HS 988030 Classified in Chapter 30
Quick Answer: HS code 988030, classified in Chapter 30, has no specific duty rates listed in the UK or EU tariffs, indicating potential duty-free status or specific national provisions. This code generally pertains to products within Chapter 30 of the Harmonized System, which covers pharmaceutical products. These include medicaments for human or animal use, whether or not for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, and diagnostic or laboratory reagents. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific national tariff treatments and any applicable regulations or licensing requirements for pharmaceutical goods, as these can be complex and vary significantly by country. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880300000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880300000 | — | — | — |
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 988030 cover?
This subheading covers products classified within Chapter 30 of the Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature, which pertains to pharmaceutical products. This includes medicaments for human or animal use, whether or not containing antibiotics or other products of Chapter 29. The World Customs Organization (WCO) HS Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU TARIC, provide detailed descriptions of specific pharmaceutical preparations, vaccines, and diagnostic reagents falling under this broad category.
What falls outside HS 988030?
The following products are excluded from HS 988030 and are classified elsewhere: vitamins not put up in measured doses or not for retail sale as pharmaceuticals (Chapter 21 or 29), dental fillings and cements (Chapter 3006), surgical dressings, bandages, etc., impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances (Chapter 3005), and certain veterinary preparations not intended for therapeutic or prophylactic uses. For instance, basic vitamins in bulk form are typically classified under Chapter 21 or 29, not Chapter 30.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 988030?
A common error is misclassifying pharmaceutical preparations based solely on their active ingredients without considering their presentation or intended use. For example, a substance listed in Chapter 29 might be classified under Chapter 30 if it is specifically formulated as a medicament for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes and presented in measured doses or for retail sale as such, following General Interpretative Rule 1. Importers may also incorrectly classify diagnostic reagents or vaccines.
How should importers classify products under HS 988030?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 988030 involves a thorough review of the product's composition, intended use, and presentation, referencing the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC). Importers and customs brokers must determine if the product meets the definition of a medicament, vaccine, or diagnostic reagent. This often requires consulting product literature, ingredient lists, and regulatory approvals to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 988030?
A shipment of 10,000 units of an over-the-counter analgesic tablet, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $25.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 5.0% = $25.00). This calculation is based on the duty rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for products classified under Chapter 30.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 988030?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 988030, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can lead to "Free" duty rates for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or "Free" duty rates for eligible products from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries is typically required, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What does HS code 988030, 'Classified in Chapter 30', signify for import duties?
HS code 988030 is a special statistical or administrative code, often used in specific jurisdictions like the United States (under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States - HTSUS) to denote goods that are otherwise classified in Chapter 30 of the Harmonized System (HS). Chapter 30 generally covers 'Pharmaceutical products'. This code itself does not have a specific duty rate; instead, it directs the importer or broker to look at the actual classification within Chapter 30 for the applicable duty rate, which can vary significantly based on the specific pharmaceutical product.
How are duty rates determined for goods classified under HS 988030?
Since HS 988030 is a placeholder, the actual duty rate is determined by the specific HS code assigned to the pharmaceutical product within Chapter 30. For example, a finished pharmaceutical product might have a different duty rate than an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Importers must identify the precise 6-digit HS code (and any further national subdivisions) for their specific product. For imports into the U.S., the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) HTSUS provides the definitive rates. For example, a specific drug might be classified under 3004.90, and its duty rate would be listed there, not under 988030.
What documentation is typically required for goods classified under HS 988030?
While HS 988030 itself doesn't dictate specific documentation, the underlying classification in Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products) often triggers stringent requirements. Importers should be prepared to provide: a detailed commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill, and potentially a certificate of origin. Crucially, depending on the specific product and destination country, documentation from health authorities (e.g., FDA in the U.S., EMA in Europe) may be mandatory. This could include drug master files, manufacturing site registrations, or import permits. Always consult the specific regulations of the importing country for Chapter 30 goods.
Can trade agreements affect the duty calculation for products classified under HS 988030?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty calculations for products classified under Chapter 30. If a pharmaceutical product, correctly classified within Chapter 30, originates from a country that is a party to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing country (e.g., USMCA for the U.S., or agreements the UK has post-Brexit), it may qualify for preferential duty rates, potentially even duty-free entry. To claim preferential treatment, importers must possess a valid Certificate of Origin and ensure the product meets the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. The specific rate would then be found under the Chapter 30 heading, reflecting the FTA.
How is the duty calculated for a pharmaceutical product classified under Chapter 30, using HS 988030 as a reference?
The duty calculation depends on the specific classification within Chapter 30 and the duty rate specified in the tariff schedule. Let's assume a hypothetical scenario for the U.S. market where a specific finished pharmaceutical product, correctly classified under a 10-digit HTSUS code within Chapter 30 (e.g., 3004.90.9000), has a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem. If an importer brings in such a product valued at $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: Duty = Value × Duty Rate = $10,000 × 3.5% = $350 USD. Note that some Chapter 30 items might also have specific duties (per unit) or be subject to other taxes or fees.