HS 160558 Snails, other than sea snails

Quick Answer: Snails, other than sea snails, imported under HS 160558 enter the UK at 20.00%, the EU at 20.00%, and the US with rates varying from Free to 20% depending on the specific tariff line. This HS code specifically covers land snails and freshwater snails, excluding those harvested from marine environments. Importers should be aware that while the EU and UK maintain a consistent duty rate, the US offers a more varied tariff structure, necessitating careful verification of the precise sub-heading. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these jurisdictional differences is crucial for accurate customs declarations and duty calculations.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1605580000 20.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1605580000 20.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1605580500 Free — ["kg"]
160558 — — —
1605585500 5% 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 1605.58?

Imports of Snails, other than sea snails 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?

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What products does HS 160558 cover?

This subheading covers prepared or preserved snails, excluding sea snails, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. According to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, this category includes edible terrestrial snails that have been processed, such as canned, cooked, or otherwise preserved, for consumption. These preparations are intended for direct human consumption and are not raw, live snails.

What falls outside HS 160558?

The following products are excluded from HS 160558: live snails (whether terrestrial or marine), sea snails (which are classified under HS 1605.61), and snails that are not prepared or preserved for consumption. For instance, raw, uncleaned terrestrial snails intended for immediate cooking at home would not fall under this heading. Similarly, snail meat that has been processed but is intended for animal feed or other industrial uses would be classified elsewhere based on its specific use and processing.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 160558?

A common error is the misclassification of sea snails as terrestrial snails under HS 160558. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. Sea snails, such as whelks or abalone, are specifically excluded from this subheading and are typically classified under HS 1605.61. Importers must carefully distinguish between terrestrial and marine mollusk species to ensure accurate classification.

How should importers classify products under HS 160558?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 160558 involves a multi-step approach. Importers and customs brokers must first identify the specific type of snail and its preparation method. Consulting the official tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, is crucial. If the product is a prepared or preserved terrestrial snail for human consumption, and not a sea snail, then HS 160558 is likely applicable. Verification with customs authorities is recommended for complex cases.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 160558?

A 10-kilogram shipment of canned escargots (prepared terrestrial snails) declared at a customs value of $200 USD would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem as per the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the duty would be calculated as 5% of $200 USD, resulting in a duty of $10.00 USD. This calculation is based on the declared value of the goods and the applicable ad valorem tariff rate.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 160558?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 160558, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico may be eligible for a preferential duty rate of Free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from preferential rates under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), often requiring a GSP Form A.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 160551 HS 160553 HS 160561 HS 160556 HS 160554 HS 160552

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 160558 (Snails, other than sea snails)?

Import duty rates for HS code 160558, covering snails other than sea snails, vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 20.00% ad valorem. In the European Union, the TARIC system may show rates around 12% ad valorem, though specific member state variations or agricultural levies could apply. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a duty of 20% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment.

How is the import duty for HS 160558 calculated? Can you provide an example?

Import duty for HS 160558 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of prepared snails (not in airtight containers, falling under 1605.58 in the US HTS) has a customs value of $10,000 USD, and the MFN duty rate is 20.00%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 USD * 20.00% = $2,000 USD. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or other units, so it's essential to verify the duty calculation method.

What documentation is typically required when importing snails under HS code 160558?

When importing snails classified under HS 160558, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and the form of the snails (e.g., prepared, preserved, frozen), additional health certificates, phytosanitary certificates, or import permits from the relevant food safety or agricultural authorities may be necessary to ensure compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures. Verification of the origin of the snails is also often required for preferential duty claims.

Are there preferential duty rates available for HS 160558 under any trade agreements?

Preferential duty rates for HS code 160558 may be available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or preferential trade schemes, depending on the origin of the snails and the importing country. For example, if snails are sourced from a country with an FTA with the United States, the duty rate could be lower than the MFN rate, potentially even free. Similarly, the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) or specific FTAs with third countries can offer reduced duties. Importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the required proof of origin documentation, such as a EUR.1 certificate or origin declaration.

What are the key criteria for classifying snails as 'other than sea snails' under HS 160558?

HS code 1605.58 specifically covers 'Snails, other than sea snails'. The primary classification criterion is the biological origin of the snail. This code applies to terrestrial snails (e.g., Helix species commonly consumed as escargots) and freshwater snails. It explicitly excludes marine snails, which fall under other headings within Chapter 16. The form in which the snails are imported (e.g., live, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, in brine, or prepared/preserved otherwise than in airtight containers) will determine the final subheading, but the distinction between sea and non-sea origin is fundamental to selecting 1605.58 over other snail-related classifications.