HS 121160 Bark of African cherry (Prunus africana)
Quick Answer: Bark of African cherry (Prunus africana) imported under HS 121160 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate. This classification specifically covers the bark of the African cherry tree, also known as Pygeum or Prunus africana. This bark is primarily used in traditional medicine and for the production of certain health supplements. Importers should be aware that while duty rates are currently favorable across these major markets, specific import regulations or phytosanitary requirements may still apply depending on the exporting country and the intended use of the bark. CustomTariffs aggregates this duty information for ease of trade planning.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1211600000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1211600000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1211600000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 121160 cover?
This subheading covers the bark of the African cherry tree, scientifically known as *Prunus africana* (also referred to as *Pygeum africanum*). According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies to the dried or processed bark intended for medicinal or other commercial uses. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this specific bark, often used in traditional medicine and dietary supplements, falls under this code when presented in its raw or semi-processed form.
What falls outside HS 121160?
The following products are excluded from HS 121160: finished pharmaceutical preparations containing extracts of *Prunus africana*, which would be classified under Chapter 30; essential oils derived from the bark, typically classified under HS 3301; and any wood or timber derived from the *Prunus africana* tree, which would fall under Chapter 44. Furthermore, seeds, fruits, or other parts of the *Prunus africana* plant, if not bark, are classified under different subheadings within Heading 1211 or other relevant chapters, depending on their specific form and intended use.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 121160?
A common error is misclassifying finished products or extracts derived from *Prunus africana* bark. For instance, standardized herbal extracts or capsules containing *Prunus africana* are generally not classified under HS 121160 but rather under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products) or Chapter 21 (Miscellaneous Edible Preparations) if intended for food supplements. This is based on General Interpretative Rule 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes.
How should importers classify products under HS 121160?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 121160 involves a thorough examination of the product's form and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed the bark of *Prunus africana* and not a derivative or a finished good. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, is crucial. If the product is raw or semi-processed bark, HS 121160 is appropriate; otherwise, further investigation into other headings is required.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 121160?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of dried *Prunus africana* bark, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $250.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($5,000 USD × 5.0% = $250.00). This calculation is based on the duty rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 1211.60.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 121160?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 121160, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which can offer duty-free entry for eligible products from qualifying African countries. For instance, if originating from Kenya, the preferential rate would be Free. To claim this preference, a valid AGOA certificate of origin is typically required by US Customs and Border Protection. Other agreements might exist depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 121160, Bark of African cherry (Prunus africana)?
For HS code 121160, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the United States is Free. Similarly, the United Kingdom's tariff rate is Free. The European Union's TARIC system also lists this product as Free. Importers should always verify current rates with the relevant customs authority as these can change.
What specific criteria define goods classified under HS code 121160?
HS code 121160 specifically covers the bark of the African cherry tree, scientifically known as Prunus africana (also sometimes referred to as Pygeum africanum). This classification applies to the raw, unprocessed bark, whether dried or fresh, intended for medicinal or other commercial uses. It does not typically include extracts or preparations derived from the bark, which would fall under different HS codes.
Are there any preferential duty rates or trade agreements that impact imports of Prunus africana bark?
While the MFN duty rates for HS 121160 are generally Free in major markets like the US and UK, importers should investigate potential preferential rates under specific trade agreements. For instance, if importing from a country that has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing nation, and Prunus africana bark qualifies as originating goods under that FTA, preferential treatment might still apply, though often resulting in the same Free rate. Always consult the specific FTA text and customs rulings for origin requirements.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 121160, and can you provide an example?
Since the duty rate for HS code 121160 is typically Free in most major jurisdictions (e.g., 0.00% ad valorem in the US, UK, and EU), the calculated duty amount is generally zero. For example, if a shipment of 100 kg of Prunus africana bark is imported into the United States with a declared value of $500, and the duty rate is Free (0.00%), the calculation would be: Duty = 0.00% * $500 = $0.00. There may still be other fees such as customs processing fees or taxes (like VAT in the UK/EU) that apply.
What documentation is typically required when importing Prunus africana bark under HS code 121160?
Standard import documentation for HS code 121160 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the intended use, additional documents may be required. This could include a Certificate of Origin to verify the source of the goods, and potentially phytosanitary certificates if the bark is considered a plant product subject to agricultural inspection. Importers should consult the specific import regulations of the destination country and work closely with their customs broker.