Product classification
HS code for Cut carnations: 0603.12
Flowers, cut, carnations, flowers and buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes, fresh.
Classification of cut carnations under HS 0603.12
Cut carnations are classified under HS code 0603.12. This code is part of Chapter 6, which encompasses live trees and other plants, bulbs, roots, and cut flowers. Heading 0603 specifically covers cut flowers and flower buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes. Within this heading, the system differentiates between fresh flowers and those that have been dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated, or otherwise prepared. Subheading 0603.12 is reserved exclusively for fresh carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus). The classification is straightforward but requires the flowers to be fresh; any preservation process beyond simple cooling or water immersion would shift the classification to a different subheading. This specific code allows for the monitoring of the carnation trade, which is a major sector in the global floriculture industry. Importers must ensure that the flowers are free from pests and diseases, as products in Chapter 6 are subject to strict phytosanitary controls. The distinction between fresh and preserved is the most critical factor in maintaining the 0603.12 classification, as preserved flowers fall under 0603.90, which may carry different duty rates and regulatory requirements.
- Covers
- Fresh cut carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)
- Fresh carnation buds for bouquets
- Fresh carnations for ornamental arrangements
- Standard and spray carnation varieties (fresh)
- Also under 0603.12
- HilverdaFlorist
- Selecta One
- Danziger
- Ball Horticultural Company
Codes often confused with 0603.12
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 0603.90, which is for dried, dyed, or otherwise preserved flowers. If carnations have been treated with chemicals to last longer, they no longer fit 0603.12. Another error is using 0603.11 (roses) or 0603.19 (other fresh flowers) due to lack of botanical specificity. Additionally, live carnation plants with roots are classified under 0602.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 060312 (the code used for cut carnations), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 060312 (the code used for cut carnations) in UN Comtrade data was Colombia, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 060312, not only cut carnations.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Colombia $337M 50% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $161M 24% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $46M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $677M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $205M 26% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $115M 15% of world imports
- 3 Japan $96M 12% of world imports
World total: $780M 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 cut carnations
Brazil classifies cut carnations under NCM 0603.12.00: HS 0603.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cut carnations
What is the HS code for Cut carnations?
The HS code for Cut carnations is 060312 (Flowers, cut; carnations, flowers and buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes, fresh). The HS code for fresh cut carnations is 0603.12.
How do I classify Cut carnations for customs?
Cut carnations is classified under HS code 060312 — Flowers, cut; carnations, flowers and buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes, fresh. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the carnations are dried or dyed?
If the carnations are not fresh (e.g., dried, bleached, or dyed), they must be classified under HS code 0603.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of cut carnations (HS 060312)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 060312 (the code used for cut carnations) in UN Comtrade data were Colombia ($337M, 50% of world exports), the Netherlands ($161M) and Türkiye ($46M). World exports came to about $677M, 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 cut carnations (HS 060312)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 060312 (the code used for cut carnations) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($205M, 26% of world imports), the Netherlands ($115M) and Japan ($96M). World imports came to about $780M, 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 Cut carnations the same in all countries?
The base HS code 060312 for Cut carnations 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 cut carnations in Brazil?
In Brazil, cut carnations (HS 060312) is classified under NCM 0603.12.00.