HS 310210 Urea, whether or not in aqueous solution
Quick Answer: Urea, whether or not in aqueous solution, imported under HS 310210 enters the UK at 6.00% ad valorem, the EU with no MFN duty rate, and the US duty-free. This HS code specifically covers urea, a nitrogenous compound widely used as a fertilizer and in the production of plastics and animal feed. Importers should be aware that while the US offers duty-free entry, specific import requirements for fertilizers may still apply. For the UK, the 6.00% ad valorem duty is a standard rate. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the varying tariff treatments across major trading blocs for this essential commodity.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3102101200 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 3102101900 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 3102100000 | — | — | — |
| 3102101500 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 3102109000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3102100000 | — | — | — |
| 3102101200 | — | — | — |
| 3102101500 | — | — | — |
| 3102101900 | — | — | — |
| 3102109000 | — | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31021000 | Free | — | — |
| 3102100010 | — | — | ["t"] |
| 3102100030 | — | — | ["t"] |
| 3102100050 | — | — | ["t"] |
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 310210 cover?
This subheading covers urea, a nitrogenous fertilizer, in its pure form or as an aqueous solution. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes synthetic urea (CO(NH₂)₂) intended for agricultural use. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to bulk urea, granular urea, and prilled urea, as well as urea dissolved in water, provided it retains its essential character as a fertilizer. This is consistent with General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.
What falls outside HS 310210?
The following products are excluded from HS 310210: urea that has undergone significant chemical modification beyond simple dissolution in water, such as urea mixed with other substances to create compound fertilizers (which would fall under other headings in Chapter 31), or urea intended for non-fertilizer uses like animal feed supplements or industrial applications. For instance, urea intended for use as a de-icing agent or as a component in plastics would be classified elsewhere. Products containing less than 46% nitrogen by weight, calculated on the dry anhydrous product, are also generally excluded from Heading 3102.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 310210?
A common error is misclassifying urea-based products that are not solely urea or an aqueous solution of urea. For example, compound fertilizers containing urea mixed with phosphates or potassium salts are classified under HS codes 3105. Another mistake involves classifying urea intended for non-fertilizer purposes under this heading; these often require specific industrial classifications. Adherence to GRI 1 and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System is crucial to avoid these errors, ensuring the product's primary use and composition align with the heading's description.
How should importers classify products under HS 310210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 310210 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed urea, whether in solid form or as an aqueous solution, and that its primary function is as a nitrogenous fertilizer. Reviewing the product's technical specifications, safety data sheets, and any accompanying documentation is essential. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and cross-referencing with the WCO Explanatory Notes will ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 310210?
A shipment of 1,000 metric tons of granular urea, declared at a customs value of $350,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.00. This is because the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 310210 in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule is 0% ad valorem. Therefore, the duty calculation is 0% × $350,000 = $0.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, Chapter 31, Heading 3102, Subheading 10. For other jurisdictions, different rates may apply.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 310210?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 310210, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating urea from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. For European Union countries, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or zero duties, requiring a EUR.1 movement certificate or an origin declaration. Similarly, developing countries may benefit from GSP schemes, often requiring a GSP Form A. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin and possess the correct documentation to claim preferential treatment.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 310210 (Urea)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for urea, whether or not in aqueous solution, under HS code 310210 is 6.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply depending on the country of origin. For example, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), imports from certain developing countries may be eligible for duty-free entry. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule for the importing country and the origin of the goods to determine the applicable duty rate. For the US, the MFN rate is 6.00%. For the EU, the rate is 6.00%. For the UK, the rate is 6.00%.
How is the import duty for HS 310210 calculated? Provide an example.
The import duty for HS code 310210 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, if urea valued at $1,000 is imported into the United States with an MFN duty rate of 6.00%, the duty would be calculated as: $1,000 (value) × 0.06 (duty rate) = $60.00. Always ensure the declared value is accurate and compliant with customs valuation rules.
Are there specific classification criteria for HS code 310210?
HS code 310210 covers 'Urea, whether or not in aqueous solution'. This means the classification applies to pure urea or urea dissolved in water. It is important to distinguish this from urea mixtures or compounds with other substances, which may fall under different HS codes. The product must be primarily urea for this classification. For example, urea fertilizer containing other nutrients would likely be classified under a different subheading within Chapter 31.
What documentation is typically required for importing urea under HS code 310210?
Standard import documentation for HS code 310210 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. Depending on the importing country and the intended use of the urea (e.g., agricultural fertilizer), additional documents such as a phytosanitary certificate or a specific import license may be required. Importers should verify these requirements with the customs authorities of the destination country.
Which trade agreements commonly affect the duty rates for HS code 310210?
Trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 310210. For instance, the United States has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Mexico and Canada (USMCA), where urea may enter duty-free or at reduced rates. The European Union has numerous association and free trade agreements with various countries that can offer preferential treatment. Similarly, the UK's trade agreements post-Brexit may provide preferential access. Importers should check if their country of origin has a specific trade agreement with the destination country that grants preferential tariff treatment for urea.