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23
Tariff Chapter 23
Preparations of a kind used in animal feeding
What does heading 2309 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 2309 covers preparations for animal feeding. Products in this group are mainly used as animal feed or raw materials for feed production. They constitute a significant part of international feed trade. Import of these products into the EU is subject to duty rates from 0% to 12.8%. Compliance with EU feed safety standards under Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 is required. Products of animal origin (e.g. Heading 2309 is part of Chapter 23 (fats, processed food, beverages and tobacco) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 2309 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 2309 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 2309
Import of these products into the EU is subject to duty rates from 0% to 12.8%. Compliance with EU feed safety standards under Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 is required. fish meal) are subject to additional veterinary controls. GMO feeds require EU approval. Feed must comply with EU feed safety standards (Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 and 767/2009). Fish meals and animal-origin products are subject to veterinary controls and BSE/TSE restrictions. GMO feeds require EU approval of the transformation event. Feed labelling must comply with Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 on the marketing and use of feed. When importing goods under heading 2309 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 2309 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 2309 are subject to food safety and commercial quality controls. Required documentation includes: health certificates, quality attestations, excise documents (for alcoholic beverages and tobacco). In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.
Classification of goods under heading 2309 - key considerations
Heading 2309 covers preparations for animal feed. Key classification factors are the degree of processing, composition and intended use of the product. CN subheadings divide goods in detail. Common mistake: karma dla psów/kotów - tutaj. The boundary with neighbouring headings (2302-2308) depends on the preservation or processing method. Section and chapter notes must be considered as they define the precise scope of each heading.
Frequently asked questions
What are the EU customs duty rates for importing animal feed preparations?
Import of preparations for animal feeding (heading 2309) is subject to duty rates from 0% up to 115.9%, depending on composition, dairy content and starch levels. Preparations with high dairy or sugar content may face very high rates due to EU agricultural market protection. Pet food (dogs, cats) is regulated differently from industrial feed. Classification depends on starch, protein, fat and dairy component content. Preferential rates may apply under trade agreements with specific third countries. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents are required to import animal feed preparations into the EU?
Importing feed preparations requires compliance with Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 on feed hygiene and Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 on feed marketing. Customs documentation and a certificate of origin are necessary. Preparations containing animal-origin products require veterinary certificates and BIP controls. Labelling must include a complete ingredient list, nutritional values, and target species. Feed business operator registration is mandatory. GMO content must be declared if above 0.9%. This applies to goods classified under heading 2309 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing animal feed preparations?
Feed preparations are subject to detailed requirements on feed additives - only EU-authorised additives may be used. Products containing GMO ingredients require appropriate authorisation and labelling. Pet food is subject to additional safety and labelling requirements. Check limits for undesirable substances such as heavy metals, dioxins, and pesticides. Animal-origin ingredients are subject to BSE-related restrictions. Storage conditions affect product shelf life and must be clearly specified. This applies to goods classified under heading 2309 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
Useful tools & resources
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