HS 030711 Oysters

Quick Answer: Oysters imported under HS 030711 enter the UK duty-free, the EU duty-free, and the US duty-free under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This specific classification covers live, fresh, or chilled oysters, excluding those intended for immediate consumption as food. Trade considerations may include specific import licenses or health certificates required by the importing country to ensure biosecurity and food safety standards are met. According to CustomTariffs data, these duty rates are consistent across major trading blocs for this product. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific import requirements beyond duty rates.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0307110000 — — —
0307111000 0.00 % — —
0307111010 0.00 % — —
0307111090 0.00 % — —
0307119000 8.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0307111000 0.00 % — —
0307111090 0.00 % — —
0307110000 — — —
0307111010 0.00 % — —
0307119000 9.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
03071100 Free — —
0307110060 — — ["kg"]
0307110020 — — ["liters","kg"]
0307110080 — — ["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 030711 cover?

This subheading covers live, fresh, or chilled oysters, whether in shell or not, including spat. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically includes oysters intended for human consumption or for propagation. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to live oysters, fresh or chilled, excluding those that are frozen, salted, dried, or otherwise preserved, which would fall under different subheadings.

What falls outside HS 030711?

The following products are excluded from HS 030711: oysters that have been cooked, frozen, dried, salted, or preserved in brine or any other manner. For instance, frozen oysters would be classified under HS 030719, while oysters prepared or preserved in airtight containers, such as canned oysters, are typically classified under HS 1605.10. Similarly, oyster shells intended for decorative purposes or as a source of calcium carbonate, rather than for consumption, would be classified elsewhere based on their specific use and form.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 030711?

A common error is misclassifying processed or preserved oysters under this subheading. For example, oysters that have undergone any form of preservation, such as freezing, smoking, or canning, do not belong in HS 030711. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify oyster spat intended for aquaculture if they are not considered live and fresh for immediate consumption or propagation.

How should importers classify products under HS 030711?

The correct procedure for classifying oysters under HS 030711 involves verifying the product's condition and form. Importers must confirm that the oysters are live, fresh, or chilled and have not undergone any processing beyond what is permitted by the subheading's terms. Reviewing the product's packaging, processing documentation, and consulting official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC is crucial. Customs brokers should also confirm the intended use, especially for oyster spat, to ensure accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030711?

A shipment of 100 kilograms of live Pacific oysters, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 3.0% × $500 USD = $15.00. This MFN rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 0307.11.00.00.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030711?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030711, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating oysters from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement is required. Additionally, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam, often resulting in a duty-free status.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 030719 HS 030799 HS 030749 HS 030721 HS 030729 HS 030791

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the import duty rates for HS code 030711 (Oysters)?

For HS code 030711, which covers 'Oysters, live, fresh or chilled', the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates are typically Free across major trading blocs. For example, the United States applies a 0.00% MFN duty rate. The European Union's TARIC system also lists a 0% duty for this code. The UK Trade Tariff similarly shows 'Free' for imports under this classification. Always verify the specific duty rate applicable to your country of import, as preferential agreements or specific national variations may exist.

What specific criteria define 'Oysters' under HS code 030711?

HS code 030711 specifically covers live oysters, whether fresh or chilled. This excludes oysters that are frozen, dried, salted, or prepared in any way, which would fall under different subheadings. The key classification criteria are the live state and the temperature condition (fresh or chilled). The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide further guidance on the scope of live aquatic products.

What documentation is typically required for importing live oysters under HS code 030711?

Importing live oysters under HS code 030711 requires careful attention to documentation. Essential documents usually include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. Crucially, due to the perishable nature and potential health risks, importers must also provide health certificates or phytosanitary certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, confirming the oysters are safe for human consumption and free from diseases. Specific import permits or licenses may also be required by the importing country's food safety and fisheries agencies.

How do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU Free Trade Agreements, impact duties for HS 030711?

Trade agreements can significantly affect duty rates for HS code 030711. For instance, if importing oysters from a country with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing nation, preferential duty rates may apply. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), oysters originating from Canada or Mexico might qualify for duty-free entry, provided they meet the rules of origin. Similarly, oysters imported into the EU from countries with an Association Agreement or FTA with the EU may benefit from reduced or eliminated duties. Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim preferential treatment.

How is the import duty for HS 030711 calculated if a duty were applicable?

While HS code 030711 typically has a 0% duty rate, let's illustrate the calculation process with a hypothetical scenario where a duty of 2% ad valorem and a specific duty of $0.10 per kilogram were applied. If an importer brought in 1,000 kg of live oysters valued at $5,000 USD:

  1. Ad Valorem Duty: 2% of $5,000 USD = $100 USD.
  2. Specific Duty: 2% of 1,000 kg = $0.10/kg * 1,000 kg = $100 USD.

Total Hypothetical Duty: $100 USD (ad valorem) + $100 USD (specific) = $200 USD.

In reality, for HS 030711, the duty calculation would result in $0, as the applicable rates are Free (0%). This example demonstrates how both value-based (ad valorem) and quantity-based (specific) duties are applied.