HS 050610 Ossein and bones treated with acid

Quick Answer: Ossein and bones treated with acid imported under HS 050610 enter the UK duty-free, the EU duty-free, and the US duty-free under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates. This classification specifically covers ossein, which is the organic constituent of bone, and bones that have undergone an acid treatment process. This treatment is typically performed to remove mineral content, making the material suitable for further processing, often into gelatin. Importers and customs brokers should note that while duty rates are currently zero across these major markets, compliance with any specific import regulations or veterinary certifications for animal-derived products remains crucial. CustomTariffs aggregates this duty information for ease of trade planning.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0506100000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0506100000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0506100000 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?

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What products does HS 050610 cover?

This subheading covers ossein and bones treated with acid, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature. This includes de-gelatinized bone and bone char, which are products derived from animal bones that have undergone a process of acid treatment to remove organic matter, primarily collagen. According to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, these materials are specifically prepared for industrial or manufacturing uses, such as in the production of gelatin, fertilizers, or as a source of calcium phosphate.

What falls outside HS 050610?

The following products are excluded from HS 050610: raw, untreated animal bones (classified under HS 050690), crushed or powdered bones not specifically treated with acid for de-gelatinization, and finished bone products like bone china or bone meal intended for animal feed. Products that have undergone further processing beyond acid treatment, such as calcination to produce bone ash for other specific applications, may also be classified elsewhere. For instance, bone ash used in metallurgy would not fall under this subheading.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 050610?

A common error is misclassifying bone products that have undergone different processing methods. For example, raw, un-treated bones, or bones merely crushed or ground without acid treatment, should be classified under HS 050690. Additionally, bone char, which is a form of bone treated with acid and then often calcined, needs careful examination to ensure it meets the specific criteria for acid treatment as per the WCO's General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, particularly GRI 3(b) when mixtures are involved.

How should importers classify products under HS 050610?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 050610 involves a thorough examination of the product's processing. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the bones have undergone acid treatment to remove organic components. Reviewing technical data sheets, manufacturing processes, and laboratory analyses confirming the acid treatment is crucial. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and referencing the explanatory notes from the WCO will guide accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 050610?

A shipment of 1,000 kg of de-gelatinized bone char, 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 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.035 = $17.50) plus a specific duty of $0.017 per kilogram ($0.017 × 1,000 kg = $17.00), totaling $34.50. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 050610?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 050610, 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 typically required. For European Union countries, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement can also lead to preferential rates, often resulting in duty-free entry for originating goods, requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate or an origin declaration.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 050710 HS 051110 HS 050510 HS 050210 HS 250610 HS 050690

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

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 050610 (Ossein and bones treated with acid)?

For HS code 050610, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the United States is 0.00% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also 0.00% ad valorem. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a 0.00% duty rate. These rates indicate that the goods are generally free of customs duty upon import into these major markets. Always verify current rates with the latest official tariff schedules as these can change.

What specific criteria define 'Ossein and bones treated with acid' for HS classification under 050610?

HS code 050610 covers ossein (the organic constituent of bone) and bones that have undergone a process of treatment with acid. This treatment is typically performed to remove mineral content, leaving the ossein or demineralized bone. The key classification criterion is the acid treatment, which alters the physical and chemical properties of the raw bone material. Products not subjected to this specific acid treatment, such as raw, uncleaned bones or calcined bones, would be classified under different HS codes (e.g., 0506.90 for other bones).

Are there specific documentation requirements for importing goods classified under HS 050610?

While HS code 050610 itself may not trigger unique documentation beyond standard import requirements, the nature of the product (animal by-products) often necessitates specific health and sanitary certificates. Importers should be prepared to provide a veterinary certificate or equivalent health declaration issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, confirming the product is free from diseases and fit for its intended use. Compliance with regulations from agencies like the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in the US, or equivalent bodies in the EU and UK, is crucial. Consult the specific import regulations of the destination country.

How is the duty calculated for HS 050610, and can you provide an example?

Since the duty rate for HS code 050610 is 0.00% ad valorem in many major trading blocs, the calculated duty is typically zero. An ad valorem duty is calculated as a percentage of the value of the imported goods. For example, if a shipment of ossein treated with acid has a declared customs value of $10,000, and the duty rate is 0.00%, the duty calculation would be: $10,000 (Value) × 0.00% (Duty Rate) = $0.00 (Duty Amount). Even if other fees or taxes (like VAT or excise duties) apply, the customs duty itself would be nil.

Do any major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 050610?

Given that the standard MFN duty rates for HS code 050610 are already 0.00% in key markets like the US, EU, and UK, preferential duty rates under trade agreements are unlikely to offer further reductions. For instance, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or EU Free Trade Agreements typically aim to reduce or eliminate duties on goods where tariffs exist. When a tariff is already zero, no further preferential reduction is possible. However, importers should always confirm the specific origin of their goods and consult the relevant trade agreement annexes or the official tariff database of the importing country to ensure no specific origin-related requirements or exceptions apply.