HS Code 07.02 – Tomatoes; fresh or chilled

HS code 0702 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Tomatoes; fresh or chilled. Heading 0702 specifically covers tomatoes, fresh or chilled. Despite being botanically a fruit, tomatoes are classified as a vegetable in the Harmonized System, reflecting their culinary use. This classification is vital for global food trade, as tomatoes are one of the most widely consumed vegetables worldwide, used extensively in fresh salads, sauces, and countless dishes. The scope of this heading includes all varieties of tomatoes, from small cherry and grape tomatoes to large beefsteak and Roma varieties, provided they are in their fresh or chilled state. The 'fresh or chilled' condition is the definitive boundary, distinguishing these products from processed forms such as canned tomatoes (2002), sun-dried tomatoes (2002), or frozen tomatoes (2002). Key sub-categories might include different types of tomatoes based on their intended use (e.g., slicing, sauce, or salad) or growing method (e.g., vine-ripened, greenhouse-grown). Trade compliance is crucial due to the high perishability of fresh tomatoes, necessitating efficient cold chain logistics to maintain quality and extend shelf life during transit. Phytosanitary regulations are also important for fresh produce imports. Historically, the global spread and cultivation of tomatoes have profoundly impacted cuisines worldwide, making them an indispensable trade commodity. This heading is a significant component of Chapter 7, 'Edible Vegetables and Certain Roots and Tubers,' and Section II, 'Vegetable Products,' underscoring its economic importance in the fresh produce market.

Fresh beefsteak tomatoes, fresh Roma tomatoes, fresh cherry tomatoes, fresh grape tomatoes, fresh vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh heirloom tomatoes, fresh organic tomatoes, fresh cluster tomatoes, fresh plum tomatoes, fresh green tomatoes, fresh yellow tomatoes, fresh cocktail tomatoes, fresh Kumato tomatoes, fresh San Marzano tomatoes, chilled diced tomatoes (unprocessed), fresh Campari tomatoes, fresh on-the-vine tomatoes, fresh greenhouse tomatoes, fresh field-grown tomatoes, fresh slicing tomatoes, fresh stuffing tomatoes, fresh pickling tomatoes, fresh small-fruited varieties, fresh large-fruited varieties.

The most common misclassification for 0702 involves confusion with processed tomato products. Traders often mistakenly classify canned, sun-dried, frozen, or pureed tomatoes under 0702. However, 0702 is strictly for 'fresh or chilled' tomatoes; any form of preparation or preservation (e.g., cooking, freezing, drying, canning) moves them to heading 2002 (Tomatoes prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid). While botanically a fruit, tomatoes are classified as vegetables in the HS, so confusion with other fruits (Chapter 8) is a less common but still possible error. The 'fresh or chilled' condition is the definitive criterion for this heading.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0702 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($2.7B, 23% of world exports), the Netherlands ($2.3B) and Morocco ($1.4B). World exports came to about $11.7B, 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 0702 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.0B, 26% of world imports), Germany ($1.9B) and France ($1.2B). World imports came to about $11.5B, 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 0702 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 07 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (07) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.