HS Code Heading

Grapes; fresh or dried

08.06 Heading
Section II — Vegetable products

About HS Code 0806

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).

Products Under This Code

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)

Real World Examples

During the Northern Hemisphere winter, refrigerated vessels transport fresh Crimson Seedless grapes from Chile to the Port of Philadelphia, supplying US grocery stores. Annually, Turkey exports vast quantities of Sultana raisins to European Union countries like Germany and the United Kingdom. South Africa ships a significant volume of fresh table grapes to the UK market, often under preferential trade agreements. Californian vineyards export premium Zante currants to Japan for baking and confectionery. Furthermore, fresh Concord grapes from New York are transported by truck to Canada for both fresh consumption and juice production.

Common Misclassification

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).

Subheadings 2

Industry

This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.

Trade Overview

Major exporters of grapes (fresh and dried) include Chile, the United States, Turkey, South Africa, India, and Italy, leveraging diverse climates and agricultural expertise. Key importers are the European Union (Germany, UK, Netherlands being prominent), Russia, Canada, and China. Trade is often seasonal, with Southern Hemisphere countries supplying counter-seasonal demand. Various free trade agreements (e.g., between Chile and the US/EU) influence tariffs and market access. Strict phytosanitary protocols, including cold treatment for certain pests, are routinely enforced in major importing markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 0806?

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).

What products fall under HS code 0806?

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)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 0806?

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).

Which countries trade the most under HS code 0806?

Major exporters of grapes (fresh and dried) include Chile, the United States, Turkey, South Africa, India, and Italy, leveraging diverse climates and agricultural expertise. Key importers are the European Union (Germany, UK, Netherlands being prominent), Russia, Canada, and China. Trade is often seasonal, with Southern Hemisphere countries supplying counter-seasonal demand. Various free trade agreements (e.g., between Chile and the US/EU) influence tariffs and market access. Strict phytosanitary protocols, including cold treatment for certain pests, are routinely enforced in major importing markets.

How is HS code 0806 structured?

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.