HS 081030 Black-, white- or redcurrants and gooseberries

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What products does HS 081030 cover?

This subheading covers fresh or chilled blackcurrants, whitecurrants, and gooseberries, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. These berries are distinct from other fruits in Chapter 08 due to their specific botanical characteristics and culinary uses. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to the raw, unprocessed fruits of the *Ribes* genus, excluding any processed forms.

What falls outside HS 081030?

The following products are excluded from HS 081030: dried, frozen, or otherwise preserved blackcurrants, whitecurrants, and gooseberries, which are classified under different subheadings within Chapter 08 or Chapter 20. Additionally, fruits that are botanically similar but not of the *Ribes* genus, such as redcurrants (which are often grouped with blackcurrants but can be distinct in some classifications, though 081030 explicitly includes them), or other berries like blueberries or raspberries, are classified elsewhere. For instance, dried berries typically fall under HS 0813.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 081030?

A common error is misclassifying processed forms of these berries as fresh or chilled. For example, berries that have been sweetened, cooked, or preserved in syrup, even if only slightly, would not fall under 081030. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the HS, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also mistakenly classify redcurrants separately if they are not explicitly aware that this subheading includes them alongside black and white currants.

How should importers classify products under HS 081030?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 081030 involves a thorough examination of the product's condition and form. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the goods are indeed fresh or chilled blackcurrants, whitecurrants, or gooseberries. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial. If the product is not fresh or chilled, or if it has undergone any processing beyond simple washing or sorting, it must be reclassified to the appropriate heading, likely in Chapter 20 for preserved fruits.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 081030?

A shipment of 100 kilograms of fresh gooseberries, 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 customs value ($500 USD × 0.07 = $35.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for HS code 081030. Note that specific quantities might also be subject to per-kilogram duties in some jurisdictions.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 081030?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 081030, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, preferential rates may be available under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for eligible developing countries, potentially leading to a Free duty rate. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.

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