HS 030695 Shrimps and prawns

Quick Answer: Shrimps and prawns imported under HS 030695 enter the UK and EU at 18.00% ad valorem, while the United States offers duty-free entry under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification specifically covers shrimps and prawns, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, or salted, but excludes those that are cooked or prepared in any way. Importers should be aware of potential variations in specific subheadings within the UK and EU that may apply to different forms of these crustaceans. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting significant duty differentials between major trading blocs for these popular seafood products.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0306950000
0306951100 18.00 %
0306951900 18.00 %
0306951910 18.00 %
0306951990 18.00 %

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0306950000
0306951100 18.00 %
0306951900 18.00 %
0306951910 18.00 %
0306951990 18.00 %

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
03069500 Free
0306950040 ["kg"]
0306950020 ["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?

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What products does HS 030695 cover?

This subheading covers shrimps and prawns, whether or not shelled or cooked, falling under Heading 0306 of the Harmonized System Nomenclature. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, this classification applies to live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or brined products of the suborder Pleocyemata, infraorder Caridea and Astacidea (excluding freshwater crayfish). It encompasses a wide variety of species commonly consumed as seafood.

What falls outside HS 030695?

The following products are excluded from HS 030695: freshwater crayfish, which are classified under HS 030691, and other crustaceans such as lobsters, crabs, and krill, which are classified under different subheadings within Heading 0306 or other chapters. Products that have undergone significant processing beyond simple cooking, drying, or salting, such as those incorporated into composite dishes or prepared meals, may also be classified elsewhere, often in Chapter 16, depending on the nature of the preparation and the principal constituent.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 030695?

A common error is misclassifying processed shrimp and prawn products. For instance, shrimp that have been breaded and fried, or incorporated into a ready-to-eat meal, are generally not classified under HS 030695. Instead, they would typically fall under Chapter 16 (Preparations of meat, of fish, of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates). Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3 (b) of the Harmonized System is crucial to ensure correct classification based on the essential character of the product.

How should importers classify products under HS 030695?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030695 involves a thorough examination of the product's form and processing. Importers and customs brokers must 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 its subheadings. Key factors include whether the product is fresh, chilled, frozen, cooked, shelled, or unshelled, and whether any further processing has occurred that would warrant classification elsewhere.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030695?

A shipment of 100 kilograms of frozen, headless, peeled shrimp (HS 030695) declared at a customs value of $500 USD would attract a US duty of $75.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 15% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.15 = $75.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030695?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030695, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating shrimp and prawns from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid origin declaration on the commercial invoice or a separate certificate of origin is typically required. For imports into the European Union, originating products from countries with an Association Agreement or a Free Trade Agreement may also benefit from reduced or zero duties, often requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate.

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FAQ

What are the import duty rates for HS code 0306.95 (Shrimps and prawns)?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 0306.95, covering 'Other' shrimps and prawns (neither frozen nor in temporary preservation), is typically 18.00% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), certain shrimp products may enter duty-free, provided they meet the rules of origin. It is crucial to consult the latest Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the specific FTA provisions for definitive rates.

How is the import duty for HS 0306.95 calculated, and can you provide an example?

The duty for HS code 0306.95 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For example, if a shipment of 1,000 kg of fresh shrimps and prawns is declared with a customs value of $10,000 USD, and the MFN duty rate is 18.00%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.18 (Duty Rate) = $1,800 USD. If the product is subject to a specific duty (per unit), the calculation would be rate × quantity. Always verify the applicable duty basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the HTSUS.

What documentation is typically required for importing shrimps and prawns under HS code 0306.95?

Importing shrimps and prawns under HS code 0306.95 requires specific documentation to ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. Essential documents include a commercial invoice, a packing list, a bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. For seafood products, a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) might be required for exports from certain countries. Crucially, importers must comply with FDA requirements, which often necessitate a prior notice of imported food and adherence to the Seafood HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) regulations. A valid import license or permit may also be necessary depending on the country of origin and specific product.

Are there specific classification criteria for HS code 0306.95 that differentiate it from other shrimp and prawn classifications?

Yes, HS code 0306.95 specifically covers 'Other' shrimps and prawns that are not frozen or preserved in temporary means (like brine, sulfur water, or other preservative solutions). This means the product must be presented in a fresh, chilled, or simply dried state, but not subjected to freezing or other preservation methods that alter its state significantly for long-term storage. For example, fresh, chilled shrimp would fall under 0306.95, while frozen shrimp would be classified under 0306.15. It's vital to accurately describe the product's condition upon importation to ensure correct classification and avoid penalties.

Which major trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 0306.95 imports into the United States?

Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 0306.95 imports into the United States. The Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) is a significant one, potentially offering duty-free entry for eligible shrimps and prawns. Other agreements, such as those with Chile, Singapore, or Australia, might also contain provisions for agricultural and fishery products, though specific product eligibility and rules of origin must be meticulously reviewed. Importers should consult the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) website and the specific text of each relevant FTA to determine eligibility and claim preferential treatment.