HS 030799 Other
Quick Answer: Shellfish, crustaceans, and molluscs not specified in preceding headings of HS 0307 enter the UK at 10.00%, the EU at 11.00%, and the US duty-free under the MFN rate. This residual category, HS 030799, captures a diverse range of aquatic invertebrates, including items like sea urchins, jellyfish, and other less commonly traded marine life. Importers should exercise caution as the broad nature of this code necessitates precise product identification to ensure correct classification and avoid potential penalties. According to CustomTariffs data, while the US offers duty-free entry, significant ad valorem duties apply in the EU and UK markets, impacting landed costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0307990000 | 10.00 % | — | — |
| 0307990010 | 10.00 % | — | — |
| 0307990090 | 10.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0307990010 | 11.00 % | — | — |
| 0307990090 | 11.00 % | — | — |
| 0307990000 | 11.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0307990300 | Free | — | ["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 030799 cover?
This subheading covers all molluscs and aquatic invertebrates, not elsewhere specified or included within heading 0307. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this includes items such as sea urchins, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, and other marine invertebrates that do not fit into the more specific categories of oysters, mussels, scallops, clams, abalone, snails, or cephalopods. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database align with this broad definition for "other" aquatic invertebrates.
What falls outside HS 030799?
The following products are excluded from HS 030799: all molluscs and aquatic invertebrates specifically enumerated in subheadings 0307.11 through 0307.60, such as live or chilled oysters, mussels, scallops, clams, abalone, snails, and cephalopods like squid and octopus. Additionally, products that are not considered live, fresh, chilled, or frozen, such as cooked or processed invertebrates, or those prepared in ways that fundamentally alter their nature, would be classified elsewhere, often in Chapter 16 for preparations of meat, fish, or crustaceans.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 030799?
A common error is misclassifying processed or prepared aquatic invertebrates under this subheading. For instance, if sea urchin roe (uni) is preserved in brine or otherwise prepared, it may fall under Chapter 16 rather than remaining as a raw product under 0307.99. Furthermore, confusion can arise with crustaceans; while this heading is for molluscs and aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans (like shrimp or crabs) are classified under heading 0306. 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 030799?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 030799 involves a thorough examination of the product's form and state. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the product is indeed a mollusc or aquatic invertebrate. Next, they must verify that it is not specifically listed in any preceding subheadings of HS 0307. If the product is live, fresh, chilled, or frozen and not otherwise specified, then 0307.99 is the appropriate classification. Consulting the official WCO HS Nomenclature and relevant national tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, is essential for definitive classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 030799?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of live sea urchins, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 7% of $500 USD = $35.00. This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 0307.99.10.00 (Live sea urchins).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 030799?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 030799, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating products from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is generally required. Additionally, for goods originating from countries that are beneficiaries of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, a GSP Form A may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates, which can be as low as Free for certain aquatic invertebrates.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 030799, covering 'Other' aquatic invertebrates?
HS code 030799 is a residual category for aquatic invertebrates not specified elsewhere in heading 0307. Duty rates can vary significantly by importing country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the general Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is often 0% for many items classified here. However, preferential rates under trade agreements may differ. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the exact duty applicable to your product. The USITC HTS is a primary source for US import duties.
How is the classification of 'Other' aquatic invertebrates under HS 030799 determined?
Classification under HS 030799 is applied when an aquatic invertebrate is not specifically enumerated or covered by other subheadings within HS 0307 (e.g., mollusks like oysters, mussels, scallops, or cephalopods like squid and octopus). This typically includes items such as sea urchins, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, and other marine invertebrates that do not fit into more specific categories. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide guidance on the scope of heading 0307 and its subheadings. Importers must ensure their product is not classifiable under a more specific HS code before using 030799.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 030799?
Standard documentation for importing aquatic invertebrates under HS 030799 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the specific invertebrate and the importing country's regulations, additional documents may be necessary. These can include a certificate of origin, import permits, health certificates or phytosanitary certificates (especially for live or fresh/chilled products), and potentially declarations related to sustainable sourcing or species protection. Always verify the specific requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
Do common trade agreements, like USMCA or EU trade deals, offer preferential duty rates for HS 030799?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS 030799. For instance, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing nation may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates. For example, products imported into the United States from Canada or Mexico under the USMCA might have different duty rates than the MFN rate. Similarly, the European Union has FTAs with numerous countries that could provide preferential treatment. To claim preferential treatment, importers must typically provide a valid certificate of origin and ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreement. Consulting the relevant trade agreement text and the importing country's customs authority is essential.
How is the import duty for HS 030799 calculated? Provide an example.
The calculation of import duty for HS 030799 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. Let's assume a hypothetical scenario where a shipment of 'other' aquatic invertebrates (e.g., sea cucumbers) is imported into a country with an MFN duty rate of 5% ad valorem and a specific duty of $0.50 per kilogram. If the customs value of the shipment is $10,000 USD and the net weight is 500 kg, the duty calculation would be:
- Ad Valorem Duty: $10,000 (Value) × 5% (Rate) = $500 USD
- Specific Duty: 500 kg (Quantity) × $0.50/kg (Rate) = $250 USD
Total Duty = $500 + $250 = $750 USD.
Note: This is a hypothetical example. Actual duty calculations must use the precise rates and units specified in the destination country's tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).