HS Code 08.06 – Grapes; fresh or dried

HS code 0806 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Grapes; fresh or dried. HS Code 0806 specifically covers grapes, whether fresh or dried. This heading is comprehensive, encompassing both table grapes intended for direct consumption and wine grapes used for winemaking, as long as they remain in their fresh state. The dried form primarily refers to raisins and currants, which are grapes that have been dehydrated without further processing. The clear distinction of 'fresh or dried' is crucial, as it excludes grapes that have been frozen, cooked, preserved in liquid, or otherwise prepared. This classification is exceptionally important for trade compliance due to the significant global volume of grape trade and the varying import requirements. Tariffs, quotas, and especially phytosanitary regulations (e.g., pest-free area requirements, cold treatment protocols) are heavily dependent on accurate classification. Grapes are cultivated across diverse regions globally, from the Mediterranean basin to the Americas, Africa, and Australia, leading to complex seasonal trade flows. For instance, Southern Hemisphere producers supply the Northern Hemisphere during its off-season. This heading is a key component of Chapter 8, which focuses on edible fruits and nuts in their natural or minimally processed forms, highlighting the agricultural origin and basic preservation methods applicable to grapes before they undergo more extensive transformation into products like wine (Chapter 22) or jams (Chapter 20).

Thompson Seedless grapes, Crimson Seedless grapes, Red Globe grapes, Concord grapes, Niagara grapes, Cotton Candy grapes, Flame Seedless grapes, Autumn Royal grapes, Sugraone grapes, Sultana raisins, Jumbo raisins, Golden raisins, Zante currants, Muscatel raisins, Monukka raisins, dried grape clusters, fresh green table grapes, fresh red table grapes, fresh black table grapes, fresh wine grapes (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay), dried currants (Corinth raisins)

Common misclassification errors for grapes center on their state of processing. If grapes are frozen, they are classified under HS 0811 (Fruit and nuts, uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water, frozen). A frequent point of confusion is with HS 2204, which covers 'Wine of fresh grapes, grape must, other than that of heading 2009.' While fresh grapes intended for winemaking are still classified under 0806, if they are crushed, fermented, or become 'grape must' (partially fermented grape juice), they move to 2204. Lastly, if grapes are prepared or preserved beyond simple drying, such as in jams or canned in syrup, they fall under HS 2008 (Fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved).

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0806 in UN Comtrade data were Peru (about $2.6B, 18% of world exports), China ($1.2B) and the Netherlands ($1.2B). World exports came to about $14.1B, 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 0806 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.9B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($1.3B) and the United Kingdom ($1.1B). World imports came to about $15.1B, 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 0806 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 08 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (08) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.