HS Code for Cherries

Fresh cherries are classified under HS code 0809.29 according to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Chapter 8 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule covers edible fruit and nuts, as well as the peel of citrus fruit or melons. Within this chapter, heading 0809 is specifically reserved for stone fruits, including apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, and sloes. The heading is further subdivided to distinguish between different botanical varieties of cherries. While subheading 0809.21 is dedicated exclusively to sour cherries (Prunus cerasus), the code 0809.29 serves as the residual category for all other fresh cherries, most notably the sweet varieties like Prunus avium. To fall under this classification, the fruit must be in its fresh state, meaning it has not been frozen, dried, or preserved in sugar or brine. The classification process requires precise identification of the species to ensure that sweet cherries are not misdeclared as sour cherries, which may carry different duty rates or agricultural quotas depending on the importing country's trade policy.

Products Included

• Sweet cherries (Prunus avium)
• Bing cherries
• Rainier cherries
• Lambert cherries
• Skeena cherries
• Royal Ann cherries
• Chelan cherries

Common Misclassification

A frequent misclassification occurs between 0809.29 and 0809.21. Importers often fail to distinguish between sweet cherries and sour cherries (Prunus cerasus), the latter of which must be declared under 0809.21. Another common error involves frozen cherries; once cherries are frozen, they are no longer classified in heading 0809 and must be moved to 0811.90. Furthermore, cherries that have been provisionally preserved in sulfur dioxide gas or brine for transport, making them unsuitable for immediate consumption, fall under 0812.10. Finally, cherries that have been prepared or preserved, such as maraschino cherries in syrup, are classified under 2008.60.

FAQ

What is the HS code for fresh sweet cherries?

The HS code for fresh sweet cherries is 0809.29, which covers cherries other than sour cherries.

How are dried cherries classified?

Dried cherries are removed from heading 0809 and are instead classified under HS code 0813.40, which covers other dried fruits.