HS 160559 Other
Quick Answer: Other crustaceans, prepared or preserved, imported under HS 160559 enter the UK at 20.00%, the EU at 20.00%, and the US at 20% (MFN). This classification is a residual category for crustaceans, such as shrimp, prawns, crabs, and lobsters, that have been prepared or preserved in ways not specified in preceding headings within Chapter 16. Significant trade considerations include the potential for varying national interpretations of "prepared or preserved" and the need to verify specific product descriptions against national tariff schedules. According to CustomTariffs, importers and brokers must carefully review the exact form of preparation and preservation to ensure accurate classification and duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1605590000 | 20.00 % | — | — |
| 1605590010 | 20.00 % | — | — |
| 1605590090 | 20.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1605590000 | 20.00 % | — | — |
| 1605590010 | 20.00 % | — | — |
| 1605590090 | 20.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1605590500 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 160559 | — | — | — |
| 1605596000 | 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 160559 cover?
This subheading covers other crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved, not elsewhere specified within heading 1605. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this residual category is for items not fitting into the more specific subheadings for shrimp, prawns, lobsters, crabs, or cephalopods. For instance, in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), this would include preserved snails or sea urchins not already classified.
What falls outside HS 160559?
The following products are excluded from HS 160559: live crustaceans and molluscs (Chapter 03), fresh or chilled products (Chapter 03), and products specifically classified under other subheadings of heading 1605, such as preserved shrimp (1605.21-1605.29), lobsters (1605.10), or cephalopods like squid and octopus (1605.62-1605.63). Products containing these items as minor ingredients, where the primary classification is determined by another component, would also fall outside this specific subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 160559?
A common error is misclassifying products that have undergone minimal processing or are intended for direct consumption as live or fresh items. For example, classifying lightly cooked or brined snails as "prepared or preserved" under 160559 when they should remain in Chapter 03 based on the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI) Rule 1. Importers must ensure the preparation method meets the criteria for Chapter 16, which typically involves preservation by canning, drying, or cooking beyond simple chilling.
How should importers classify products under HS 160559?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 160559 involves a thorough review of the product's composition, processing, and packaging. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC database, and compare the product's characteristics against the descriptions for heading 1605 and its subheadings. If the product is a crustacean, mollusc, or aquatic invertebrate, prepared or preserved, and does not fit any more specific subheading, then 160559 is the appropriate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 160559?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of preserved sea snails, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,000.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 20% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 20% of $5,000 USD = $1,000.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 1605.59.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 160559?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 160559, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada or Mexico can enter the US duty-free. For example, preserved mussels originating in Canada would benefit from a 0% duty rate. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Other agreements, like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for certain developing countries, may also offer reduced rates, often requiring a GSP Form A.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 160559 (Other crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 160559 in the United States is 20.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US may be eligible for duty-free entry or reduced rates. It is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) maintained by the US International Trade Commission (USITC) for the most accurate and up-to-date tariff information specific to the country of origin.
How is the import duty for HS 160559 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 160559 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of 'other' prepared or preserved crustaceans and molluscs valued at $10,000 is imported into the US under the MFN tariff, the duty would be calculated as follows: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 20.00% (MFN Duty Rate) = $2,000 (Import Duty). Always ensure accurate valuation and classification to avoid penalties.
What specific criteria determine if a product falls under HS code 160559, as opposed to other headings in Chapter 16?
HS code 160559 is a residual category for 'Other' crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates, prepared or preserved. This means it applies to products within the scope of heading 1605 that are not specifically classified under more detailed subheadings (e.g., shrimp, prawns, lobsters, crabs, mussels, oysters, scallops, squid, octopus). The key is that the product must be an aquatic invertebrate, prepared or preserved (e.g., canned, frozen, dried, cooked, seasoned), and not otherwise specified. Consult the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (HS) provided by the World Customs Organization (WCO) for detailed interpretative guidance.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 160559?
Standard import documentation for HS code 160559 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the specific product and country of import, additional documents may be required. This could include a certificate of origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates), import permits, health certificates, or phytosanitary certificates issued by the competent authorities of the exporting country to ensure compliance with food safety and animal health regulations. Always verify specific requirements with the importing country's customs authority.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 160559 imports, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Importers can explore preferential duty rates under various trade agreements. For example, the United States has FTAs with countries like Mexico and Canada (USMCA), Australia, and others. The European Union has its own network of trade agreements. To verify eligibility, importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter, confirming that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. This certificate, along with the HS code classification, is presented to customs authorities. The specific rules of origin can be complex and are detailed within each trade agreement. Consulting the relevant customs authority's website (e.g., USITC for the US, EU TARIC database for the EU, UK Trade Tariff for the UK) or working with a customs broker is recommended.