Product classification
HS code for Azaleas: 0602.30
Plants, live, rhododendrons and azaleas, grafted or not.
Classification of azaleas under HS 0602.30
Azaleas and rhododendrons are classified under HS code 0602.30 because they are live plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, specifically the genus Rhododendron. Chapter 06 of the Harmonized System covers live trees and other plants, including bulbs, roots, and similar items. Heading 0602 is a broad category for other live plants, including their roots, cuttings, and slips. Within this heading, the international community has established a specific subheading, 0602.30, to track the trade of rhododendrons and azaleas due to their significant commercial value in the global nursery and landscaping industries. This classification applies regardless of the plant's stage of growth—whether it is a young cutting, a grafted sapling, or a mature flowering shrub—as long as it is imported or exported as a live specimen with its root system or as a viable cutting. The code also covers these plants whether they are presented in pots, tubs, or with balled roots. The distinction is based on the botanical genus, ensuring that these specific ornamental plants are monitored separately from general nursery stock.
- Covers
- Potted azalea shrubs for indoor or outdoor use
- Grafted rhododendron plants for landscaping
- Dormant azalea plants intended for nursery stock
- Live azalea cuttings and slips for propagation
- Flowering rhododendrons in decorative containers
- Also under 0602.30
- Monrovia Nursery rhododendrons
- Azalea Hill Gardens & Nursery azaleas
- various specialized European nurseries
- Proven Winners azaleas.
Codes often confused with 0602.30
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 0603.19, which covers other fresh cut flowers and buds. If the azalea is harvested as a cut flower for a bouquet and no longer has its root system or the ability to grow, it must be classified under 0603. Another common error is using 0602.90, which is the residual category for other live plants. Since 0602.30 is a specific named category for azaleas, it must take precedence over the general category 0602.90 according to the principle of specificity in GRI 3(a). Additionally, dried azalea plants would fall under 0604.
Top exporters and importers of HS 060230 (the code used for azaleas), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 060230 (the code used for azaleas) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 14% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 060230, not only azaleas.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $40M 42% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $30M 32% of world exports
- 3 Germany $6.2M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $94M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $12M 14% of world imports
- 2 Italy $9.5M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $8.1M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $85M 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.
Brazil NCM code for azaleas
Brazil classifies azaleas under NCM 0602.30.00: HS 0602.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about azaleas
What is the HS code for Azaleas?
The HS code for Azaleas is 060230 (Plants, live; rhododendrons and azaleas, grafted or not). The specific HS code for live azaleas and rhododendrons, whether grafted or not, is 0602.30.
How do I classify Azaleas for customs?
Azaleas is classified under HS code 060230 — Plants, live; rhododendrons and azaleas, grafted or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are dried azalea flowers classified here?
No, dried flowers for ornamental purposes are classified under HS code 0603.90, as 0602.30 is strictly for live plants.
Which countries are the top exporters of azaleas (HS 060230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 060230 (the code used for azaleas) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($40M, 42% of world exports), the Netherlands ($30M) and Germany ($6.2M). World exports came to about $94M, 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 azaleas (HS 060230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 060230 (the code used for azaleas) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($12M, 14% of world imports), Italy ($9.5M) and the United Kingdom ($8.1M). World imports came to about $85M, 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.
Is the HS code for Azaleas the same in all countries?
The base HS code 060230 for Azaleas is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for azaleas in Brazil?
In Brazil, azaleas (HS 060230) is classified under NCM 0602.30.00.