23091000
RESIDUES AND WASTE FROM THE FOOD INDUSTRIES; PREPARED ANIMAL FODDER›Preparations of a kind used in animal feeding
Dog or cat food, put up for retail sale
Subcodes (12)
23091011Duty: 0%
Containing starch, glucose, glucose syrup, maltodextrine or maltodextrine syrup of subheadings17023050, 17023090, 17024090, 17029050and 21069055or milk products - Containing starch, glucose, glucos...
23091013Duty: 0-50%
Containing not less than 10% but less than 50% by weight of milk products
23091015Duty: 0-50%
Containing not less than 50% but less than 75% by weight of milk products
23091019Duty: 0-50%
Containing not less than 75% by weight of milk products
23091031Duty: 0%
Containing more than 10 % but not more than 30 % by weight of starch - Containing no milk products or containing less than 10 % by weight of such products
23091033Duty: 0-50%
Containing not less than 10 % but less than 50 % by weight of milk products
23091039Duty: 0-50%
Containing not less than 50 % by weight of milk products
23091051Duty: 0-50%
Containing more than 30 % by weight of starch - Containing no milk products or containing less than 10 % by weight of such products
23091053Duty: 0-50%
Containing not less than 10 % but less than 50 % by weight of milk products
23091059Duty: 0-50%
Containing not less than 50 % by weight of milk products
23091070Duty: 0-50%
Containing no starch, glucose, glucose syrup, maltodextrine or maltodextrine syrup but containing milk products
23091090Duty: 0-9,6%
Other
Tariff classification and product types
CN code 230910 covers dog or cat food put up for retail sale. This heading groups prepared animal feeds intended exclusively for dogs or cats, regardless of their form, including wet food in cans, dry food in kibble form, snacks and treats for pets. The key classification criterion is packaging for retail sale, meaning the product is packaged for the end consumer. Dog and cat food not put up for retail sale, for example supplied in bulk to breeders or shelters, may be classified under other codes within heading 2309. The pet food market is one of the fastest-growing segments of the food industry, and imports into the EU include products from many countries including Thailand, China, Brazil and the United States.
Regulatory requirements and feed safety
Dog and cat food is subject to Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 regarding labelling and marketing of feed materials and Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 on animal by-products. The label must include a list of ingredients, a guaranteed analysis covering protein, fat, fibre and ash content, as well as manufacturer details and a best-before date. Feed containing animal-origin ingredients imported from third countries must undergo veterinary inspection at a Border Control Post and be notified through the TRACES NT system. The production facility in the third country must hold EU approval. Products must meet safety standards regarding maximum levels of undesirable substances set by Directive 2002/32/EC, including heavy metals, mycotoxins and pesticides.
Practical guidance for importers
When importing dog and cat food under CN code 230910, particular attention should be paid to label compliance with Regulation (EC) No 767/2009, which must be in the official language of the country of retail sale. Importing feed containing meat or fish products requires meeting additional veterinary requirements and border controls. Where feed contains feed additives such as vitamins, amino acids or preservatives, these additives must be authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. The importer should verify whether the country of origin is authorised to export animal-origin products to the EU. Preferential duty rates may be available for products from countries covered by EU free trade agreements.
Dog and cat food CN 2309 10 - EU import controls
Dog and cat food under CN 2309 10 carries compound duties. Veterinary certificates and TRACES controls are mandatory. Products must be from approved establishments. EU feed labelling rules apply.
Frequently asked questions
What information must appear on pet food labels imported into the EU?
The label must include the feed type (complete or complementary), target animal species, list of ingredients, guaranteed analysis, instructions for use, best-before date, manufacturer details and batch number. The label must be in the official language of the country of sale in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 767/2009.
Does dog food from Thailand require veterinary control at the EU border?
Yes. Dog food containing animal-origin ingredients imported from Thailand must undergo veterinary inspection at an approved EU Border Control Post. The consignment must be notified in the TRACES NT system, and the manufacturing facility in Thailand must hold EU approval for exporting processed products of animal origin.
Is dog food packaged in 20 kg bags classified under code 230910?
It depends on the packaging purpose. If 20 kg bags are intended for retail sale to end consumers, classification under code 230910 is correct. If they are bulk packages not intended for direct retail sale, the product may fall under code 230990.
What controls apply to pet food imports CN 2309 10?
Pet food CN 2309 10 requires veterinary certificates, TRACES notification, production in approved establishments and EU-compliant feed labelling.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
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Related glossary terms