HS 030693 Crabs
Quick Answer: Crabs imported under HS 030693 enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 7.50%, and the US at 7.5% (MFN). This code specifically covers crabs, whether live, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, or dried, excluding those in brine or prepared/preserved. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on specific trade agreements and the form of the crab product. For instance, US tariff data indicates preferential duty-free treatment for crabs originating from certain Free Trade Agreement countries. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of verifying the applicable rate for your specific shipment and origin.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0306930000 | — | — | — |
| 0306931000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 0306931010 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 0306931090 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 0306939000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0306930000 | — | — | — |
| 0306931000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 0306931010 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 0306931090 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 0306939000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 030693 | — | — | [] |
| 0306932000 | 7.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 0306934000 | Free | — | ["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 0306.93?
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 030693 cover?
This subheading covers crabs, whether live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine, excluding those prepared or preserved by the methods described in other headings. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes all species of edible crabs. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification is for the whole or parts of crabs, excluding those that have undergone further processing beyond simple preservation methods.
What falls outside HS 030693?
The following products are excluded from HS 030693: crabs that have been cooked, smoked, or otherwise prepared or preserved in a manner that alters their original state beyond simple preservation, such as canned crab meat or crab cakes, which would fall under headings like 1604. Additionally, imitation crab products made from fish surimi are not classified here but typically under HS 1604. Live ornamental crabs for aquariums are also classified elsewhere, usually under Chapter 05.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030693?
A common error is misclassifying crab products that have undergone further preparation. For example, crab meat that has been cooked and then frozen might be mistakenly entered under 030693 instead of a prepared heading like 1604. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial. Overlooking the specific preparation methods described in Chapter 16 is a frequent oversight.
How should importers classify products under HS 030693?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030693 involves a thorough examination of the product's form 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. Key considerations include whether the crab is live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine, and importantly, whether it has been cooked, smoked, or otherwise prepared beyond these basic states.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030693?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of frozen snow crab meat, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $75.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 5.0% × $1,500 USD = $75.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specifically under HTS subheading 0306.93.00.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030693?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030693, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free rates for originating goods from certain developing countries. To claim preference under USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required, while GSP may require a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the primary import duty rates for HS code 030693 (Crabs, live, fresh or chilled)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 030693 is typically 6.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under various trade agreements. For instance, rates can be Free (0.00%) for countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) under specific agreements. Some other countries may face higher rates, such as 7.50% or 15.00% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and the origin of the goods to determine the applicable duty rate. Sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC database, or UK Trade Tariff provide detailed rate information.
How is the import duty for HS 030693 calculated? Provide an example.
The duty for HS 030693 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of fresh crabs valued at $10,000 is imported from a country with a 6.00% MFN duty rate, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 6.00% (duty rate) = $600. If the goods are subject to a specific duty (per unit), the calculation would be rate per unit × quantity. Always confirm the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the relevant tariff schedule.
What documentation is typically required for importing HS code 030693 (Crabs)?
Importing crabs under HS 030693 generally requires a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, additional documentation may be necessary. This can include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates, a phytosanitary certificate (if applicable to prevent the spread of plant pests and diseases, though more common for plants, it's good practice to check for seafood), and health certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country to ensure the product meets safety and health standards. Importers should verify specific requirements with customs authorities.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS 030693, and what are the typical rates?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS 030693. For example, the United States has agreements with countries like Chile (USCMA, formerly CAFTA-DR), South Korea (KORUS FTA), and Australia (AANZFTA, though not a bilateral US agreement, it impacts global trade). The European Union has agreements with many countries, and the UK has its own set of trade deals post-Brexit. These agreements often grant 'Free' (0.00%) or significantly reduced duty rates for goods originating from partner countries. For instance, under certain agreements, rates of Free (A*, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG) indicate that goods from these origins, when properly certified, may enter duty-free. Importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin to claim these benefits.
Are there specific classification criteria or conditions that differentiate HS 030693 from other crab classifications?
HS code 030693 specifically covers 'Crabs, live, fresh or chilled, whether or not in shell.' The key differentiator is the state of the product: live, fresh, or chilled. If the crabs are frozen (HS 030619), cooked (HS 160590), or preserved in brine or other ways not classified as fresh or chilled (e.g., canned, dried), they would fall under different HS codes. The 'whether or not in shell' clause indicates that both shelled and unshelled crabs in their fresh/chilled state fall under this code. Proper identification of the product's condition at the time of import is critical for accurate classification.