HS 050710 Ivory; ivory powder and waste
Quick Answer: Ivory, ivory powder, and waste imported under HS 050710 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate. This classification specifically covers worked or unworked ivory, including any dust or fragments derived from it. Importers should be aware that while duty rates are currently zero in these major markets, the trade in ivory is subject to strict international regulations and prohibitions under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Compliance with these conservation laws is paramount and may require specific permits or declarations beyond standard customs procedures. CustomTariffs aggregates this information for trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0507100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0507100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0507100000 | 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 050710 cover?
This subheading covers ivory, whether in its raw, worked, or processed form, as well as ivory powder and waste. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes material derived from the tusks and teeth of animals, primarily elephants. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the European Union's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to all forms of ivory, including carved items, chips, and dust, provided they originate from the specified animal sources.
What falls outside HS 050710?
The following products are excluded from HS 050710: materials that resemble ivory but are derived from other sources, such as vegetable ivory (corozo nuts), bone, or synthetic substitutes. These are typically classified under different headings based on their constituent material. For instance, vegetable ivory would fall under Chapter 44 (wood and articles of wood), while synthetic materials would be classified according to their specific chemical composition, often in Chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof).
What are common classification mistakes for HS 050710?
A common error is the misclassification of items made from materials that visually resemble ivory but are not. This can occur when importers assume any white, hard material is ivory. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers must verify the origin of the material; for example, carved bone products, while visually similar, are classified under Heading 0506.
How should importers classify products under HS 050710?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 050710 involves a thorough examination of the product's origin and composition. Importers and customs brokers must confirm that the material is indeed ivory derived from elephant tusks or teeth. Consulting official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and potentially obtaining expert opinions or certifications regarding the material's provenance is crucial for accurate declaration.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 050710?
A carved ivory figurine weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $500 USD would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 25% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 25% of $500 USD = $125.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) under subheading 050710.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 050710?
Due to international conservation laws and trade restrictions on ivory, such as CITES, there are generally no free trade agreements that provide preferential duty rates for HS 050710. Most countries impose significant restrictions or outright bans on the import and export of ivory. Therefore, claiming reduced duties or duty-free status under agreements like USMCA or EU trade pacts is typically not applicable to this HS code.
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 050710 (Ivory)?
The import duty rates for HS code 050710 (Ivory; ivory powder and waste) vary significantly by country. For example, under the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the general (MFN) rate is Free. The European Union's TARIC system also lists a 0.00% duty rate for this classification. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date duty information, as preferential rates under trade agreements may also apply.
How is ivory classified under HS code 050710?
HS code 050710 specifically covers 'Ivory; ivory powder and waste'. This includes ivory derived from the tusks and teeth of animals, primarily elephants, but also other mammals. The classification is based on the material itself, regardless of whether it is in raw, worked, or powdered form, or if it is waste material. The key determinant is that the material originates from ivory as defined by international conventions and customs authorities.
What documentation is typically required for importing ivory (HS 050710)?
Importing ivory (HS 050710) is subject to stringent regulations due to international conservation efforts, particularly under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Importers typically require CITES permits (export permits from the country of origin and import permits for the destination country), proof of legal acquisition, and potentially health certificates. Customs declarations must accurately reflect the nature and origin of the ivory. Failure to provide proper documentation can result in seizure of goods and penalties.
How is the duty calculated for HS 050710 if a duty rate were applicable?
While the MFN duty rate for HS 050710 is often Free in major markets like the US and EU, if a duty were applicable (e.g., a specific tariff rate or a different preferential rate), it would typically be calculated based on either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity). For instance, if an importing country applied a 5% ad valorem duty and the declared value of the ivory shipment was $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: 5% of $10,000 = $500. If a specific duty applied, such as $10 per kilogram, and the shipment weighed 50 kg, the duty would be 50 kg * $10/kg = $500.
Do trade agreements affect the duty rates for HS 050710?
Trade agreements can potentially affect duty rates for HS 050710, but this is highly dependent on the specific agreement and the origin of the goods. Given the strict international regulations surrounding ivory trade (e.g., CITES), many trade agreements may not offer preferential treatment or may have specific exclusions for such goods. However, for other materials classified under Chapter 05, trade agreements often provide reduced or eliminated duties. Importers must verify the terms of any applicable trade agreement and confirm if ivory qualifies for preferential treatment, which is often unlikely due to conservation laws.