kg would be 100 kg * 2.8¢/kg = 280¢, or $2.80. Always check the specific duty basis (ad valorem or specific) and rate in the importing country's tariff schedule.

What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 030571?

HS code 030571 covers 'Fish fins, heads, tails, maws and other edible fish offal'. The primary classification criteria are that the products must be derived from fish, be edible, and specifically be fins, heads, tails, maws (swim bladders), or other parts not typically considered the principal cuts of fish flesh. The goods must also be suitable for human consumption. Products that are not edible or are processed beyond simple preparation (e.g., cooked, preserved in oil) may fall under different HS codes.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 030571?

When importing goods under HS code 030571, standard import documentation is usually required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, for edible fish products, a health certificate or phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country is often mandatory to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Importers should also be prepared to provide proof of origin if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement.

Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030571, and how can importers verify eligibility?

The applicability of preferential duty rates for HS code 030571 depends on the specific trade agreements in place between the importing country and the exporting country. For example, the United States has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Mexico and Canada (USMCA), and other preferential trade programs. The European Union has numerous Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Association Agreements. To verify eligibility, importers must: 1. Confirm the country of origin of the goods. 2. Obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter, which meets the requirements of the relevant trade agreement. 3. Consult the importing country's customs authority or tariff database, which will specify the preferential tariff treatment available under each agreement for HS code 030571.