HS 030772 Frozen
Quick Answer: Frozen molluscs, excluding live, fresh, or chilled, imported under HS 030772 enter the UK at rates up to 10.00%, the EU at rates up to 11.00%, and the US duty-free under the MFN rate. This classification specifically applies to molluscs that have been frozen, whether whole or in pieces, and are presented in this preserved state. Importers should note the significant duty rate variations across these major markets. According to CustomTariffs data, careful consideration of the specific subheadings within each jurisdiction is crucial for accurate declaration and duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0307720000 | — | — | — |
| 0307721000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 0307729000 | 10.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0307729000 | 11.00 % | — | — |
| 0307720000 | — | — | — |
| 0307721000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03077200 | Free | — | — |
| 0307720051 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 0307720060 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 0307720030 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 0307720055 | — | — | ["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 030772 cover?
This subheading covers frozen molluscs, whether in shell or not, excluding oysters, mussels, scallops, and other edible bivalve or gastropod molluscs. Specifically, it pertains to frozen sea urchins and jellyfish. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature guides this classification, and for the United States, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) provides further detail, ensuring consistent international trade practices for these specific frozen marine products.
What falls outside HS 030772?
The following products are excluded from HS 030772: live, fresh, or chilled sea urchins and jellyfish, as well as molluscs that are not frozen, such as oysters (0307.10), mussels (0307.41), scallops (0307.21), and other edible bivalve or gastropod molluscs, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen. Products that have undergone further processing, such as being cooked or preserved in brine or oil, would also be classified under different headings, typically in Chapter 16.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030772?
A common error is misclassifying frozen sea urchins or jellyfish under broader headings for general frozen fish or other seafood, failing to recognize the specific nature of molluscs and their sub-classifications. This can also occur by confusing the "frozen" state with "fresh" or "chilled" products, which fall under different subheadings. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 030772?
The correct procedure for classifying frozen sea urchins and jellyfish under HS 030772 involves first identifying the product's state (frozen) and its specific type (sea urchin or jellyfish). Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC database, to confirm the precise wording of the subheading. Verification of the product's composition and form is essential to ensure it meets the criteria for this specific classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030772?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of frozen sea urchin gonads, declared at a customs value of $15,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,500.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($15,000 USD × 10% = $1,500.00). This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 0307.72.00.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030772?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030772, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty of Free for qualifying products originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer preferential rates for products from certain developing countries, potentially reducing duties to Free. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 0307.72 (Frozen)?
The import duty rates for HS code 0307.72, specifically for 'Frozen' scallops, vary by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under trade agreements. Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and consider any applicable trade agreements to determine the precise duty rate.
How is the duty for HS code 0307.72 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 0307.72 depends on whether the duty is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination. For instance, if the MFN duty rate in a specific country were 5% ad valorem and the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of a shipment of frozen scallops was $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: 5% of $10,000 = $500. If there were also a specific duty, such as $0.10 per kilogram, and the shipment weighed 500 kg, an additional $50 ($0.10/kg * 500 kg) would be added to the total duty. Always verify the exact duty calculation method with the importing country's customs authority.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 0307.72 (Frozen)?
Importing frozen scallops under HS code 0307.72 generally requires a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations and the product's origin, a certificate of origin may be necessary. Health and sanitary certificates from the exporting country's competent authority are often mandatory to ensure food safety and compliance with import health standards. Importers should confirm specific documentation requirements with their customs broker and the relevant government agencies in the destination country.
Are there common trade agreements that offer preferential duty rates for HS code 0307.72?
Yes, many trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 0307.72. For example, if the United States is the importing country, goods originating from countries with which the US has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), may be eligible for reduced or zero duty rates upon proper documentation of origin. Similarly, the EU's Common Commercial Policy includes numerous preferential trade agreements. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin to claim preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 0307.72?
HS code 0307.72 falls under Chapter 03 of the Harmonized System, which covers 'Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates'. Specifically, heading 0307 covers 'Molluscs, whether in shell or not, shellfish and other aquatic invertebrates, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine; smoked, whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process; flours, meals and pellets of aquatic invertebrates, fit for human consumption.' Subheading 0307.72 specifically denotes 'Scallops, including queen scallops, of the genera Pecten, Chlamys or Equipecten, frozen'.