HS 630720 Life jackets and lifebelts
Quick Answer: Life jackets and lifebelts imported under HS 630720 enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 6.30%, and the US at 4.5% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. This classification specifically covers buoyant garments and devices designed to prevent drowning, such as life vests, life jackets, and life belts. Importers should be aware that the US offers preferential duty rates for certain trading partners, as indicated by the "Free" column in tariff databases. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-specific rates and any applicable trade agreements for accurate customs declarations and duty assessments.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6307200000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6307200000 | 6.30 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6307200000 | 4.5% | Free (15 programs) | ["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 6307.20?
Imports of Life jackets and lifebelts 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 13 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?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 630720 cover?
This subheading covers life jackets and lifebelts, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. These are specifically designed garments or devices intended to prevent drowning by providing buoyancy. Official definitions, such as those found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database, typically include items made from buoyant materials like foam or inflatable chambers, designed to be worn or attached to a person in water, and meeting specific safety standards for flotation. This encompasses a wide range of personal flotation devices.
What falls outside HS 630720?
The following products are excluded from HS 630720: general clothing items that may offer minimal buoyancy but are not specifically designed as life-saving devices, such as padded jackets or vests not certified for flotation. Also excluded are buoyancy aids for sports activities not intended for life-saving purposes, like buoyancy shorts or vests for water skiing, and inflatable toys or mattresses. Items like emergency rafts or larger marine safety equipment that are not personal flotation devices are classified under different headings.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 630720?
A common error is misclassifying specialized buoyancy aids for sports or recreational activities as life jackets or lifebelts. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. If a product is designed primarily for a specific sporting purpose, even if it provides some buoyancy, it may not meet the stringent safety and design criteria for life-saving devices under 630720, potentially leading to misclassification under headings for sports equipment or other articles of apparel.
How should importers classify products under HS 630720?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 630720 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, intended use, and material composition. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, UK Trade Tariff) and cross-reference with WCO Explanatory Notes. Key considerations include whether the item is specifically designed to prevent drowning and meets relevant safety certifications. A detailed product description, including materials and intended function, is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 630720?
A shipment of 100 inflatable life vests, each weighing approximately 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $2,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $120.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 6.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($2,000 USD × 0.06 = $120.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 6307.20.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 630720?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 630720, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating life jackets and lifebelts from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free entry for originating goods from certain developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A for documentation.
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FAQ
What are the primary classification criteria for HS code 630720 (Life jackets and lifebelts)?
HS code 630720 specifically covers 'Life jackets and lifebelts'. To be classified under this heading, the goods must be designed and manufactured to provide buoyancy and prevent drowning. This typically includes items made from buoyant materials (like foam or inflatable chambers) and designed to be worn by a person. Items that are merely decorative or do not offer certified buoyancy would not be classified here. Refer to Section XI and Chapter 63 notes of the Harmonized System for detailed guidance.
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 630720, and how do preferential trade agreements affect them?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 630720 can vary by country. For example, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule lists a rate of 6.00% ad valorem for goods from countries not covered by preferential agreements. However, many trade agreements offer reduced or free entry. For instance, imports from Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG) may be eligible for free entry under specific trade agreements, provided all rules of origin are met. Always verify the specific preferential rate applicable to your country of origin and destination.
How is the import duty for life jackets calculated under HS code 630720?
Import duties are typically calculated on an ad valorem basis (a percentage of the value of the goods) or a specific basis (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination. For HS code 630720, the duty is often ad valorem. For example, if life jackets are imported into the US with an MFN rate of 6.00% ad valorem and the declared customs value is $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 6.00% (Duty Rate) = $600. Some countries may also apply specific duties per item, so it's crucial to check the exact tariff schedule for the importing country.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 630720?
Standard import documentation for HS code 630720 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, you may also need a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates. Additionally, safety certifications or compliance statements demonstrating that the life jackets and lifebelts meet relevant safety standards (e.g., SOLAS for maritime use) might be required by customs or other regulatory agencies to ensure public safety. Consult the specific import regulations of the destination country.
Are there specific safety or quality standards that life jackets and lifebelts (HS 630720) must meet for import?
Yes, life jackets and lifebelts are safety-critical items. Importers must ensure that these products comply with the safety standards of the importing country. For example, in many regions, products intended for maritime use must meet standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) or equivalent national bodies (e.g., US Coast Guard, European CE marking requirements). Documentation proving compliance, such as test reports or certificates of conformity from accredited laboratories, may be required by customs authorities or consumer protection agencies. Failure to meet these standards can result in seizure of goods or penalties.