HS 071420 Sweet potatoes
Quick Answer: Sweet potatoes imported under HS 071420 enter the UK at 2.00% or 5.30 GBP / 100 kg, the EU at 3.00% or 6.40 EUR / 100 kg, and the US at 4.5% or free for certain preferential trade partners, with a 50% rate for others. This code specifically covers sweet potatoes, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, but excluding flour or meal. Importers should be aware of the varying ad valorem and specific duty rates across these major markets, as well as potential preferential treatment impacting the final landed cost. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0714200000 | — | — | — |
| 0714201000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 0714209000 | 5.30 GBP / 100 kg | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0714200000 | — | — | — |
| 0714201000 | 3.00 % | — | — |
| 0714209000 | 6.40 EUR / 100 kg | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 071420 | — | — | — |
| 0714202000 | 4.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 0714201000 | 6% | 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 0714.20?
Imports of Sweet potatoes 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, GSP, and 14 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 071420 cover?
This subheading covers sweet potatoes, scientifically known as *Ipomoea batatas*. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to the fresh or chilled root of the sweet potato plant. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the EU TARIC database confirm that this category is specifically for the whole, unprocessed sweet potato, intended for consumption or further processing as a vegetable.
What falls outside HS 071420?
The following products are excluded from HS 071420: dried, dehydrated, or frozen sweet potatoes, which are typically classified under HS 0714. Also excluded are sweet potato flour, meal, and flakes, usually found in HS 1106. Preparations of sweet potatoes, such as chips or fries, are classified according to their specific form and processing, often falling under Chapter 20. The fresh leaves or vines of the sweet potato plant are also not included in this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 071420?
A common error is misclassifying processed sweet potato products. For instance, sweet potato fries, even if simply blanched and frozen, are generally not classified under 071420 but rather under HS 2004 or 2005, depending on the degree of processing and whether oil or other substances have been added. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3 is crucial to ensure that the final product's essential character dictates its classification, not just its primary ingredient.
How should importers classify products under HS 071420?
The correct procedure for classifying sweet potatoes under HS 071420 involves verifying that the product is indeed the fresh or chilled root of the *Ipomoea batatas* plant. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC. Confirming the product's physical state—fresh or chilled, not dried, frozen, or otherwise processed—is paramount to accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 071420?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of fresh sweet potatoes, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $75.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem, applied to the customs value ($1,500 USD × 0.05 = $75.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 071420.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 071420?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 071420, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), where originating sweet potatoes from Canada or Mexico may enter duty-free. For European Union countries, originating sweet potatoes from countries with an Association Agreement may also benefit from reduced or zero duties, often requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate. Developing countries may benefit from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), potentially offering a preferential rate of 0% or a reduced rate, typically requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 071420 (Sweet potatoes) into the US, EU, and UK?
Import duty rates for HS code 071420 (Sweet potatoes) vary by destination. For the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 2.00% ad valorem. In the European Union, the Common Customs Tariff (TARIC) rate is typically 6.40 EUR per 100 kg. For the United Kingdom, the duty rate is 5.30 GBP per 100 kg. These rates are subject to change and may be superseded by preferential rates under trade agreements. Always consult the latest official tariff schedules for the specific importing country.
How is the import duty for sweet potatoes calculated, and can you provide an example?
Import duty for sweet potatoes (HS 071420) is typically calculated based on either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of weight). For example, if importing 1,000 kg of sweet potatoes into the EU with a customs value of €500 and a duty rate of 6.40 EUR per 100 kg, the calculation would be: (1000 kg / 100 kg) * 6.40 EUR = 64.00 EUR. If the duty were an ad valorem rate of 2.00% on the same €500 value, the duty would be: 0.02 * €500 = €10.00. The applicable duty is usually the higher of the two if both are listed, or the one specified in the tariff. Always verify the specific calculation method for the destination country.
What are the classification criteria for sweet potatoes under HS code 071420?
HS code 071420 specifically covers 'Sweet potatoes'. This classification applies to the fresh or chilled root of the plant Ipomoea batatas. It includes whole, cut, or peeled sweet potatoes. The key distinguishing factor is the botanical identity. If the product is not botanically identified as a sweet potato, it may fall under a different HS code, such as 0714 (other roots, tubers, etc.) or even processed product codes if further prepared. Refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System for detailed classification guidance.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for sweet potatoes (HS 071420) into the US, EU, or UK?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for sweet potatoes (HS 071420). For instance, the US has agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Dominican Republic (D), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Mexico (MX), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), Singapore (S), and others, which may offer reduced or free entry under specific rules of origin. The EU has agreements with many countries (e.g., 'E' countries) that can reduce or eliminate duties. The UK also has a network of trade agreements post-Brexit. Importers must ensure compliance with the rules of origin and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim preferential treatment. Consult the specific trade agreement schedules for each country.
What documentation is typically required when importing sweet potatoes (HS 071420)?
Standard documentation for importing sweet potatoes (HS 071420) includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the destination country and origin, additional documents may be required. Phytosanitary certificates are often mandatory to ensure the produce is free from pests and diseases, especially for fresh agricultural products. Certificates of Origin may be needed to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be aware of any specific import licenses, quantity restrictions, or labeling requirements imposed by the importing country's agricultural or food safety authorities. Consulting with a customs broker or the importing country's customs authority is crucial for a complete list.