Product classification

HS code for Fresh moss: 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 moss under HS 0604.20

Fresh moss is classified under HS code 0604.20, which resides in Chapter 6 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers live trees and other plants, bulbs, roots, cut flowers, and ornamental foliage. Heading 0604 specifically includes foliage, branches, and other parts of plants without flowers or flower buds, as well as grasses, mosses, and lichens, provided they are suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes. The subheading 0604.20 is reserved for these items when they are in a "fresh" state. This means the moss has not been dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated, or otherwise prepared for long-term preservation beyond simple chilling or hydration. The classification is based on the intended use (ornamental) and the state of preservation (fresh). This follows the General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, ensuring that the product is categorized by its botanical nature and its condition at the time of customs entry.

Covers
  • Fresh forest moss for floral arrangements
  • Live sphagnum moss for decorative use
  • Fresh reindeer lichen (ornamental grade)
  • Fresh green moss for terrariums
  • Fresh club mosses
  • Fresh sheet moss for landscaping displays
Also under 0604.20
  • FernTrust
  • PittMoss
  • various wholesale floral suppliers
  • Smithers-Oasis

Codes often confused with 0604.20

Common mistake. Fresh moss is often misclassified under 0604.90, which is the code for mosses and lichens that have been dried, dyed, or otherwise prepared. Another common error is confusing ornamental moss with peat moss used as fuel or soil conditioner, which is classified under heading 2703. Additionally, if the moss is attached to a living plant or is intended for planting to grow, it might be argued to fall under 0602, though 0604.20 is generally preferred for the moss itself when sold as decorative foliage.

0604.90Foliage, 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 prepared27.03Peat; (including peat litter), whether or not agglomerated06.02Plants, 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 moss), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 060420 (the code used for fresh moss) 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 moss.

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 moss

Brazil classifies fresh moss 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 moss

What is the HS code for Fresh moss?

The HS code for Fresh moss 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 moss suitable for ornamental purposes is 0604.20.

How do I classify Fresh moss for customs?

Fresh moss 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.

Is dried moss classified under the same code?

No, dried, dyed, or chemically preserved moss is classified under HS code 0604.90, as 0604.20 is strictly for fresh products.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 060420 (the code used for fresh moss) 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 moss (HS 060420)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 060420 (the code used for fresh moss) 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 moss the same in all countries?

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

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