HS 200520 Potatoes
Quick Answer: Potatoes imported under HS 2005.20 enter the UK at rates up to 14.00%, the EU at rates up to 14.10% (plus EA), and the US at rates up to 35% (with some duty-free provisions). This code specifically covers potatoes, not fresh or chilled, prepared or preserved by vinegar or acetic acid, or frozen. These are typically cooked or otherwise prepared or preserved, but not in spirit. Importers and customs brokers should consult specific subheadings within each jurisdiction for precise duty rates and any applicable trade agreements or additional duties, as CustomTariffs aggregates this detailed information.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005200000 | — | — | — |
| 2005201000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 2005202000 | 14.00 % | — | — |
| 2005208000 | 14.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005200000 | — | — | — |
| 2005201000 | 8.80 % + EA | — | — |
| 2005202000 | 14.10 % | — | — |
| 2005208000 | 14.10 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20052000 | 6.4% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 2005200020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2005200070 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2005200040 | — | — | ["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 2005.20?
Imports of Potatoes 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 200520 cover?
This subheading covers potatoes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen, not exceeding 7% by weight of alcohol. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes potatoes that have been cooked, dried, or otherwise processed. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category encompasses a variety of potato preparations, excluding those preserved in vinegar.
What falls outside HS 200520?
The following products are excluded from HS 200520: frozen potatoes (classified under HS 2004.90), potatoes preserved in vinegar or acetic acid (classified under HS 2001.90), and raw or simply cooked potatoes not otherwise prepared or preserved (typically classified under HS 0701.90 or HS 2005.10 if in airtight containers). Potatoes that have undergone fermentation or are preserved with significant alcohol content also fall outside this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 200520?
A common error is misclassifying potato products that are frozen or preserved in vinegar. For instance, frozen french fries, despite being potatoes, are classified under HS 2004.90. Similarly, pickled potatoes belong to HS 2001.90. Adherence to Section VI, Note 1 of the Harmonized System, which defines "vegetables, fruit, nuts and parts of plants, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid," is crucial for accurate classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 200520?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 200520 involves a detailed examination of the product's processing and preservation method. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the potatoes are frozen, preserved in vinegar, or contain significant alcohol. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and referencing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System are essential steps.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 200520?
A 10 kg bag of dehydrated potato flakes, declared at a customs value of $50.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $1.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 1.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($50.00 USD × 0.015 = $0.75), and an additional 1.5 cents per kilogram ($0.015/kg × 10 kg = $0.15), totaling $0.90. This calculation is based on the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 200520?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 200520, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating potatoes from Canada and Mexico may enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement is required. The specific documentation requirements can vary by importing country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 200520 (Potatoes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid)?
Import duty rates for HS code 200520 vary significantly by country and trade agreement. For example, the United States applies a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 8.80% ad valorem plus an Additional Duty (EA). The European Union, under TARIC, may have rates around 14.10% ad valorem. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff often shows rates around 6.4% 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 code 200520 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 200520 is typically based on the ad valorem system, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. Some countries may also apply additional duties or specific duties based on weight or other units. For instance, if the MFN duty rate in the US is 8.80% ad valorem and your shipment of preserved potatoes has a customs value of $10,000, the ad valorem duty would be $10,000 * 8.80% = $880. If there's an additional duty component, it would be calculated separately and added to this amount. Always verify the exact duty calculation method and any additional charges with the importing country's customs authority.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 200520, and what distinguishes it from other potato preparations?
HS code 200520 covers potatoes prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid. This means it includes potatoes that have been cooked, dehydrated, canned, frozen, or preserved in other ways, but not pickled. Preparations like French fries (if not frozen), mashed potatoes, or potato flakes fall under this code. Potatoes preserved in vinegar or acetic acid (e.g., pickled potatoes) would be classified under HS code 2001.90. The key is the method of preservation and whether vinegar or acetic acid is the primary preservative.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 200520, and how can importers benefit?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 200520. For example, the USITC tariff schedule indicates that certain agreements, such as those with Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), and Singapore (SG), may offer reduced or free entry (indicated by 'Free (A*,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)' in some tariff databases). To benefit, importers must ensure their goods meet the Rules of Origin stipulated in the relevant Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and possess the required proof of origin documentation, such as a certificate of origin or a declaration on the invoice, as specified by the customs authorities of the importing country.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 200520?
Standard import documentation for HS code 200520 generally includes a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the preserved potatoes (e.g., frozen, canned), additional documents may be required. These can include a certificate of origin (especially if claiming preferential treatment under an FTA), phytosanitary certificates to ensure plant health, and potentially import permits or licenses issued by agricultural or food safety authorities. Importers and customs brokers should verify the exact requirements with the destination country's customs agency and relevant ministries.