HS 070992 Olives
Quick Answer: Olives imported under HS 070992 enter the UK at 10.00 GBP / 100 kg, the EU at 13.10 EUR / 100 kg, and the US at 8.8¢/kg (MFN), with duty-free entry for qualifying trade agreements. This code specifically covers "Olives," referring to the fruit of the olive tree, typically intended for consumption. Importers should be aware of potential specific import requirements or quotas that may apply in certain jurisdictions, beyond the stated ad valorem or specific duty rates. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff information, highlighting the varying duty structures across major trading blocs for this commodity.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0709920000 | — | — | — |
| 0709921000 | — | — | — |
| 0709929000 | 10.00 GBP / 100 kg | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0709920000 | — | — | — |
| 0709929000 | 13.10 EUR / 100 kg | — | — |
| 0709921000 | — | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0709920000 | 8.8¢/kg | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 0709.92?
Imports of Olives may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 070992 cover?
This subheading covers "Olives," as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. Specifically, it encompasses fresh or chilled olives intended for consumption, excluding those that have undergone significant processing. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to whole olives, whether pitted or unpitted, that retain their natural state and are not preserved by methods other than chilling. This includes table olives.
What falls outside HS 070992?
The following products are excluded from HS 070992: olives preserved by sugar, vinegar, or acetic acid (classified under HS 2005.70), olive oil (classified under HS 1509), and dried or dehydrated olives (which would typically fall under HS 0712.90). Furthermore, olives that have been cooked, roasted, or otherwise processed beyond simple chilling or minimal preservation methods are not included. For example, olives incorporated into prepared meals or sauces would be classified in Chapter 21.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 070992?
A common error is misclassifying olives that have been preserved by methods other than chilling, such as brining with vinegar or oil. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Olives preserved in vinegar, for instance, are specifically excluded from heading 0709 and are typically classified under HS 2005.70 as "Vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid," if they are not simply brined.
How should importers classify products under HS 070992?
The correct procedure for classifying olives under HS 070992 involves a careful examination of the product's form and preservation method. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the olives are fresh or chilled and have not undergone significant processing or preservation beyond chilling. Consulting the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing the explanatory notes for heading 0709 is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 070992?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of Kalamata olives, declared at a customs value of $3,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem applied to the declared customs value, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS 0709.92.0000 (Olives). The calculation is: $3,000 USD × 5.0% = $150.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 070992?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 070992, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, olives originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for duty-free entry. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or free entry for olives from certain developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A or equivalent origin declaration.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for fresh or chilled olives (HS 070992) into major markets like the UK, EU, and US?
Import duty rates for fresh or chilled olives (HS 070992) vary by destination. For instance, the UK's duty rate is often expressed as a specific rate, such as 10.00 GBP per 100 kg. In the EU, a common rate is 13.10 EUR per 100 kg. The US typically applies a rate of 8.8 cents per kilogram. It is crucial to consult the latest official tariffs for each country, such as the UK Trade Tariff, the EU TARIC database, or the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, as these rates can change and may have specific conditions.
How is the import duty for olives calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for olives (HS 070992) is often calculated on a per-unit basis (e.g., per kilogram or per 100 kilograms), rather than solely ad valorem (a percentage of value). For example, if the US duty rate is 8.8 cents per kilogram and you import 1,000 kg of olives, the duty would be 1,000 kg * $0.088/kg = $88.00. If the rate were 10.00 GBP per 100 kg and you imported 500 kg, the calculation would be (500 kg / 100 kg) * 10.00 GBP = 50.00 GBP. Always verify the exact unit of measure and rate in the destination country's tariff schedule.
What are the classification criteria for olives under HS code 070992? Are there any distinctions for different preparations?
HS code 070992 specifically covers 'Olives,' referring to fresh or chilled olives. This classification generally applies to olives that have not undergone significant processing beyond cooling or basic cleaning. Olives that are preserved by sugar, vinegar, or acetic acid, or are otherwise prepared or preserved (e.g., canned, brined, dried, or marinated), would typically fall under different HS codes, most commonly within Chapter 20 (Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants). It is essential to ensure the product's condition at the time of import matches the description for 0709.92.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for olives (HS 070992), and what documentation is needed?
Preferential duty rates for HS 070992 are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For example, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule lists preferential rates for countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), and South Korea (KR) under specific codes. The EU TARIC database details preferences for partners like Morocco (MA) and various Mediterranean countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically need a valid Certificate of Origin issued by the exporting country's competent authority, demonstrating that the olives meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. Always check the specific requirements of the applicable FTA.
What documentation is generally required for importing fresh or chilled olives (HS 070992) beyond a standard commercial invoice and packing list?
In addition to a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, importing fresh or chilled olives (HS 070992) often requires a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the plant protection organization of the exporting country. This certificate ensures the goods are free from pests and diseases. Depending on the importing country's regulations and specific import programs, additional documentation such as import permits, health certificates, or compliance declarations related to food safety standards may also be necessary. It is advisable to consult the importing country's customs authority or agricultural inspection agency for a definitive list.