HS 030631 Live, fresh or chilled
Quick Answer: Crabs, live, fresh or chilled, imported under HS 030631 enter the UK at 12.00%, the EU at 12.50%, and the US duty-free. This classification specifically applies to live, fresh, or chilled crabs, excluding those that are frozen, dried, salted, or cooked. Importers should be aware that while the US offers duty-free entry, the UK and EU impose significant ad valorem duties. Accurate product description and condition are paramount for correct classification and duty assessment. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific national tariff schedules for precise application.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0306310000 | 12.00 % | — | — |
| 0306310010 | 12.00 % | — | — |
| 0306310090 | 12.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0306310000 | 12.50 % | — | — |
| 0306310010 | 12.50 % | — | — |
| 0306310090 | 12.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0306310000 | 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 030631 cover?
This subheading covers live, fresh, or chilled crabs, whether or not shelled, but not cooked. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, Heading 0306 specifically pertains to crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic invertebrates. Subheading 030631, as detailed in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, encompasses live, fresh, or chilled crabs of all species, excluding those that have undergone any form of cooking or processing beyond chilling.
What falls outside HS 030631?
The following products are excluded from HS 030631: crabs that have been cooked, frozen, dried, salted, or otherwise preserved, which would be classified under different subheadings within Chapter 03 or other chapters depending on the processing. For instance, cooked crabs, even if chilled, are typically classified under HS 030632. Similarly, crab meat, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or processed, falls under separate classifications, often within 0306.14 for frozen crab meat or 1605.10 for prepared or preserved crab.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030631?
A common error is misclassifying cooked or processed crabs as fresh or chilled. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System emphasizes that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify crab meat separately from whole crabs under this subheading, overlooking the specific wording that refers to the entire crab, live, fresh, or chilled, whether or not shelled.
How should importers classify products under HS 030631?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030631 involves a thorough examination of the product's condition and form. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the crabs are indeed live, fresh, or chilled, and have not undergone any cooking or preservation processes. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System are crucial steps to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030631?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of live 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. The calculation is: 10% of $1,500 USD = $150.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 0306.31.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030631?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030631, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating crabs from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is generally required, detailing the product's origin and compliance with the agreement's rules of origin. Other agreements may offer reduced rates for specific origins, but USMCA is a prominent example for North American trade.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 030631 (Live, fresh or chilled crabs)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 030631 is typically 12.00% ad valorem in many major markets. However, preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can significantly reduce or eliminate these duties. For instance, under certain agreements, the rate might be Free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment based on the origin of the goods.
What specific criteria define a product as 'live, fresh or chilled' under HS code 030631 for customs purposes?
For HS code 030631, 'live' refers to crustaceans that are alive at the time of import. 'Fresh' means the product has not been preserved by any method other than refrigeration, chilling, or freezing. 'Chilled' indicates the product has been cooled to a temperature near its freezing point but not frozen. The key is that the product must be maintained in a state of preservation that keeps it in its natural, raw condition without significant alteration, typically requiring temperature control during transit and storage.
What documentation is typically required for importing live, fresh or chilled crabs under HS code 030631?
Importers and customs brokers should be prepared to provide a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, for live or fresh seafood, a health certificate or sanitary certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country is often mandatory to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Depending on the importing country, additional permits, import licenses, or catch certificates may also be required. Always verify the specific import requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
How are import duties calculated for HS 030631, and can you provide an example?
Import duties for HS code 030631 are typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 12.00% and you import live crabs valued at $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 12.00% (Duty Rate) = $1,200 USD. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or quantity, or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties. Always confirm the applicable duty calculation method with the importing country's customs authority.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030631, and how can importers claim these benefits?
Many trade agreements, such as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and various EU Free Trade Agreements, can offer reduced or zero duty rates for goods originating from member countries. To claim preferential treatment, importers must possess a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin issued by the exporter, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin specified in the respective trade agreement. This document must be submitted to customs at the time of import.