Analysis
Subheading 1605.56 covers clams, cockles and arkshells, within heading 1605. The first six digits are shared by every country that uses the Harmonized System, so this part of the code is the same in the US, UK and EU schedules; the 6 US tariff lines below it are national.
The spread of 10 percentage points between the cheapest and dearest lines makes misclassification expensive here. The highest rate, 10%, applies to 1605.56.15 (boiled clams, whether whole, minced or chopped…).
5 of its 6 lines with a percentage rate are duty-free at the general rate (83%) and 1 are dutiable, from duty-free up to 10%. The median line pays duty-free.
The US splits it as follows: 1605.56.05 for products containing fish meat; prepared meals (duty-free), 1605.56.10 for razor clams (Siliqua patula) (duty-free), 1605.56.15 for boiled clams, whether whole, minced or chopped, and whether or not… (10%), 1605.56.20 for other: other (duty-free), 1605.56.30 for clams: other (duty-free) and 1605.56.60 for other: other (duty-free).
Tariff lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1605.56.05 | Products containing fish meat; prepared meals | Free |
| 1605.56.10 | Razor clams (Siliqua patula) | Free |
| 1605.56.15 | Boiled clams, whether whole, minced or chopped, and whether or not salted, but not otherwise prepared or preserved, in immediate containers, the contents of each container not exceeding 680 grams gross weight | 10% |
| 1605.56.20 | Other: other | Free |
| 1605.56.30 | Clams: other | Free |
| 1605.56.60 | Other: other | Free |