HS 160561 Other aquatic invertebrates

Quick Answer: Other aquatic invertebrates imported under HS 160561 enter the UK at 25.00%, the EU at 26.00%, and the US duty-free under the MFN rate. This classification encompasses a broad range of edible aquatic invertebrates not specifically listed elsewhere in Chapter 16, such as sea urchins, sea cucumbers, jellyfish, and certain types of mollusks and crustaceans that do not fit into more specific subheadings. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific product descriptions against the WCO's Explanatory Notes and national tariff databases to ensure accurate classification. According to CustomTariffs data, significant duty rate variations exist across major trading blocs, necessitating careful planning for international shipments.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1605610000 25.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1605610000 26.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1605610000 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?

```html

What products does HS 160561 cover?

This subheading covers "Other aquatic invertebrates," as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature, excluding those classified under preceding subheadings of heading 1605. This includes a variety of edible marine and freshwater invertebrates that are not crustaceans or mollusks. For instance, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database generally include items such as sea urchins, jellyfish, and sea cucumbers, provided they are prepared or preserved in a manner consistent with Chapter 16. The key is their classification as aquatic invertebrates not specifically listed elsewhere in heading 1605.

What falls outside HS 160561?

The following products are excluded from HS 160561: live aquatic invertebrates (typically classified in Chapter 03), aquatic invertebrates that are not prepared or preserved (unless specifically provided for elsewhere), and those specifically enumerated in other subheadings of heading 1605, such as certain prepared crustaceans or mollusks. For example, live sea urchins for aquarium use would not fall under this heading, nor would prepared sea cucumbers if they meet the specific criteria for another subheading within 1605 or a different chapter altogether. Products not intended for human consumption are also generally excluded.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 160561?

A common error is misclassifying prepared or preserved aquatic invertebrates based on their processing method rather than their biological classification and exclusion from other specific subheadings. For example, confusing prepared jellyfish with prepared mollusks can lead to incorrect classification. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial. Importers must ensure the product is indeed an "other aquatic invertebrate" and not a crustacean, mollusk, or live specimen.

How should importers classify products under HS 160561?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 160561 involves a multi-step process. First, identify the specific aquatic invertebrate and its form (prepared or preserved). Consult the official WCO HS Nomenclature and the relevant national tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff. Verify that the product is not specifically classified under a more precise subheading within heading 1605 or elsewhere in the tariff. If it meets the criteria for "other aquatic invertebrates" and is prepared or preserved, then HS 160561 is likely applicable. Always review section and chapter notes for definitive guidance.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 160561?

A shipment of 100 kilograms of prepared sea cucumbers, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $100.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 20% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 20% of $500 USD = $100.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Note that specific product preparations or origins might alter this rate.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 160561?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 160561, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer preferential rates or "Free" entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may provide duty-free treatment for eligible products from certain developing countries. To claim preference under USMCA, a valid Certificate of Origin is typically required. For GSP, a Form A (GSP) or a self-certified origin declaration may be necessary, depending on the importing country's regulations.

```

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 160551 HS 160540 HS 160521 HS 160558 HS 160554 HS 160553

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 1605.61, 'Other aquatic invertebrates'?

The import duty rates for HS code 1605.61, 'Other aquatic invertebrates,' vary significantly by importing country and trade agreement. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0% (Free). However, preferential rates under agreements like the Central America-Dominican Republic-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) may also be Free. Importers should always consult the latest USITC tariff data for the specific rate applicable to their country of origin and destination. For the EU, the TARIC database indicates a duty rate of 12% ad valorem for this code, though specific preferential rates may apply under various EU trade agreements.

How is the import duty for HS 1605.61 calculated, and can you provide an example?

The duty for HS code 1605.61 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 'other aquatic invertebrates' valued at $10,000 USD is imported into the EU, and the applicable duty rate is 12% ad valorem, the import duty would be calculated as follows: Duty = Value × Duty Rate = $10,000 USD × 12% = $1,200 USD. It is crucial to ensure the customs value is accurately declared and supported by appropriate documentation, such as commercial invoices.

What specific criteria define 'other aquatic invertebrates' under HS code 1605.61, and what are common classification errors?

HS code 1605.61 covers aquatic invertebrates not elsewhere specified in Chapter 16. This includes a wide range of marine and freshwater organisms such as sea cucumbers, sea urchins, jellyfish, and certain types of mollusks and crustaceans not specifically listed under other headings (e.g., 1605.10 for crab, 1605.21 for shrimp and prawns). Common classification errors occur when goods that fall under more specific HS codes (e.g., edible seaweeds, fish roe, or specific types of shellfish) are incorrectly entered under 1605.61. Importers must carefully review the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country to ensure correct classification.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 1605.61?

For HS code 1605.61, 'Other aquatic invertebrates,' standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin and destination country, and the nature of the invertebrates, additional documents may be necessary. These could include health certificates or phytosanitary certificates issued by the competent authority of the exporting country to ensure the products are safe for consumption and free from disease. Importers should also be prepared to provide proof of origin if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement.

How do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, impact the duty rates for HS 1605.61?

Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for goods classified under HS 1605.61, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. For example, if 'other aquatic invertebrates' are sourced from a country that has a free trade agreement with the importing nation (e.g., a USMCA country importing from Canada or Mexico, or an EU member state importing from a partner country), they may qualify for preferential duty rates, often Free. To benefit from these agreements, importers must obtain and submit a valid Certificate of Origin and ensure the products meet all eligibility criteria. It is essential to consult the specific text of the relevant trade agreement and the importing country's customs regulations.