Product classification

HS code for Fresh foliage: 0604.20

Foliage, branches and other parts of plants, without flowers or flower buds, and grasses, mosses and lichens, suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, fresh.

Classification of fresh foliage under HS 0604.20

Fresh foliage is classified under HS code 0604.20. This code falls under Chapter 6 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses live trees and other plants, bulbs, roots, and the like, as well as cut flowers and ornamental foliage. Heading 0604 specifically covers parts of plants, branches, grasses, mosses, and lichens that are suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, provided they do not bear flowers or flower buds. The subheading 0604.20 is designated for these items when they are in a fresh state. This classification is vital for the international floral and decorative trade, as it distinguishes between the primary decorative element (the flower) and the secondary greenery used for arrangements. The distinction is based on the botanical state of the item; if a branch or plant part contains a flower bud, it is classified under heading 0603. The "fresh" designation implies that the plant material has not been dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated, or otherwise chemically treated for long-term preservation, which would move the product to subheading 0604.90.

Covers
  • Fresh mosses and lichens for floral use
  • Fresh coniferous branches (e.g., pine, fir)
  • Fresh eucalyptus branches without buds
  • Fresh holly and mistletoe
  • Fresh ornamental grasses for bouquets
Also under 0604.20
  • FernTrust
  • PittMoss
  • various wholesale floral suppliers
  • Smithers-Oasis

Codes often confused with 0604.20

Common mistake. Fresh foliage is often misclassified under HS code 0603.11 through 0603.19, which are reserved for cut flowers and flower buds. If the foliage includes even a single flower bud, it must be moved to 0603. Another common mistake is using 0604.90, which is the residual category for foliage that has been dried, dyed, or otherwise preserved. Importers must also distinguish these from live plants with roots, which are classified under heading 0602.

0603.11Flowers, cut; roses, flowers and buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes, fresh0603.19Flowers, cut; flowers and buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes, fresh, other than roses, carnations, orchids, chrysanthemums or lillies06.03Flowers; cut flowers and flower buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, fresh, dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated or otherwise prepared0604.90Foliage, branches and other parts of plants, without flowers or flower buds, and grasses, mosses and lichens; suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated or otherwise prepared06.02Plants, live; n.e.c. in heading no. 0601, (including their roots) cuttings and slips; mushroom spawn

Top exporters and importers of HS 060420 (the code used for fresh foliage), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 060420 (the code used for fresh foliage) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 25% 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 060420, not only fresh foliage.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Netherlands $342M
  2. 2 Denmark $158M
  3. 3 Italy $151M

World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Netherlands $282M
  2. 2 United States $157M
  3. 3 Germany $142M

World total: $1.1B 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 fresh foliage

Brazil classifies fresh foliage under NCM 0604.20.00: HS 0604.20 with 00 added.

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

Questions about fresh foliage

What is the HS code for Fresh foliage?

The HS code for Fresh foliage is 060420 (Foliage, branches and other parts of plants, without flowers or flower buds, and grasses, mosses and lichens; suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, fresh). The HS code for fresh foliage, branches, and other parts of plants without flowers or buds is 0604.20.

How do I classify Fresh foliage for customs?

Fresh foliage is classified under HS code 060420 — Foliage, branches and other parts of plants, without flowers or flower buds, and grasses, mosses and lichens; suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, fresh. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are Christmas trees classified under this code?

Yes, fresh cut Christmas trees that do not have flowers or buds are typically classified under HS code 0604.20 as ornamental branches.

Which countries are the top exporters of fresh foliage (HS 060420)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 060420 (the code used for fresh foliage) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($342M, 29% of world exports), Denmark ($158M) and Italy ($151M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 foliage (HS 060420)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 060420 (the code used for fresh foliage) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($282M, 25% of world imports), the United States ($157M) and Germany ($142M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 foliage the same in all countries?

The base HS code 060420 for Fresh foliage 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 foliage in Brazil?

In Brazil, fresh foliage (HS 060420) is classified under NCM 0604.20.00.