HS Code for Fruit bushes

Fruit bushes are classified under HS code 0602.20 because they represent live plants specifically intended for the production of edible fruits or nuts. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 6 notes of the Harmonized System, this heading encompasses all live trees, shrubs, and bushes of a kind which bear edible fruit or nuts, regardless of whether they are grafted. The classification is determined by the botanical nature of the specimen as a perennial woody plant and its primary utility in agriculture or horticulture for food production. This code excludes ornamental varieties that do not produce edible fruit, which are typically categorized under other subheadings of 0602. The plants must be live, often including their root systems, to qualify for this specific chapter, which distinguishes them from cut flowers or foliage. Furthermore, the classification remains consistent whether the plants are imported in pots, boxes, or with bare roots, provided they are in a state that allows for continued growth and fruit production. The distinction between a bush and a tree is often botanical, but for the purposes of 0602.20, both are grouped together if they yield edible produce. This ensures that agricultural stock is treated uniformly under international trade regulations, facilitating the monitoring of plant health and agricultural imports.

Products Included

• Raspberry bushes (Rubus idaeus)
• Blueberry bushes (Vaccinium corymbosum)
• Currant bushes (Ribes nigrum or Ribes rubrum)
• Gooseberry bushes (Ribes uva-crispa)
• Blackberry bushes (Rubus fruticosus)
• Grafted fruit tree saplings
• Elderberry shrubs

Common Misclassification

Fruit bushes are frequently misclassified under HS code 0602.90, which is a residual category for other live plants, including ornamental plants. This error often occurs when the edible nature of the fruit is not clearly documented. Additionally, seeds for these bushes are classified under Chapter 12 (specifically 1209), and dormant bulbs or tubers fall under 0601. It is also important to distinguish these from cut branches with fruit, which might be classified under 0604 depending on their use in bouquets or ornamentation.

FAQ

What is the HS code for fruit bushes?

The primary HS code for live fruit-bearing bushes and shrubs is 0602.20.

Are seeds for fruit bushes classified under the same code?

No, seeds are generally classified under heading 1209, as Chapter 6 is strictly reserved for live plants, cuttings, and slips that are ready for planting or are already growing.