HS 950810 Travelling circuses and travelling menageries
Quick Answer: Travelling circuses and travelling menageries imported under HS 950810 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at Free (MFN) or 35% (General). This classification covers temporary establishments, such as travelling circuses, menageries, and amusement parks, that move from place to place. Key trade considerations include the temporary nature of these operations and potential requirements for specific permits or documentation depending on the jurisdiction. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist traders in navigating import requirements.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9508100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9508100010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9508100090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9508100000 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 9508100010 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 9508100090 | 1.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9508100000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
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 950810 cover?
This subheading covers travelling circuses and travelling menageries, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) Explanatory Notes. This includes mobile entertainment units that travel from place to place, featuring trained animals or performing artists. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to the entire operational unit, including animals, equipment, and personnel, when presented as a travelling entity for public performance or exhibition.
What falls outside HS 950810?
The following products are excluded from HS 950810: permanent circuses or menageries housed in fixed locations, individual performing animals not part of a travelling unit, and amusement park rides or attractions that are not part of a travelling circus. For instance, a standalone carousel or a zoo's animal collection would be classified under different headings, such as 9508.90 for other amusement or recreational equipment or Chapter 01 for live animals, respectively, not as a travelling circus.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 950810?
A common error is misclassifying individual components of a travelling circus or menagerie separately, rather than classifying the entire travelling unit under 950810. For example, classifying a performing elephant under Chapter 01 (Live Animals) or circus tents under Chapter 63 (Other made up textile articles) would be incorrect if they are integral to a travelling circus. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), goods put up in sets for retail sale are classified as if they consisted of the material giving them their essential character; this principle extends to the essential character of a travelling entertainment unit.
How should importers classify products under HS 950810?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 950810 involves assessing the primary function and presentation of the goods. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the entity is a mobile unit designed for travelling performances or exhibitions, encompassing animals, performers, and associated equipment. Documentation such as contracts, performance schedules, and proof of transit are crucial. If the entity is a travelling circus or menagerie, it should be classified as a whole under 950810, regardless of the individual nature of its components.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 950810?
For the purpose of duty calculation, while HS 950810 itself does not typically have specific ad valorem rates applied to the entire "travelling circus" as a single import, the individual components or animals might be subject to duties if imported separately or if specific regulations apply. However, if a hypothetical scenario involved a specific, dutiable item within a travelling menagerie, such as a rare bird imported for exhibition and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, and assuming a 5% MFN duty rate, the duty would be $250 USD (5% × $5,000). This calculation would follow the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule or equivalent national tariffs.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 950810?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 950810, although the primary application of this code is for the operational unit rather than individual goods. For instance, if specific equipment or animals were imported under preferential terms, agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) could offer duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico, requiring a self-certified origin statement. Similarly, for goods originating from developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a GSP Form A would be necessary to claim preferential rates, often resulting in a 0% duty.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 950810 (Travelling circuses and travelling menageries)?
Import duty rates for HS code 950810 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00%. However, other countries may have different rates. The EU's TARIC system and the UK's Trade Tariff also provide specific rates applicable to member states and the UK, respectively. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive duty rate.
How is the duty calculated for goods classified under HS 950810?
The calculation method depends on the duty rate applied. If the rate is ad valorem (e.g., 3.5%), the duty is calculated as a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a country applies a 3.5% ad valorem duty on imported circus equipment valued at $10,000, the duty would be $10,000 \times 0.035 = $350. If a specific duty rate (e.g., per unit) is applied, the calculation would be based on the quantity of goods. Always verify the basis of duty calculation in the importing country's tariff.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 950810?
When importing items related to travelling circuses or menageries under HS 950810, standard import documentation is usually required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the specific items and the importing country's regulations, additional documents may be necessary. This could include permits for live animals (if applicable), safety certificates for equipment, or proof of temporary import if the goods are not intended for permanent entry into the country. Consulting the customs authority of the destination country is recommended.
Are there preferential duty rates available for HS 950810 under trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates may be available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or other trade preference programs. For example, if the goods originate from a country that has an FTA with the importing country (e.g., a US Free Trade Agreement partner or an EU Association Agreement country), a reduced or zero duty rate might apply. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need to provide a Certificate of Origin or other proof of origin as stipulated by the specific trade agreement. Importers and brokers should research applicable FTAs and their origin requirements.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 950810, and what items are typically included?
HS code 950810 covers 'Travelling circuses and travelling menageries'. This classification generally applies to the entire apparatus and equipment associated with travelling circuses, including tents, seating, animal enclosures, performance equipment, and related machinery, when imported as part of a travelling circus or menagerie. It also covers the animals themselves when imported for such purposes. The key criterion is that the goods are intended for temporary exhibition or performance and are part of a travelling operation. Items not associated with a travelling circus or menagerie, or those intended for permanent installation, would likely be classified elsewhere.