About HS Code 0409
HS Heading 0409 specifically covers "Honey; natural." This classification is dedicated exclusively to natural honey, which is defined as the sweet natural substance produced by honey bees from the nectar of plants or from secretions of living parts of plants or excretions of plant-sucking insects on the living parts of plants, which the bees collect, transform by combining with specific substances of their own, deposit, dehydrate, store and leave in honeycombs to ripen and mature. This heading includes honey in the comb, strained honey, comb honey, and pressed honey, regardless of its floral source (e.g., clover, acacia, wildflower, manuka). The crucial boundary of this classification is the term "natural" – it explicitly excludes artificial honey or honey preparations that contain added sugar, other sweeteners, or flavorings; such products would typically fall under Chapter 17 (sugars and sugar confectionery) or Chapter 21 (miscellaneous edible preparations). For importers and exporters, accurate classification under 0409 is paramount due to specific quality standards, purity tests (e.g., to detect adulteration with sugar syrups), labeling requirements for origin and floral source, and potential anti-dumping duties. This heading is part of Chapter 4, which groups dairy products, birds' eggs, natural honey, and other edible products of animal origin, signifying honey's role as a direct animal-derived food product.
Products Under This Code
Raw honey, comb honey, liquid honey, creamed honey, wildflower honey, clover honey, acacia honey, manuka honey, eucalyptus honey, buckwheat honey, orange blossom honey, multifloral honey, single-origin honey, organic honey, chunk honey, set honey, granulated honey, filtered honey, unfiltered honey, forest honey, lime honey, blossom honey, heather honey, honeycomb sections, cut comb honey
Real World Examples
A New Zealand company exports high-grade Manuka honey to specialty health food stores in the United States and Europe, navigating strict purity testing and origin labeling requirements. A Chinese exporter ships large volumes of acacia honey in bulk containers to Germany for repackaging and distribution, often facing scrutiny over potential adulteration. An Argentinian cooperative exports organic wildflower honey to Canada, benefiting from specific trade agreements that reduce tariffs on organic agricultural products. A Ukrainian producer ships various types of natural honey to the European Union, complying with EU quality standards and undergoing rigorous testing for contaminants. A Brazilian company exports bulk quantities of organic forest honey to Japan, meeting stringent import regulations for natural food products.
Common Misclassification
The most common misclassification for honey is confusing natural honey (0409) with artificial honey or honey mixed with other sugars. If honey has added sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or other sweetening agents, it typically falls under Chapter 17 (Sugars and sugar confectionery). Another error involves classifying honey-based preparations, such as honey cough drops, honey-nut cereals, or honey-mustard sauces, under 0409; these would generally fall under Chapter 21 (Miscellaneous edible preparations) or Chapter 19 (Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk) as they are no longer pure natural honey.
Subheadings 1
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
Major exporters of natural honey include China, Argentina, Ukraine, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam. Leading importers are the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and France. Trade in honey is often subject to anti-dumping duties, particularly on imports from certain countries, and stringent purity standards to detect adulteration (e.g., C4 sugar detection). Geographical indications (GIs) and origin labeling are crucial, especially for premium varieties like Manuka. Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures ensure product safety, though less restrictive than for fresh animal products, focusing on contaminants and residues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 0409?
HS code 0409 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Honey; natural. HS Heading 0409 specifically covers "Honey; natural." This classification is dedicated exclusively to natural honey, which is defined as the sweet natural substance produced by honey bees from the nectar of plants or from secretions of living parts of plants or excretions of plant-sucking insects on the living parts of plants, which the bees collect, transform by combining with specific substances of their own, deposit, dehydrate, store and leave in honeycombs to ripen and mature. This heading includes honey in the comb, strained honey, comb honey, and pressed honey, regardless of its floral source (e.g., clover, acacia, wildflower, manuka). The crucial boundary of this classification is the term "natural" – it explicitly excludes artificial honey or honey preparations that contain added sugar, other sweeteners, or flavorings; such products would typically fall under Chapter 17 (sugars and sugar confectionery) or Chapter 21 (miscellaneous edible preparations). For importers and exporters, accurate classification under 0409 is paramount due to specific quality standards, purity tests (e.g., to detect adulteration with sugar syrups), labeling requirements for origin and floral source, and potential anti-dumping duties. This heading is part of Chapter 4, which groups dairy products, birds' eggs, natural honey, and other edible products of animal origin, signifying honey's role as a direct animal-derived food product.
What products fall under HS code 0409?
Raw honey, comb honey, liquid honey, creamed honey, wildflower honey, clover honey, acacia honey, manuka honey, eucalyptus honey, buckwheat honey, orange blossom honey, multifloral honey, single-origin honey, organic honey, chunk honey, set honey, granulated honey, filtered honey, unfiltered honey, forest honey, lime honey, blossom honey, heather honey, honeycomb sections, cut comb honey
What are common misclassifications for HS code 0409?
The most common misclassification for honey is confusing natural honey (0409) with artificial honey or honey mixed with other sugars. If honey has added sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or other sweetening agents, it typically falls under Chapter 17 (Sugars and sugar confectionery). Another error involves classifying honey-based preparations, such as honey cough drops, honey-nut cereals, or honey-mustard sauces, under 0409; these would generally fall under Chapter 21 (Miscellaneous edible preparations) or Chapter 19 (Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk) as they are no longer pure natural honey.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 0409?
Major exporters of natural honey include China, Argentina, Ukraine, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam. Leading importers are the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and France. Trade in honey is often subject to anti-dumping duties, particularly on imports from certain countries, and stringent purity standards to detect adulteration (e.g., C4 sugar detection). Geographical indications (GIs) and origin labeling are crucial, especially for premium varieties like Manuka. Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures ensure product safety, though less restrictive than for fresh animal products, focusing on contaminants and residues.
How is HS code 0409 structured?
HS code 0409 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 04 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (04) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (09) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.