Product classification

HS code for Fresh cut orchids: 0603.13

Flowers, cut, orchids, flowers and buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes, fresh.

Classification of fresh cut orchids under HS 0603.13

Fresh cut orchids are classified under HS code 0603.13. The Harmonized System organizes botanical products in Chapter 6, which encompasses the live plant and floriculture industry. Heading 0603 specifically targets cut flowers and buds suitable for ornamental use. The classification process for orchids follows the hierarchical structure of the HS, where fresh flowers are separated from prepared ones. Subheading 0603.13 is the specific carve-out for orchids (family Orchidaceae). This classification is essential for monitoring the trade of exotic flora, many of which are subject to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations. To qualify for this code, the orchids must be fresh, meaning they have not undergone any permanent preservation processes like desiccation or chemical dyeing. The code covers a vast array of orchid genera used in the floral trade, including Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, and Oncidium. Proper classification requires that the flowers are presented as cut stems or individual blooms intended for bouquets or decoration rather than for propagation.

Covers
  • Fresh cut Phalaenopsis (Moth orchids)
  • Fresh cut Dendrobium orchid sprays
  • Cymbidium orchid stems for floral use
  • Vanda orchids in fresh cut form
  • Fresh orchid buds for ornamental displays
Also under 0603.13
  • Ansu Vanda
  • Orchidaceae
  • Floricultura
  • Green Valley Orchids

Codes often confused with 0603.13

Common mistake. Orchids are often misclassified under HS code 0603.19, the general category for other fresh flowers, particularly when the specific species is not identified. Another significant error is using HS code 0602.90, which is for live orchid plants including roots and growing media. If the orchids have been dried or chemically treated for long-term preservation, they must be classified under 0603.90. Furthermore, artificial orchids made of plastic or fabric are classified in Chapter 67 (6702.10 or 6702.90) and should never be placed in Chapter 6.

0603.19Flowers, cut; flowers and buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes, fresh, other than roses, carnations, orchids, chrysanthemums or lillies0602.90Plants, live; n.e.c. in heading no. 06020603.90Flowers, cut; flowers and flower buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes, dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated or otherwise prepared6702.10Flowers, foliage and fruit, artificial, and parts thereof; articles made of artificial flowers, foliage or fruit, of plastics6702.90Flowers, foliage and fruit, artificial, and parts thereof; articles made of artificial flowers, foliage or fruit, of materials other than plastics

Top exporters and importers of HS 060313 (the code used for fresh cut orchids), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 060313 (the code used for fresh cut orchids) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 28% 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 060313, not only fresh cut orchids.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Thailand $70M
  2. 2 Netherlands $69M
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$33M

World total: $198M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Japan $55M
  2. 2 United States $29M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$16M

World total: $198M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 fresh cut orchids

Brazil classifies fresh cut orchids under NCM 0603.13.00: HS 0603.13 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about fresh cut orchids

What is the HS code for Fresh cut orchids?

The HS code for Fresh cut orchids is 060313 (Flowers, cut; orchids, flowers and buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes, fresh). The specific HS code for fresh cut orchids is 0603.13.

How do I classify Fresh cut orchids for customs?

Fresh cut orchids is classified under HS code 060313 — Flowers, cut; orchids, flowers and buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes, fresh. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are potted orchids classified under this code?

No, potted orchids are considered live plants and are classified under HS code 0602.90, as 0603.13 is strictly for cut flowers without roots.

Which countries are the top exporters of fresh cut orchids (HS 060313)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 060313 (the code used for fresh cut orchids) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($70M, 35% of world exports), the Netherlands ($69M) and Taiwan (about $33M). World exports came to about $198M, 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 fresh cut orchids (HS 060313)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 060313 (the code used for fresh cut orchids) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($55M, 28% of world imports), the United States ($29M) and Vietnam (about $16M). World imports came to about $198M, 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 Fresh cut orchids the same in all countries?

The base HS code 060313 for Fresh cut orchids 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 fresh cut orchids in Brazil?

In Brazil, fresh cut orchids (HS 060313) is classified under NCM 0603.13.00.