HS Code for Brined button mushrooms

Brined button mushrooms are classified under HS code 0711.51. This code is part of Heading 0711, which covers vegetables provisionally preserved (for example, by sulfur dioxide gas, in brine, in sulfur water, or in other preservative solutions), but unsuitable in that state for immediate consumption. The classification specifically targets mushrooms of the genus Agaricus, commonly known as button mushrooms. The defining characteristic for this classification is the 'provisional' nature of the preservation. This means the mushrooms are kept in a high-concentration brine or chemical solution to prevent spoilage during long-distance transport or storage before they are eventually processed into canned or jarred products. Because the brine concentration is typically so high that the mushrooms cannot be eaten directly without significant washing or processing, they are excluded from Chapter 20 (prepared vegetables) and placed in Chapter 7. This classification follows GRI 1 and the specific sub-heading notes for Agaricus mushrooms.

Products Included

• Button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) in brine for industrial use
• Agaricus mushrooms provisionally preserved in sulfur dioxide gas
• Bulk containers of mushrooms in saline solution for later canning
• Mushrooms in sulfur water intended for the food manufacturing industry

Common Misclassification

A common mistake is classifying these under HS code 2003.10. Heading 2003 is reserved for mushrooms that are 'prepared or preserved' in a way that makes them ready for consumption, such as those in vinegar, light brine for retail, or cooked. If the mushrooms are in a light brine and sold in retail jars for immediate use, they belong in 2003.10. Another misclassification is 0709.51, which is strictly for fresh or chilled button mushrooms. The presence of a preservative solution like brine immediately moves the product from 0709 to 0711.

FAQ

What is the HS code for brined button mushrooms?

The HS code for button mushrooms (genus Agaricus) that are provisionally preserved in brine is 0711.51.

What does unsuitable for immediate consumption mean?

In the context of HS code 0711.51, it means the mushrooms are preserved in such a high concentration of salt or chemicals that they require further processing, such as soaking or washing, before they are palatable or safe to eat.