HTS Code: 0408 — Edible Birds’ Eggs, Not In Shell, And Egg Yolks, Fresh, Dried, Cooked By Steaming Or By Boiling In Water, Frozen, Or Otherwise Preserved

This heading encompasses edible birds’ eggs and egg yolks that are not in the shell, presented in various processed states, including:

• Fresh: Egg yolks or eggs separated from shells, fresh and unpreserved.
• Dried: Egg products dehydrated to remove moisture for longer shelf life.
• Cooked by steaming or boiling: Eggs or yolks cooked by these methods, then preserved.
• Frozen or otherwise preserved: Includes frozen eggs, yolks, or other preservation methods such as pickling or in brine.

Products covered include whole eggs without shells, egg yolks separated from whites, and other edible egg preparations (excluding those in shell).

Code Hierarchy

• Section I:
• Live Animals; Animal Products (Chapters 01-05)
• Chapter 04: Dairy Produce; Birds’ Eggs; Natural Honey; Edible Products of Animal Origin, Not Elsewhere Specified or Included
• Heading 0408: Edible birds’ eggs, not in shell, and egg yolks, fresh, dried, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water, frozen or otherwise preserved, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter.
• US HTS Code (10-digit): 0408.XX.XXXX – The last digits specify the exact product type and preservation method.

Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings

The 4-digit HS heading 0408 is divided into specific 6-digit and 10-digit codes according to the form and preservation of the eggs or egg yolks.

What is NOT Classified Here?

To avoid misclassification, note these exclusions:

• Birds’ eggs in shell
• are classified under Heading 0407.
• Egg powders or preparations containing added substances other than sugar or sweeteners may fall under other headings depending on content.
• Prepared or preserved egg products combined with other ingredients are usually classified in Chapter 16 (e.g., omelets prepared with other foodstuffs).
• Imitation eggs and synthetic substitutes are excluded.

Notes

• USDA/FSIS Regulations:
• The importation of egg products into the United States is regulated by USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Products must comply with safety, labeling, and processing standards.
• Storage Requirements: Many products under 0408 require cold or frozen storage to maintain quality and safety.
• Duty Rates: Vary by specific 10-digit HTS subheading, with some products subject to tariff rate quotas or special treatment depending on origin.
• Labeling: Accurate description of preservation method and product form is required for customs and safety compliance.

Declaration Example

Product:

A shipment of frozen, cooked egg yolks from France.

US HTS Code: 0408.11.0000 (Egg yolks, fresh or preserved, not dried)

Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)

General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (varies by origin and quota)

Additional Requirements: USDA/FSIS import inspection and health certificate.

Related HTS Codes

• HTS 0407:
• Birds’ eggs in shell, fresh, preserved or cooked.
• HTS 0409: Natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included.
• HTS 1602: Prepared or preserved meat, meat offal or blood (including egg preparations combined with other ingredients).