HS 030633 Crabs
Quick Answer: Crabs imported under HS 030633 enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 7.50%, and the US at a duty-free rate for most favored nation (MFN) status. This Harmonized System (HS) code specifically covers live, fresh, or chilled crabs, whether in shell or not, excluding those that are cooked after freezing. Significant trade considerations include potential variations in duty rates based on the specific type of crab and its preparation, as well as potential import restrictions or sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. Importers and customs brokers should consult specific national tariff schedules for precise duty application and any applicable quotas or preferential trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0306330000 | — | — | — |
| 0306331000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 0306339000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0306330000 | — | — | — |
| 0306331000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 0306339000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 030633 | — | — | [] |
| 0306334000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 0306332000 | 7.5% | 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 0306.33?
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 030633 cover?
This subheading covers live, fresh, or chilled crabs, whether in shell or not, excluding their meat. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes all species of crabs that are not processed beyond simple preservation. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to whole, live, or chilled crabs, prepared for consumption but not cooked or otherwise preserved, fitting the general description of "crabs" under Heading 0306.
What falls outside HS 030633?
The following products are excluded from HS 030633: cooked crabs, crab meat (which falls under HS 030694), frozen crabs (unless specifically prepared as live/chilled), and crabs preserved by salting, drying, or in brine. For instance, canned crab meat, crab sticks, or imitation crab products are classified elsewhere, typically under Chapter 16, as they are considered preparations or processed goods, not simply live or chilled whole crabs.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030633?
A common error is misclassifying cooked or frozen crabs under this subheading. 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. If crabs have undergone any cooking, freezing, or processing beyond simple chilling, they will likely fall into a different subheading, such as 030694 for crab meat or Chapter 16 for prepared or preserved crab products.
How should importers classify products under HS 030633?
The correct procedure for classifying crabs under HS 030633 involves verifying the product's state upon importation. Importers and customs brokers must confirm that the crabs are live, fresh, or chilled and have not undergone any cooking, freezing, or further processing. Reviewing the product's packaging, accompanying documentation, and potentially requesting a sample for inspection are crucial steps to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030633?
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, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: 10% of $1,500 USD = $150.00. Note that specific quantities might also have per-kilogram duties in some tariff schedules.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030633?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030633, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer duty-free entry for qualifying originating crabs from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may provide duty-free access for eligible products from certain developing countries. To claim preferential treatment under USMCA, a valid Certificate of Origin is typically required, while GSP often necessitates a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 030633 (Crabs)?
Import duty rates for HS code 030633 (Crabs) vary by country and trade agreement. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is typically 6.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. For instance, imports from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US may be eligible for duty-free entry. It is crucial to consult the latest USITC HTS or the specific country's tariff schedule for precise rates applicable to your origin country. For the EU, the TARIC database provides detailed information, and the UK Trade Tariff offers similar data for the UK market.
How is the import duty for HS 030633 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 030633 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 6.00% and you import crabs valued at $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 0.06 (6.00% duty rate) = $600 USD. Some tariffs may also include specific duties (per unit) or a combination (e.g., 3% ad valorem plus $0.50 per kg). Always verify the exact duty calculation method with the relevant customs authority.
What specific criteria define 'Crabs' under HS code 030633 for customs purposes?
HS code 030633 specifically covers 'Crabs, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, in brine or dried, smoked, whether or not cooked before or after smoking; flours, meals and pellets of crustaceans, fit for human consumption.' This includes various species of crabs. The key classification criteria are the state of the crab (live, fresh, chilled, frozen, etc.) and whether it has undergone specific processing like salting, drying, or smoking. It excludes crab meat and other edible parts, which fall under different subheadings. For precise definitions and exclusions, refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System (WCO) and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country.
What documentation is typically required when importing crabs under HS code 030633?
When importing crabs under HS code 030633, standard import documentation is required, which may include a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations and the product's condition, you may need a phytosanitary certificate or a health certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, especially for live or fresh/chilled products, to ensure they meet food safety and health standards. Importers should also be prepared to provide proof of origin if claiming preferential duty rates.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS 030633 (Crabs)?
Several trade agreements can offer preferential duty rates for HS code 030633. For example, the United States has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Canada and Mexico (under USMCA), which may provide reduced or zero duty rates for crabs originating from these nations. The European Union has numerous Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Association Agreements with countries worldwide, potentially offering preferential access. The UK also has its own set of trade deals post-Brexit. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement texts and the relevant customs authority's tariff database (e.g., EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to determine eligibility and required proof of origin for preferential treatment.