HS 121010 Hop cones, neither ground nor powdered nor in the form of pellets
Quick Answer: Hop cones, neither ground nor powdered nor in the form of pellets, enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 5.80%, and the US at 13.2¢/kg (MFN rate). This HS code specifically covers whole, dried hop cones, which are the female flowers of the hop plant used primarily in brewing to impart bitterness and aroma. Importers should note that the US offers preferential duty-free entry for certain trading partners, as detailed in its tariff schedule. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the varying duty structures across major markets for this agricultural commodity.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1210100000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 1210100010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 1210100090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1210100000 | 5.80 % | — | — |
| 1210100010 | 5.80 % | — | — |
| 1210100090 | 5.80 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1210100000 | 13.2¢/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 1210.10?
Imports of Hop cones, neither ground nor powdered nor in the form of pellets 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 121010 cover?
This subheading covers hop cones, specifically the dried strobiles of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), that have not undergone any processing beyond drying, such as grinding, powdering, or pelletizing. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this category includes whole, dried hop cones intended for use in brewing or other industrial applications. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the raw, unprocessed form of the hop cone.
What falls outside HS 121010?
The following products are excluded from HS 121010: hop cones that have been ground into a powder, processed into pellets (often for easier handling and storage in brewing), or otherwise significantly altered from their natural cone form. Also excluded are hop extracts, hop oils, or any other derivatives of hops, which are classified under different headings. For instance, ground hops would fall under HS 121020, while hop extracts are typically classified in Chapter 13.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 121010?
A common error is misclassifying processed hop products as raw hop cones. This often occurs when importers are not precise about the physical state of the goods. For example, if hop cones are compressed or granulated without being fully ground or pelletized, they might still be considered "in the form of pellets" under the exclusion. 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, emphasizing the importance of precise product description.
How should importers classify products under HS 121010?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 121010 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical form. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the hop cones are indeed whole and have not been ground, powdered, or formed into pellets. Reviewing supplier documentation, product specifications, and potentially requesting a sample for visual inspection are crucial steps. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, for specific product descriptions and any relevant notes is also essential.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 121010?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of dried whole hop cones, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.03 = $15.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 1210.10.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 121010?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 121010, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating hop cones from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, developing countries may benefit from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), potentially offering reduced or duty-free entry, requiring a GSP Form A.
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FAQ
What are the primary import duty rates for HS code 121010 (hop cones, neither ground nor powdered nor in the form of pellets)?
The import duty rates for HS code 121010 vary by country and trade agreement. For example, under the US Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff, the rate is 4.00% ad valorem. The EU's TARIC system may have different rates, and the UK Trade Tariff also specifies its own duties. Additionally, preferential rates are available under various trade agreements. For instance, rates can be as low as Free (e.g., under agreements with Australia (AU), Canada (CA), or South Korea (KR)) or a specific rate like 13.2¢/kg or 53¢/kg, depending on the importing country's specific tariff schedule and the origin of the goods.
How is the duty for HS 121010 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 121010 can be either ad valorem (based on value) or specific (based on weight). For instance, if a country applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty and you import 1,000 kg of hop cones valued at $5,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $5,000 USD (value) * 4.00% (duty rate) = $200 USD. If a specific duty of 13.2¢/kg applies, the calculation would be: 1,000 kg (quantity) * 13.2¢/kg (duty rate) = 13,200¢, which is equivalent to $132 USD. Importers must check the specific duty basis (ad valorem or specific) and rate applicable in the destination country's tariff schedule.
What are the key criteria to ensure correct classification under HS code 121010?
To ensure correct classification under HS code 121010, the hop cones must be in their natural state, specifically as 'cones'. Crucially, they must not have undergone any processing such as grinding, powdering, or being formed into pellets. If hop cones have been processed into extracts, lupulin, or pellets, they would be classified under a different HS code, typically within heading 1210.20 or other relevant headings depending on the specific form and processing.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 121010, and what documentation is typically required?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 121010. For example, agreements between the US and countries like Chile (CL) or South Korea (KR), or agreements within the EU framework, often allow for reduced or zero duties. The UK also has trade agreements that may offer preferential rates. To claim these preferential rates, importers typically need to provide a Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin issued by the exporter, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. Specific documentation requirements can be found in the customs regulations of the importing country and the text of the trade agreement itself.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond a Certificate of Origin for importing hop cones under HS 121010?
Beyond a Certificate of Origin for preferential duty claims, importers of hop cones under HS code 121010 may need to provide a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the intended use of the hops (e.g., for brewing, pharmaceutical, or food use), additional certifications related to quality, phytosanitary status, or food safety might be required. It is advisable to consult the specific import regulations of the destination country and potentially engage a customs broker to ensure all necessary documentation is in order.