HS Code 08.07 – Melons (including watermelons) and papaws (papayas); fresh

HS code 0807 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Melons (including watermelons) and papaws (papayas); fresh. HS Code 0807 specifically covers melons (including watermelons) and papaws (papayas), exclusively in their fresh state. This heading explicitly excludes these fruits if they are dried, frozen, or otherwise processed, emphasizing their highly perishable nature when traded internationally. The scope includes all varieties of melons, from large watermelons to smaller cantaloupes and honeydews, as well as the various types of papayas. This strict 'fresh' condition is a defining characteristic of the classification. Accurate classification under 0807 is critical for trade compliance, primarily due to the significant impact on logistics, customs duties, and stringent phytosanitary requirements. The freshness imperative means that rapid transportation, often by air freight for papayas or refrigerated sea containers for melons, is essential, affecting costs and trade routes. These fruits are predominantly grown in tropical and subtropical regions, with significant trade flows from countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Central America to major consumer markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. This heading forms part of Chapter 8 of the Harmonized System, which focuses on edible fruits and nuts in their natural state, highlighting the minimal processing and the importance of maintaining freshness for these particular commodities. The global demand for fresh, healthy produce continues to drive this trade.

Watermelons (seedless), Watermelons (seeded), Cantaloupe melons, Honeydew melons, Galia melons, Piel de Sapo melons, Charentais melons, Crenshaw melons, Casaba melons, Ogen melons, Canary melons, Formosa papayas, Solo papayas, Maradol papayas, Sunrise papayas, Red Lady papayas, Waimanalo papayas, Golden papayas, Kapoho papayas, fresh Yellow flesh watermelons, fresh Mini watermelons, fresh Hawaiian papayas, fresh Mexican cantaloupes

A primary misclassification risk for goods under 0807 arises from any processing beyond their fresh state. If melons or papayas are frozen, they fall under HS 0811 (Fruit and nuts, uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water, frozen). Should these fruits be prepared or preserved, such as being canned in syrup, pureed, or made into jam, they would be classified under HS 2008 (Fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved). A specific error for papayas could involve dried papayas; since 0807 is strictly 'fresh,' dried papayas would fall under HS 0813 (Fruit, dried, other than that of headings 0801 to 0806; mixtures of nuts or dried fruits of this Chapter).

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0807 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($1.1B, 22% of world exports), Mexico ($612M) and Brazil ($422M). World exports came to about $5.0B, 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 0807 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 20% of world imports), Germany ($677M) and France ($470M). World imports came to about $5.4B, 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.

HS code 0807 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 08 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (08) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.