HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0709.99 – Vegetables; edible, n.e.c. in chapter 07, fresh or chilled
HS code 0709.99 is the 6-digit subheading for vegetables, edible, n.e.c. in chapter 07, fresh or chilled. It is used for okra, watercress, radicchio, endive and kale.
What HS 0709.99 covers
This 'basket' HS code is a crucial catch-all for fresh or chilled edible vegetables not specifically classified elsewhere in Chapter 07. It encompasses a wide array of specialty, exotic, or less common vegetables, making it vital for diverse culinary markets and ethnic food industries. Trade under this code often involves smaller volumes but higher unit values, catering to niche demands from gourmet restaurants, specialty grocers, and consumers seeking unique ingredients. Importers are typically countries with diverse populations and sophisticated food markets, while exporters leverage specific regional agricultural strengths. Challenges include accurate identification and classification of these diverse items, as well as managing the logistics for often delicate produce.
- Covers
- Okra
- Watercress
- Radicchio
- Endive
- Kale
- Fiddlehead ferns
- Romanesco broccoli
- Kohlrabi
- Examples
- Melissa's Produce specialty vegetables
- Frieda's Specialty Produce
- organic kohlrabi from local farms
- imported radicchio from Italy
Codes often confused with 0709.99
Common mistake. Misclassification often occurs when a more specific code exists (e.g., 070920 for asparagus) or with prepared/preserved versions (Chapter 20) if not clearly fresh.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 070999, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 070999 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $641M 17% of world exports
- 2 Italy $557M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $486M 13% of world exports
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $515M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $408M 11% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $391M 10% of world imports
World total: $3.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 0709.99 3
Brazil splits HS 0709.99 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 0709.99.1 Sweet cornMilho doce Group
- 0709.99.11 Sweet corn for sowingPara semeadura (sementeira)
- 0709.99.19 Fresh or chilled sweet corn, not for sowingOutros
- 0709.99.90 Other fresh or chilled vegetablesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 07.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0709.99
What is HS code 070999?
HS code 070999 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vegetables; edible, n.e.c. in chapter 07, fresh or chilled. This 'basket' HS code is a crucial catch-all for fresh or chilled edible vegetables not specifically classified elsewhere in Chapter 07. It encompasses a wide array of specialty, exotic, or less common vegetables, making it vital for diverse culinary markets and ethnic food industries. Trade under this code often involves smaller volumes but higher unit values, catering to niche demands from gourmet restaurants, specialty grocers, and consumers seeking unique ingredients. Importers are typically countries with diverse populations and sophisticated food markets, while exporters leverage specific regional agricultural strengths. Challenges include accurate identification and classification of these diverse items, as well as managing the logistics for often delicate produce.
What products fall under HS code 070999?
Okra, Watercress, Radicchio, Endive, Kale, Fiddlehead ferns, Romanesco broccoli, Kohlrabi
What are common misclassifications for HS code 070999?
Misclassification often occurs when a more specific code exists (e.g., 070920 for asparagus) or with prepared/preserved versions (Chapter 20) if not clearly fresh.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 070999?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 070999 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($641M, 17% of world exports), Italy ($557M) and China ($486M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 070999?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 070999 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($515M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($408M) and Hong Kong ($391M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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.
How is HS code 070999 structured?
HS code 070999 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (07) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (99) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 070999?
Brazil splits HS code 070999 into 3 NCM codes: 0709.99.11 (Sweet corn for sowing), 0709.99.19 (Fresh or chilled sweet corn, not for sowing), 0709.99.90 (Other fresh or chilled vegetables). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.