HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 08.09 – Apricots, cherries, peaches (including nectarines), plums and sloes, fresh
What HS 08.09 covers
Heading 0809 of the Harmonized System (HS) code meticulously categorizes "Apricots, cherries, peaches (including nectarines), plums and sloes, fresh." This classification is crucial for international trade, specifically focusing on these popular stone fruits in their raw, unprocessed, and non-preserved state. The scope is strictly limited to fresh produce, meaning fruits that have not undergone drying, freezing, sugaring, or any other form of preservation that significantly alters their natural state. This ensures a clear distinction from products classified under headings like 0811 (frozen fruit) or 0813 (dried fruit). Key sub-categories within this heading might arise at the 6-digit or 8-digit level, differentiating between apricots, cherries, peaches (including nectarines), plums, and sloes, allowing for precise tariff application and data collection. For importers, exporters, and customs brokers, accurate classification under 0809 is paramount for trade compliance, determining applicable import duties, taxes, quotas, and adherence to phytosanitary regulations. Misclassification can lead to delays, penalties, and supply chain disruptions. Historically, these fruits have been significant commodities, driving seasonal trade flows, especially from major growing regions to consumer markets. This heading forms a vital part of Chapter 08, which broadly covers edible fruits and nuts, providing a granular classification for a specific group of temperate fresh fruits, distinct from tropical fruits (0803, 0804) or citrus (0805). Its clarity supports efficient global agricultural trade, reflecting the importance of fresh produce in consumer diets worldwide.
- Covers
- Fresh Bing cherries
- Fresh Ranier cherries
- Fresh sour cherries
- Fresh sweet cherries
- Fresh yellow peaches
- Fresh white peaches
- Fresh nectarines
- Fresh red plums
- Fresh black plums
- Fresh green plums
- Fresh Italian prunes (fresh)
- Fresh damson plums
- Fresh common apricots
- Fresh white apricots
- Fresh Black Velvet apricots
- Fresh Mirabelle plums
- Fresh sloes
- Fresh Santa Rosa plums
- Fresh pluots (fresh hybrid plum-apricot)
- Fresh apriums (fresh hybrid apricot-plum)
- Fresh plumcots (fresh hybrid plum-apricot)
- Examples
A major fruit distributor in California, USA, imports several containers of fresh sweet cherries from Chile during the Southern Hemisphere's summer, utilizing the trade route through the Panama Canal to reach East Coast markets. A Spanish exporter ships fresh yellow peaches and nectarines to supermarkets across the United Kingdom via refrigerated trucks through the Eurotunnel, ensuring rapid delivery of seasonal produce. Turkish growers export fresh apricots to various European Union countries, with shipments often crossing the Balkan route, capitalizing on the peak harvest season and demand for high-quality stone fruits. Chinese importers bring in premium fresh Japanese cherries via air cargo to cater to high-end consumer demand during festive seasons.
Subheadings under 08.09 5
Codes often confused with 08.09
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for products under HS 0809 often occur when the fruits are not strictly 'fresh.' Traders might incorrectly classify frozen cherries (which belong to 0811), dried apricots (0813), or peaches provisionally preserved in brine (0812) under this heading. Another mistake is classifying fresh fruits not explicitly listed here, such as fresh strawberries or blueberries, which fall under the 'other fresh fruit' heading 0810. The key differentiator is the 'fresh' status and the specific enumeration of fruits. Confusing 0809 with 2008 (fruit otherwise prepared or preserved) is also common if fruits contain added sugar or are canned, which fundamentally changes their classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 0809, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 0809 in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% 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 Chile $3.7B 36% of world exports
- 2 Spain $1.9B 18% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $1.3B 12% of world exports
World total: $10.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $3.8B 33% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $1.4B 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $968M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $11.5B 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.
Questions about HS 08.09
What is HS code 0809?
HS code 0809 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Apricots, cherries, peaches (including nectarines), plums and sloes, fresh. Heading 0809 of the Harmonized System (HS) code meticulously categorizes "Apricots, cherries, peaches (including nectarines), plums and sloes, fresh." This classification is crucial for international trade, specifically focusing on these popular stone fruits in their raw, unprocessed, and non-preserved state. The scope is strictly limited to fresh produce, meaning fruits that have not undergone drying, freezing, sugaring, or any other form of preservation that significantly alters their natural state. This ensures a clear distinction from products classified under headings like 0811 (frozen fruit) or 0813 (dried fruit). Key sub-categories within this heading might arise at the 6-digit or 8-digit level, differentiating between apricots, cherries, peaches (including nectarines), plums, and sloes, allowing for precise tariff application and data collection. For importers, exporters, and customs brokers, accurate classification under 0809 is paramount for trade compliance, determining applicable import duties, taxes, quotas, and adherence to phytosanitary regulations. Misclassification can lead to delays, penalties, and supply chain disruptions. Historically, these fruits have been significant commodities, driving seasonal trade flows, especially from major growing regions to consumer markets. This heading forms a vital part of Chapter 08, which broadly covers edible fruits and nuts, providing a granular classification for a specific group of temperate fresh fruits, distinct from tropical fruits (0803, 0804) or citrus (0805). Its clarity supports efficient global agricultural trade, reflecting the importance of fresh produce in consumer diets worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 0809?
Fresh Bing cherries, fresh Ranier cherries, fresh sour cherries, fresh sweet cherries, fresh yellow peaches, fresh white peaches, fresh nectarines, fresh red plums, fresh black plums, fresh green plums, fresh Italian prunes (fresh), fresh damson plums, fresh common apricots, fresh white apricots, fresh Black Velvet apricots, fresh Mirabelle plums, fresh sloes, fresh Santa Rosa plums, fresh pluots (fresh hybrid plum-apricot), fresh apriums (fresh hybrid apricot-plum), fresh plumcots (fresh hybrid plum-apricot)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 0809?
Common misclassifications for products under HS 0809 often occur when the fruits are not strictly 'fresh.' Traders might incorrectly classify frozen cherries (which belong to 0811), dried apricots (0813), or peaches provisionally preserved in brine (0812) under this heading. Another mistake is classifying fresh fruits not explicitly listed here, such as fresh strawberries or blueberries, which fall under the 'other fresh fruit' heading 0810. The key differentiator is the 'fresh' status and the specific enumeration of fruits. Confusing 0809 with 2008 (fruit otherwise prepared or preserved) is also common if fruits contain added sugar or are canned, which fundamentally changes their classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 0809?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0809 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($3.7B, 36% of world exports), Spain ($1.9B) and Hong Kong ($1.3B). World exports came to about $10.5B, 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 0809?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 0809 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.8B, 33% of world imports), Hong Kong ($1.4B) and Germany ($968M). World imports came to about $11.5B, 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 0809 structured?
HS code 0809 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 08 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (08) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (09) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.