HS 160416 Anchovies
Quick Answer: Anchovies imported under HS 160416 enter the UK at 25.00%, the EU at 25.00%, and the US at 5% (MFN), with some trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This HS code specifically covers anchovies, prepared or preserved, excluding those in oil. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on specific trade agreements and the exact presentation of the product. According to CustomTariffs data, careful classification is crucial to ensure compliance and optimize duty payments.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1604160000 | 25.00 % | — | — |
| 1604160010 | 25.00 % | — | — |
| 1604160090 | 25.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1604160000 | 25.00 % | — | — |
| 1604160010 | 25.00 % | — | — |
| 1604160090 | 25.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160416 | — | — | — |
| 1604164000 | 5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 1604162000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 1604166000 | Free | — | ["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 1604.16?
Imports of Anchovies 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, and 15 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 160416 cover?
This subheading covers anchovies, prepared or preserved, excluding those in oil or whole. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification specifically pertains to anchovies that have undergone preparation or preservation processes beyond simple salting or drying, but are not presented whole or packed in oil. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database align with this definition, focusing on processed anchovy fillets or pieces not otherwise specified.
What falls outside HS 160416?
The following products are excluded from HS 160416: whole anchovies, anchovies preserved in oil, anchovies that are merely salted or dried without further processing, and anchovy paste or powder. For instance, anchovies packed in olive oil would typically be classified under HS 160419, while anchovy paste, often used as a condiment, might fall under HS 210390. It is crucial to differentiate based on the form and preservation medium.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 160416?
A common error is misclassifying anchovy products based on their packaging or minor processing variations. For example, anchovies packed in a brine solution that is not considered "oil" might still be incorrectly placed in this subheading if they are whole. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System is essential, ensuring classification is based on the essential character of the goods, which for 160416 is processed, non-whole anchovy not in oil.
How should importers classify products under HS 160416?
The correct procedure for classifying anchovy products under HS 160416 involves a detailed examination of the product's form, processing, and preservation method. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff. Verify that the anchovies are prepared or preserved, not whole, and critically, not packed in oil. Review product descriptions and ingredient lists to confirm these criteria.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 160416?
A 10kg shipment of canned anchovy fillets in tomato sauce, declared at a customs value of $150 USD, would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 10% of $150 USD = $15.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, HTSUS 1604.16.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 160416?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 160416, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in Free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for originating goods. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for other agreements, depending on the importing country's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 1604.16 (Anchovies)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 1604.16 (Anchovies) is typically 25.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, rates can be as low as 5% or even Free (0%) for imports from countries such as Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), among others listed under specific preferential schemes. It is crucial to consult the relevant tariff schedule for the importing country based on the origin of the goods.
How is the import duty for HS 1604.16 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 1604.16 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if anchovies are imported with a declared customs value of $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate is 25.00%, the import duty would be $10,000 * 0.25 = $2,500. If a specific duty rate is applied (e.g., per kilogram), the calculation would be rate per unit × quantity. Always verify the specific duty calculation method and applicable rate for your shipment.
What specific criteria define 'Anchovies' under HS code 1604.16 for customs classification?
HS code 1604.16 specifically covers 'Anchovies', whole or in pieces, but not minced. This classification applies to anchovies (Engraulidae family) that have been prepared or preserved in a manner other than simply salting or brining, which would typically fall under Chapter 03. Preparations often include cooking, canning, or packing in oil or sauce. Minced anchovies would generally be classified under a different heading, such as 1604.20.
What documentation is typically required for importing anchovies under HS code 1604.16?
For importing anchovies under HS code 1604.16, standard import documentation usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the origin of the goods, additional documents may be required. These can include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates, a phytosanitary certificate or health certificate from the exporting country's competent authority to ensure food safety and compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, and potentially import permits or licenses. Always check the specific import requirements of the destination country.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 1604.16, and how can importers benefit?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 1604.16. Examples include agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), which may offer rates as low as 5% or Free. To benefit, importers must ensure the anchovies originate from a country that is a party to a specific trade agreement with the importing country. A valid Certificate of Origin, compliant with the rules of origin stipulated in the trade agreement, is essential documentation to substantiate the claim for preferential treatment at customs.