HS Code 08.11 – Fruit and nuts; uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water, frozen, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter

HS code 0811 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fruit and nuts; uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water, frozen, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. Heading 0811 of the Harmonized System encompasses "Fruit and nuts; uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water, frozen, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter." This classification is vital for the global trade of frozen produce, which forms a significant component of the food processing industry and consumer markets. The key differentiator here is the 'frozen' state, meaning the fruits and nuts have been subjected to a process that lowers their temperature below freezing point to preserve them. The heading's scope also clarifies that these products can be either uncooked or have undergone a minimal cooking process (steaming or boiling in water) and may or may not contain added sugar or other sweetening matter. This broadens the classification to include individually quick-frozen (IQF) berries, frozen fruit purees, and even some frozen nuts used in baking or confectionery. For trade compliance, correctly identifying the frozen status and minimal processing is critical to distinguish these from fresh fruits (Chapter 08 generally), dried fruits (0813), or more extensively prepared fruits (Chapter 20). This heading facilitates the year-round availability of seasonal fruits and nuts, supporting global food security and manufacturing. It plays a significant role in the supply chains for smoothies, desserts, jams, and other processed foods, making it a cornerstone for industrial and retail food sectors worldwide.

Frozen strawberries, frozen raspberries, frozen blueberries, frozen blackberries, frozen mixed berries, frozen mango chunks, frozen pineapple chunks, frozen peach slices, frozen cherry halves, frozen whole cranberries, frozen passion fruit puree, frozen avocado pulp, frozen shelled almonds, frozen chestnuts, frozen walnuts, frozen sweet corn kernels (as fruit for classification purposes), frozen lychees, frozen pomegranate arils, frozen rhubarb, frozen acai pulp, frozen banana slices, frozen coconut meat, frozen soursop puree, frozen pitaya (dragon fruit) chunks

A common mistake is confusing frozen fruits and nuts (0811) with their fresh counterparts (various 08 headings like 0809 or 0810). For example, fresh strawberries are 0810, but frozen strawberries are 0811. Another frequent error is classifying fruits preserved by methods other than freezing, such as dried fruits (0813) or fruits provisionally preserved in brine (0812). It's also crucial to distinguish 0811 from Chapter 20 (prepared or preserved fruits), especially if the product has undergone extensive cooking, sugaring, or preparation beyond simple steaming/boiling, which would push it into headings like 2008 (fruit otherwise prepared or preserved). The 'frozen' state is the primary determinant.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0811 in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($970M, 9.9% of world exports), Vietnam (about $778M) and Egypt ($732M). World exports came to about $9.8B, 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 0811 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 15% of world imports), China ($1.3B) and Germany ($1.0B). World imports came to about $9.8B, 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 0811 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 08 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (08) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (11) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.