HS 300242 Vaccines for veterinary medicine
Quick Answer: Vaccines for veterinary medicine imported under HS 300242 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate. This classification covers prepared vaccines, doses, and similar products intended for the prevention or treatment of diseases in animals. Importers and customs brokers should note that while duty rates are currently zero in these major markets, specific import licenses or veterinary health certificates may be required depending on the origin and destination country's regulations. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the generally favorable trade conditions for these essential animal health products.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3002420000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3002420000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3002420000 | 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?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 300242 cover?
This subheading covers vaccines specifically intended for veterinary medicine. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes preparations used to stimulate the immune system of animals to prevent or treat diseases. Official sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category encompasses a wide range of biological products designed for animal health, such as those for preventing viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections in livestock, poultry, and companion animals.
What falls outside HS 300242?
The following products are excluded from HS 300242: vaccines for human use, which are classified under HS 300220. Also excluded are diagnostic reagents for veterinary use (HS 300290), which are used to detect diseases rather than prevent or treat them. Furthermore, sterile surgical catgut (HS 300610) and other pharmaceutical goods not specifically identified as veterinary vaccines, even if they have a veterinary application, will be classified elsewhere based on their specific nature and function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 300242?
A common error is the misclassification of veterinary biological products that are not strictly vaccines. For instance, antitoxins or antisera, which provide passive immunity, may be incorrectly classified under 300242 instead of their appropriate subheading within 3002. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System is crucial, ensuring that the product's primary function as a vaccine for stimulating active immunity in animals is correctly identified and documented.
How should importers classify products under HS 300242?
The correct procedure for classifying veterinary vaccines under HS 300242 involves a thorough review of the product's technical specifications, intended use, and composition. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and cross-reference with WCO explanatory notes. Obtaining a detailed product description from the manufacturer, including its specific disease target and mode of action, is essential for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 300242?
A shipment of 10,000 doses of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) vaccine, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $175.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the customs value. The calculation is: 3.5% × $5,000 USD = $175.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specifically under HTS subheading 3002.42.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 300242?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 300242, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), where originating goods may be admitted duty-free. For goods originating from countries benefiting from the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), a preferential rate of 0% may apply. Documentation required to claim these preferences typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing country's regulations.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 300242 (Vaccines for veterinary medicine)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 300242 is typically 0.00% ad valorem in many major trading blocs, including the United States (USITC) and the European Union (EU TARIC). The United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff) also lists this code with a 0% duty rate. It is crucial to verify the specific duty rate applicable to your country of import, as rates can vary based on trade agreements and specific national tariff schedules. Always consult the official tariff database of the importing country.
What specific criteria define a product as a 'vaccine for veterinary medicine' under HS code 300242?
HS code 300242 covers vaccines specifically intended for the prevention or treatment of diseases in animals. This includes biological preparations containing antigens (such as attenuated or inactivated microorganisms, or parts thereof) that stimulate an immunological response in veterinary species. The WCO's Explanatory Notes to Chapter 30 provide further guidance, emphasizing that the intended use for veterinary purposes is the primary classification factor. Products not intended for veterinary use, even if they are vaccines, would be classified elsewhere.
What documentation is typically required when importing vaccines for veterinary medicine under HS code 300242?
Importers and customs brokers should be prepared to provide several documents. These typically include a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, for veterinary vaccines, a veterinary health certificate or import permit issued by the competent veterinary authority of the importing country is often mandatory. Certificates of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates. Manufacturers' specifications or product datasheets may also be requested to confirm the HS classification and intended use.
How is the import duty for HS code 300242 calculated, and can you provide an example?
Since the duty rate for HS code 300242 is often 0.00% ad valorem, the calculated duty amount is typically zero. However, if a specific country or trade agreement imposes a duty, it would be calculated as a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a country had a 5% ad valorem duty on this code and the declared value of a shipment of veterinary vaccines was $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: 5% of $10,000 USD = $500 USD. In most cases, however, the duty is $0.00.
Do common trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, offer preferential duty rates for HS code 300242?
Yes, many trade agreements aim to reduce or eliminate duties on goods like veterinary vaccines to promote animal health and trade. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), many agricultural and veterinary products, including vaccines, may benefit from preferential duty rates, often 0%. Similarly, the European Union has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with partner countries that often include provisions for duty-free or reduced-duty treatment for such goods. To claim preferential treatment, importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation.