HS 160250 Of bovine animals
Quick Answer: Beef products imported under HS 160250 enter the UK at 253.00 GBP / 100 kg, the EU at 303.40 EUR / 100 kg, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 20%. This Harmonized System code specifically covers preparations and preserves of meat, offal, or blood of bovine animals, excluding those of a kind described in subheading 1602.10. This includes items like canned corned beef, beef pâté, and other processed beef products. Importers should consult specific tariff lines within these jurisdictions, as detailed duty rates can vary based on product specifics and origin. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the need for precise classification and awareness of preferential trade agreements.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1602500000 | — | — | — |
| 1602501000 | 253.00 GBP / 100 kg | — | — |
| 1602501010 | 253.00 GBP / 100 kg | — | — |
| 1602501090 | 253.00 GBP / 100 kg | — | — |
| 1602503100 | 16.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1602500000 | — | — | — |
| 1602501000 | 303.40 EUR / 100 kg | — | — |
| 1602501010 | 303.40 EUR / 100 kg | — | — |
| 1602501090 | 303.40 EUR / 100 kg | — | — |
| 1602503100 | 16.60 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1602500500 | 2.3% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 16025007 | Free | — | — |
| 1602500720 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 1602500740 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 1602509020 | — | — | ["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 1602.50?
Imports of Of bovine animals 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 16 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 160250 cover?
This subheading covers prepared or preserved meat of bovine animals, excluding those falling under more specific subheadings. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes cooked, canned, or otherwise processed beef and veal products. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that products such as corned beef, beef extracts, and cooked beef in gravy, when not specifically classified elsewhere, are generally found here, provided they are derived solely from bovine animals.
What falls outside HS 160250?
The following products are excluded from HS 160250: fresh, chilled, or frozen bovine meat (which are classified in Chapter 02), and certain preparations where meat is merely an ingredient and not the predominant component, or where other ingredients impart a distinct character. For instance, beef-based soups or broths with a significant vegetable or noodle content, or beef pâtés with a high proportion of liver, would likely be classified under different headings, such as heading 2104 or 160290, respectively, based on their primary characteristics.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 160250?
A common error is misclassifying products that are not solely derived from bovine animals or are not sufficiently processed to meet the criteria of heading 1602. For example, mixed meat products containing both beef and pork, or beef products with a very high proportion of added sauces or fillers that alter the essential character, may be incorrectly placed here. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and GRI 3 is crucial to ensure correct classification based on the essential character of the product.
How should importers classify products under HS 160250?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 160250 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition, processing, and presentation. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System. Key considerations include verifying that the product is indeed prepared or preserved meat of bovine animals and not fresh, chilled, or frozen, and that it does not meet the criteria for exclusion under more specific headings or subheadings.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 160250?
A 10-kilogram package of canned corned beef, declared at a customs value of $50.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $10.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($50.00 USD × 10% = $5.00 USD), plus a specific duty of $0.50 per kilogram ($0.50/kg × 10 kg = $5.00 USD), resulting in a total duty of $10.00. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 1602.50.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 160250?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 160250. For products originating in Canada or Mexico, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) may provide for duty-free entry, requiring a USMCA certification of origin. For certain developing countries, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or free entry, typically requiring a GSP Form A. The EU's Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with various African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries can also grant preferential access, often necessitating an EUR.1 movement certificate.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 160250 (Prepared or preserved meat of bovine animals) in the UK, EU, and US?
For the UK, the standard duty rate for HS 160250 is 253.00 GBP per 100 kg. For the EU, the standard duty rate is 303.40 EUR per 100 kg. In the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 2.3% ad valorem. These rates are subject to change and may be affected by trade agreements or specific product characteristics. Always consult the latest official tariff schedules for the most accurate information (UK Trade Tariff, EU TARIC, USITC).
How is the import duty for HS code 160250 calculated in the UK, and can you provide an example?
In the UK, the duty for HS 160250 is typically calculated on a per-weight basis. The rate is 253.00 GBP per 100 kg. For example, if an importer brings in 500 kg of prepared beef, the calculation would be: (500 kg / 100 kg) * 253.00 GBP/100 kg = 5 * 253.00 GBP = 1,265.00 GBP. It's crucial to ensure the weight declared accurately reflects the net weight of the product.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 160250, specifically 'Of bovine animals'?
HS code 160250 covers 'Other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal or blood of bovine animals'. This includes products where the meat of bovine animals (beef or veal) has undergone preparation such as cooking, salting, smoking, or has been mixed with other ingredients to form a composite product. The key criterion is that the primary ingredient by weight must be meat or offal from bovine animals. Products that are merely seasoned or chilled are generally not classified here. Refer to Chapter 16 notes and Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System for detailed definitions.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 160250, and what documentation is needed?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 160250. For instance, the EU's TARIC system indicates 'Free' (0%) duty rates under certain agreements (e.g., A*, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E*, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). The UK's tariff also lists preferential rates under agreements like the UK-Australia trade deal. To claim preferential treatment, importers must provide a valid proof of origin, such as a EUR.1 movement certificate or an origin declaration on the invoice, depending on the specific trade agreement and originating country. The importer must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant agreement.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond the standard import documents for HS code 160250?
Yes, depending on the destination country and the nature of the product, additional documentation may be required. This often includes health certificates or veterinary import permits issued by the competent authorities of the exporting country, confirming the product's safety and compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards. For example, the US requires specific import declarations and adherence to FDA and USDA regulations for meat products. Customs brokers should verify the specific import requirements with the relevant government agencies (e.g., Food Standards Agency in the UK, DG SANTE in the EU, FDA/USDA in the US) for the importing country.