HS 300610 Sterile surgical catgut, similar sterile suture materials (including sterile absorbable surgical or dental yarns) and sterile tissue adhesives for surgical wound closure; sterile laminaria and sterile laminaria tents; sterile absorbable surgical or dental haemostatics; sterile surgical or dental adhesion barriers, whether or not absorbable
Quick Answer: Sterile surgical catgut and similar sterile suture materials, sterile tissue adhesives, sterile laminaria, sterile absorbable surgical or dental haemostatics, and sterile surgical or dental adhesion barriers imported under HS 300610 enter the UK duty-free, the EU duty-free, and the US at 40% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification covers a range of sterile medical products designed for wound closure and haemostasis. Importers should note the significant duty differential for the United States, which requires careful consideration for landed cost calculations. According to CustomTariffs data, these products are generally subject to low or no tariffs in major markets, reflecting their essential medical nature.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3006100000 | — | — | — |
| 3006103000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3006101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3006109000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3006100000 | — | — | — |
| 3006101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3006103000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3006109000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3006100100 | 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 300610 cover?
This subheading covers sterile materials used in surgical and dental procedures for wound closure and related applications, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature. This includes sterile surgical catgut, other sterile suture materials like absorbable yarns, and sterile tissue adhesives. It also encompasses sterile laminaria (seaweed tents used for cervical dilation) and sterile absorbable hemostatic agents designed to stop bleeding, as well as sterile surgical or dental adhesion barriers, all of which must be presented in a sterile condition for medical use.
What falls outside HS 300610?
The following products are excluded from HS 300610: non-sterile suture materials, even if intended for surgical use, as sterility is a key criterion. Also excluded are general-purpose adhesives not specifically designed for surgical wound closure, non-absorbable surgical materials not classified as sutures (e.g., certain meshes), and non-sterile laminaria. Products for veterinary use, unless specifically indicated as also applicable to human medicine and meeting all other criteria, are typically classified elsewhere, and any products not presented in a sterile form will not meet the requirements of this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 300610?
A common error is misclassifying products based on their intended use rather than their specific description and presentation. For instance, non-sterile suture materials, even if made from absorbable polymers, would not fall under 300610. Another mistake is failing to recognize the distinct categories within the heading; for example, classifying a general surgical adhesive that is not specifically a sterile tissue adhesive for wound closure. Adherence to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), particularly GRI 1, which emphasizes the Section and Chapter Notes and the headings and subheadings, is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 300610?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 300610 involves a meticulous review of the product's characteristics against the wording of the subheading and its explanatory notes. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed sterile, intended for surgical or dental wound closure, and fits one of the specific categories listed (catgut, sutures, tissue adhesives, laminaria, hemostatics, or adhesion barriers). Consulting official tariff databases like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC system for specific rulings and definitions is highly recommended.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 300610?
A shipment of 100 sterile absorbable surgical yarns, weighing 0.5 kg in total, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is $500 USD × 0.07 = $35.00. This is calculated using the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 3006.10.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 300610?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 300610, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free rates for originating goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, documentation such as a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries is typically required, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 300610?
HS code 300610, covering sterile surgical catgut and similar sterile suture materials, often carries a duty-free status under various trade agreements and Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariffs. For example, the U.S. tariff schedule (USITC) lists a 0.00% MFN duty. Similarly, the UK Trade Tariff shows a 0% duty rate for imports from most countries. However, it is crucial to verify the specific duty rate applicable to the country of origin and the importing country's current tariff schedule, as rates can change and preferential agreements may offer different terms. Always consult the latest official tariff data from sources like the USITC, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff.
What specific criteria define products classified under HS 300610?
Products classified under HS 300610 must meet several key criteria. Firstly, they must be sterile, meaning they are free from viable microorganisms. Secondly, they must fall into one of the listed categories: sterile surgical catgut, similar sterile suture materials (including sterile absorbable surgical or dental yarns), sterile tissue adhesives for surgical wound closure, sterile laminaria and sterile laminaria tents, sterile absorbable surgical or dental haemostatics, or sterile surgical or dental adhesion barriers (whether or not absorbable). The 'sterile' requirement is paramount and often necessitates specific manufacturing processes and packaging to maintain sterility until use. Documentation proving sterility is usually required.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing goods under HS 300610?
Yes, importing goods classified under HS 300610 typically requires specific documentation to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, in addition to standard customs declarations. Importers should be prepared to provide a Certificate of Sterility, attesting that the products have been manufactured and packaged under sterile conditions. Depending on the importing country, a Certificate of Free Sale from the exporting country's health authority may also be necessary. Furthermore, a detailed invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are standard requirements. Customs brokers should verify the specific import license or registration requirements with the importing country's health regulatory agency.
How is the duty calculated for HS 300610 if a duty rate is applicable?
The calculation of duty for HS 300610 depends on whether the duty is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit). If an ad valorem rate applies, for instance, a hypothetical 4.00% duty, and the declared value of the imported goods is $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: 4.00% of $10,000 USD = $400 USD. If a specific duty applies, such as $0.50 per unit, and 1,000 units are imported, the duty would be: $0.50/unit × 1,000 units = $500 USD. Many countries, however, list 0.00% duty for this HS code, meaning no duty is payable. Always confirm the applicable duty basis (ad valorem or specific) and rate with the official tariff schedule.
Which trade agreements commonly impact duty rates for HS 300610?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for HS 300610. For example, goods originating from countries that are signatories to the World Trade Organization (WTO) often benefit from MFN rates, which are frequently 0.00% for medical supplies like those in this category. Bilateral agreements, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), or regional agreements like the European Union's internal market provisions, can also provide duty-free access for qualifying goods. Importers and customs brokers should investigate if a preferential trade agreement exists between the exporting and importing countries that could grant duty-free entry or a reduced tariff rate for products classified under 300610.