HS Code 08.08 – Apples, pears and quinces; fresh

HS code 0808 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Apples, pears and quinces; fresh. HS Code 0808 specifically covers apples, pears, and quinces, exclusively in their fresh state. This heading is one of the most significant in the agricultural sector, as these fruits are staples in diets worldwide and represent substantial global trade volumes. The 'fresh' condition is a strict boundary; it means these fruits must not be dried, frozen, cooked, canned, or otherwise processed. The scope includes all common varieties of apples (e.g., Gala, Fuji), pears (e.g., Bartlett, Bosc), and quinces. Accurate classification under 0808 is paramount for trade compliance due to the complexity of international trade in these fruits. It directly impacts applicable tariffs, often influenced by seasonal quotas, and strict phytosanitary requirements designed to prevent the spread of pests and diseases (e.g., codling moth, fire blight). Global trade patterns for apples and pears involve major movements from both Northern and Southern Hemisphere producers, allowing for year-round availability in many markets through counter-seasonal supply. This heading is integral to Chapter 8 of the Harmonized System, which focuses on edible fruits and nuts in their natural, unprocessed forms. The ability to store these fruits for extended periods under controlled atmospheric conditions has revolutionized their global supply chains, making precise classification crucial for managing logistics and market access.

Gala apples, Fuji apples, Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp apples, Red Delicious apples, Golden Delicious apples, Pink Lady apples, Braeburn apples, McIntosh apples, Bartlett pears, D'Anjou pears, Bosc pears, Comice pears, Asian pears (Nashi), quince fruit, fresh green apples, fresh red apples, fresh yellow apples, fresh green pears, fresh yellow pears, fresh Concorde pears, fresh Forelle pears, fresh organic apples, fresh organic pears

A common misclassification error for products under 0808 occurs when apples, pears, or quinces are not in their fresh state. If these fruits are frozen, they should be classified under HS 0811 (Fruit and nuts, uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water, frozen). A frequent mistake involves dried apples or pears (e.g., dried apple rings, pear halves); since 0808 is exclusively for 'fresh' fruit, the dried versions fall under HS 0813 (Fruit, dried, other than that of headings 0801 to 0806; mixtures of nuts or dried fruits of this Chapter). Furthermore, if these fruits are prepared or preserved, such as being canned in syrup, pureed (like applesauce), or used in pie fillings, they would be classified under HS 2008 (Fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved).

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0808 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 14% of world exports), Italy ($1.4B) and the United States ($1.2B). World exports came to about $11.2B, 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 0808 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($951M, 7.8% of world imports), Indonesia ($728M) and the United Kingdom ($624M). World imports came to about $12.2B, 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 0808 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 08 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (08) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (08) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.