HS 030614 Crabs
Quick Answer: Crabs imported under HS 030614 enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 7.50%, and the US at a duty-free rate for most classifications. This code specifically covers live, fresh, or chilled crabs, including edible species like king crabs and snow crabs. Frozen crabs fall under a different subheading. Importers should note that while the US offers duty-free entry for many crab products, specific types or preparations might incur duties. Exporters should verify the exact classification and applicable duties for their specific crab product in each target market. CustomTariffs aggregates this data for compliance professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0306140000 | — | — | — |
| 0306141000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 0306143000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 0306149000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 0306149010 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0306140000 | — | — | — |
| 0306141000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 0306143000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 0306149000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 0306149010 | 7.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0306144006 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 0306144009 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 0306144012 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 0306144015 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 03061440 | Free | — | — |
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 0306.14?
Imports of Crabs 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 030614 cover?
This subheading covers live, fresh, or chilled crabs, whether or not in shell. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes all species of crabs. For instance, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to whole crabs, as well as crab meat and crab pieces, provided they are presented in a fresh or chilled state, not frozen or processed beyond simple chilling. This category is distinct from cooked or preserved crab products.
What falls outside HS 030614?
The following products are excluded from HS 030614: frozen crabs (classified under 0306.14.00.00 in the US HTS, for example), dried, salted, or in brine crabs, and crabs otherwise prepared or preserved, such as canned or smoked crabs, which fall under Chapter 16. Additionally, live or fresh crab products that have undergone any significant processing, such as cooking or the addition of other ingredients, are not covered by this subheading and would be classified elsewhere based on their specific preparation.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030614?
A common error is misclassifying frozen crab products under this subheading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Frozen crabs, regardless of species or presentation, are specifically classified under HS 0306.14.00.00 in many tariff schedules, or under a separate subheading within 0306 if not specifically listed. Importers often overlook the critical distinction between "chilled" and "frozen" states.
How should importers classify products under HS 030614?
The correct procedure for classifying crabs under HS 030614 involves first determining the physical state of the product: live, fresh, or chilled. Consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the specific wording of heading 0306 and subheading 0306.14. Verify that the product is not frozen, cooked, or otherwise preserved. If the product meets these criteria, HS 0306.14 is appropriate.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030614?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of fresh Dungeness crabs, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($1,500 USD × 10% = $150.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, under subheading 0306.14.00.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030614?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030614, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer duty-free entry for qualifying originating crabs from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also provide preferential rates for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. Documentation typically required includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a certificate of origin for CPTPP, depending on the specific requirements of the importing country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 030614 (Crabs)?
Import duty rates for HS code 030614, covering live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine crabs, vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is typically 6.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. The EU TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also list specific rates, which can differ. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate.
How is the import duty for HS 030614 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS 030614 is typically based on an ad valorem rate, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if crabs are imported into the US with a declared customs value of $10,000 and the MFN duty rate is 6.00%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 0.06 (duty rate) = $600. Some specific products within this heading might also have specific duties (per unit weight or count), so it's crucial to verify the exact duty basis in the importing country's tariff.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 030614 (Crabs)?
HS code 030614 covers 'Crabs, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine'. The primary classification criterion is the species being a crab (Brachyura). The condition of the crab (live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine) determines the specific subheading within Chapter 03. For example, live crabs are classified here, as are those that have been processed only by freezing, chilling, drying, salting, or placing them in brine. Further processing, such as cooking (unless necessary to preserve them), would typically lead to classification under a different HS code, usually in Chapter 16 (Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates).
What documentation is typically required for importing crabs under HS code 030614?
Importing crabs under HS code 030614 generally requires standard customs documentation, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, due to the perishable nature and potential health implications of seafood, specific health certificates or sanitary certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country are often mandatory. Importers should also be prepared for potential inspections by food safety agencies in the importing country. Specific import permits or licenses may also be required depending on the destination country's regulations.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030614 (Crabs)?
Preferential duty rates for HS code 030614 can be accessed through various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and other preferential trade arrangements. For example, the United States has FTAs with countries like Canada and Mexico (under USMCA), Australia, and South Korea, which may offer reduced or zero duty rates on certain crab products if they meet the rules of origin. The European Union has numerous Association Agreements and Economic Partnership Agreements that can provide preferential access for crab imports from partner countries. Similarly, the UK benefits from its own set of trade agreements post-Brexit. To claim preferential treatment, importers must ensure the goods meet the specific rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the required proof of origin documentation.