HS 121020 Hop cones, ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin
Quick Answer: Hop cones, ground, powdered, or in pellet form, and lupulin, imported under HS 121020, enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 5.80%, and the US at 13.2¢/kg (MFN). This classification covers processed forms of hops, primarily used in brewing for flavor and aroma, as well as lupulin, the resinous glands of the hop cone. Importers should note that the US also offers duty-free entry for certain trading partners, as detailed in CustomTariffs. Understanding these varied tariff rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1210200000 | — | — | — |
| 1210201000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 1210201010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 1210201090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 1210201099 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1210200000 | 5.80 % | — | — |
| 1210201000 | 5.80 % | — | — |
| 1210209010 | 5.80 % | — | — |
| 1210209099 | 5.80 % | — | — |
| 1210201010 | 5.80 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12102000 | 13.2¢/kg | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 1210200020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 1210200040 | — | — | ["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 1210.20?
Imports of Hop cones, ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin 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 121020 cover?
This subheading covers hop cones that have undergone processing into ground, powdered, or pelletized forms, as well as lupulin, which is the glandular powder found in hop cones. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these preparations are derived from hop cones (HS 1210.10) and are primarily used in the brewing industry for their flavoring and preservative properties. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the physical transformation of the hop cone into a more concentrated or easily handled state.
What falls outside HS 121020?
The following products are excluded from HS 121020: whole, unground hop cones, which are classified under HS 1210.10. Additionally, any preparations or mixtures containing hop derivatives but also significant amounts of other substances, such as finished beverages or pharmaceutical preparations, would be classified elsewhere based on their primary characteristic. For instance, beer containing hop extracts would fall under Chapter 22, not Chapter 12, and medicinal products containing lupulin would be classified in Chapter 30.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 121020?
A common error is misclassifying hop extracts or essential oils derived from hops. While lupulin is specifically included in HS 121020, more refined extracts or oils, which may have undergone further chemical processing or distillation, are typically classified under HS 3301 (Essential oils, resinoids, etc.) or HS 29 (Organic chemicals), depending on their purity and composition. This distinction is crucial and often requires a detailed analysis of the product's manufacturing process and chemical makeup, referencing General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for mixtures.
How should importers classify products under HS 121020?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 121020 involves first identifying the product as derived from hop cones and confirming it is in a ground, powdered, pelletized form, or is lupulin. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the relevant Explanatory Notes from the WCO. A detailed product description, including the form of the hop product and its intended use, is essential for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 121020?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of hop pellets, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35 USD. 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 USD). This calculation is based on the rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS 1210.20. Note that specific countries may have different rates under preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 121020?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 121020, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The European Union also has preferential rates, often Free, for originating goods from countries with which it has Association Agreements or Free Trade Agreements, requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duties for eligible goods from developing countries, 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 121020 (Hop cones, ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 121020 in the United States is 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for certain trading partners. For example, under the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), the duty rate is Free. It is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for the most current and specific rates applicable to your country of origin.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 121020 if the rate is specific, like 13.2¢/kg?
When the duty rate is expressed as a specific amount per unit of weight (e.g., cents per kilogram), the calculation is straightforward. For instance, if the duty rate is 13.2¢/kg and you import 100 kg of ground hops, the total duty would be 100 kg * 13.2¢/kg = 1320¢, which is equivalent to $13.20. This calculation is independent of the value of the goods. Always verify the applicable rate basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) in the relevant tariff schedule.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 121020?
When importing goods under HS code 121020, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of origin and destination, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates. For agricultural products like hops, phytosanitary certificates might also be required to ensure compliance with plant health regulations and prevent the introduction of pests or diseases. Always check with the importing country's customs authority for specific requirements.
Which trade agreements commonly offer reduced or free duty rates for HS code 121020?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential treatment for HS code 121020. For example, the United States has agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), and South Korea (KR) that may offer reduced or free entry for these products, as indicated by the 'Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)' notation in some tariff schedules. Importers should consult the specific provisions of applicable Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the relevant tariff schedule (e.g., HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to confirm eligibility and claim preferential treatment.
What distinguishes HS code 121020 from other hop-related HS codes?
HS code 121020 specifically covers 'Hop cones, ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin.' This means it applies to hops that have undergone processing into finer forms or their essential resinous component (lupulin). It does not cover whole, unprocessed hop cones, which would typically fall under HS code 1210.10. The key differentiator is the physical state of the hop product: processed (ground, powdered, pelleted) or lupulin versus unprocessed whole cones.