HS Code 06.01 – Bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns and rhizomes; dormant, in growth or in flower; chicory plants and roots other than roots of heading no. 1212

HS code 0601 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns and rhizomes; dormant, in growth or in flower; chicory plants and roots other than roots of heading no. 1212. HS Code 0601 precisely classifies 'Bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns and rhizomes; dormant, in growth or in flower; chicory plants and roots other than roots of heading No. 1212.' This heading is fundamental for the international horticulture and agriculture sectors, focusing exclusively on living plant materials primarily intended for propagation or cultivation, not for immediate consumption as food. The scope is broad, encompassing various forms of underground or basal plant structures that store nutrients and facilitate vegetative reproduction. Key sub-categories include true bulbs (like tulips and lilies), tubers (like dahlias and certified seed potatoes), corms (like gladiolus), crowns (like asparagus and strawberries), and rhizomes (like ginger for planting). The condition 'dormant, in growth or in flower' signifies that these are live, viable plant parts. A specific inclusion is chicory plants and roots, provided they are not the dried, roasted roots of heading 1212 used as coffee substitutes. This classification is crucial for trade compliance as these live plant materials are subject to stringent phytosanitary regulations, import permits, and health certificates to prevent the spread of plant diseases and pests. Historically, the trade in such propagating materials has been essential for global agricultural diversification and the ornamental plant industry. It falls under Section II, 'Vegetable Products,' placing it logically among other live plants and horticultural goods.

Dormant tulip bulbs, daffodil bulbs (in growth), gladiolus corms, dahlia tubers, certified seed potatoes, ginger rhizomes (for planting), iris rhizomes, lily bulbs, crocus corms, hyacinth bulbs, asparagus crowns, strawberry crowns, live chicory plants, live chicory roots (not for 1212), onion sets (for planting), garlic bulbs (for planting), begonia tubers, anemone corms, ranunculus tubers, cyclamen tubers, live water hyacinth plants, dormant snowdrop bulbs.

A common misclassification error is confusing planting materials in 0601 with edible vegetables or roots. For instance, potatoes intended for human consumption (Chapter 7) are distinct from 'seed potatoes' (0601) which are certified for planting. Similarly, fresh onions for food (Chapter 7) are different from 'onion sets' for planting (0601). Another mistake is with chicory roots: if they are dried and roasted for use as a coffee substitute, they fall under 1212, not 0601. The key differentiator is the intended use – propagation/cultivation versus immediate consumption or processing into non-live products. Also, seeds for sowing (Chapter 12) are different from bulbs, tubers, etc.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0601 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($2.0B, 81% of world exports), Belgium ($57M) and Germany ($54M). World exports came to about $2.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 0601 in UN Comtrade data were China ($250M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($227M) and the United States ($222M). World imports came to about $2.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 0601 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 06 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (06) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.