HS 210320 Tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces
Quick Answer: HS code 210320 specifically covers "Tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces." This includes all preparations primarily derived from tomatoes, seasoned and processed for use as a condiment or sauce, such as classic tomato ketchup, various tomato-based pasta sauces, and other similar culinary preparations. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates across major jurisdictions. In the UK, the standard Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate is 10.00% ad valorem. The EU applies a similar MFN rate of 10.20% ad valorem. The US tariff schedule for this code is more complex, with MFN rates ranging from 11.6% to 50% ad valorem, depending on specific product characteristics. However, many US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners, such as Australia, Chile, Korea, and Singapore, benefit from duty-free entry under various special programs (e.g., A+, AU, KR, SG). Customs brokers must verify the specific subheading and origin to determine the applicable duty.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2103200000 | 10.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2103200000 | 10.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 210320 | — | — | — |
| 21032040 | 11.6% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 2103204020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2103202000 | 6% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2103204040 | — | — | ["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 2103.20?
Imports of Tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces 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, GSP, 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 210320 cover?
This subheading covers tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature Explanatory Notes for Heading 2103. Specifically, it encompasses preparations primarily composed of tomatoes, whether or not containing other ingredients such as spices, sugar, vinegar, or other flavoring agents, intended for use as a condiment or sauce. This includes the widely recognized tomato ketchup, which is a viscous, sweet, and tangy sauce, as well as various other tomato-based sauces used to enhance the flavor of food, such as pasta sauces or pizza sauces, provided they meet the criteria of a "sauce" and are not merely preserved tomatoes of Chapter 20. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC system align with this WCO definition.
What falls outside HS 210320?
The following products are excluded from HS 210320: prepared or preserved tomatoes of Chapter 20, such as whole or chopped tomatoes in cans or jars (e.g., HS 2002), which are not processed into a sauce consistency or specifically formulated as a condiment. Tomato paste or puree, even if concentrated, typically falls under HS 2002, as these are generally raw materials for further culinary preparation rather than finished sauces. Soups and broths containing tomatoes are classified under HS 2104. Additionally, certain complex food preparations where tomato is only one component among many, and not the primary characterizing ingredient of a "sauce," may be classified elsewhere based on their essential character, often under HS 2106.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 210320?
A common error is misclassifying concentrated tomato paste or puree as a "tomato sauce" under HS 210320. While both are tomato-based, paste and puree are typically intermediate products for cooking, classified under HS 2002, whereas sauces under HS 210320 are ready-to-use condiments or flavorings. Another mistake involves classifying complex food preparations containing tomatoes, but where the tomato component does not impart the essential character of a "sauce," leading to incorrect application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b). Importers sometimes overlook the distinction between a prepared vegetable (Chapter 20) and a culinary preparation or sauce (Chapter 21), which is crucial for accurate classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 210320?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 210320 involves a thorough review of the product's ingredients, manufacturing process, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers should first confirm that the product is indeed a "sauce" or "ketchup" primarily derived from tomatoes, rather than a preserved vegetable or a tomato paste/puree. Consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2103 for detailed guidance on what constitutes a "sauce." Analyze the product's composition to ensure tomato is the predominant ingredient and that it functions as a condiment or flavoring. In cases of doubt, consider requesting a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, national customs authorities in the EU) to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties or delays.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2103.20 (Tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces) in major markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS code 2103.20 can vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies an MFN duty rate of 11.6% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates an MFN duty rate of 10.20% ad valorem for many products under this heading. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 10.00% ad valorem MFN rate. Some countries may apply higher rates, such as a 50% ad valorem rate in specific circumstances or for certain non-WTO members. Importers should always consult the official customs tariff of the destination country (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the most current and accurate MFN duty rates.
Which preferential trade agreements offer duty-free or reduced rates for tomato ketchup and sauces under HS 2103.20?
Many trade agreements provide preferential duty treatment for products classified under HS 2103.20. For imports into the United States, duty-free access (indicated as 'Free' with specific program codes) may be available under agreements such as the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), US-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CL), US-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CO), US-Israel Free Trade Agreement (IL), US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KR), US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MA), US-Oman Free Trade Agreement (OM), US-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (PA), US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PE), and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for eligible developing countries (A+). Similar preferential rates exist in the EU and UK under their respective free trade agreements (e.g., with Canada, Japan, South Korea, etc.). To claim preferential duty rates, importers must ensure the goods meet the specific Rules of Origin requirements of the applicable trade agreement and provide proper documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing 'tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces' under HS 2103.20?
The classification of products under HS 2103.20, 'Tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces,' primarily depends on their composition and intended use. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, this heading covers preparations based on tomato pulp, paste, or puree, whether or not containing other ingredients such as spices, sugar, vinegar, or other vegetables, provided they are used as sauces. Ketchup is specifically mentioned. The critical distinction is that the tomato component must be predominant and the product must be identifiable as a sauce for direct consumption or as an ingredient in food preparation, rather than a simple tomato paste (which falls under Chapter 20). Products with a very high Brix value or those clearly intended as a base for further manufacturing might be classified elsewhere if they lose the character of a 'sauce'.
What specific documentation is typically required for importing tomato ketchup and sauces under HS 2103.20?
In addition to standard import documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers of tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces under HS 2103.20 often face specific requirements due to the nature of food products. These may include: 1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Prior Notice for imports into the United States. 2. Phytosanitary Certificates or other health certificates from the exporting country, particularly if certain raw agricultural ingredients are present. 3. Ingredient lists and nutritional information to ensure compliance with labeling regulations. 4. Certificates of Origin if claiming preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement. 5. Compliance with food safety standards of the importing country, which may involve specific testing or certifications. Importers should verify all national and regional food safety and labeling regulations prior to shipment.