Product classification
HS code for Live tubers: 0601.20
Plants, live, bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns and rhizomes, in growth or in flower, chicory plants and roots other than of heading no. 1212.
Classification of live tubers under HS 0601.20
Live tubers that are in a state of growth or in flower are classified under HS code 060120. This code is part of Chapter 6, which encompasses live trees and other plants, bulbs, roots, and the like. Heading 0601 specifically addresses bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns, and rhizomes. The distinction between subheading 060110 and 060120 is critical: 060110 is for dormant specimens, while 060120 is for those that have begun to grow or are already flowering. This classification follows GRI 1 and 6, focusing on the physiological state of the plant at the time of customs declaration. Tubers are thickened underground stems that store nutrients, and when they are actively growing, they require different handling and phytosanitary considerations compared to dormant ones. This code ensures that botanical products are categorized accurately for both statistical and regulatory purposes, such as monitoring the trade of ornamental plants. The classification applies to a wide variety of flowering plants that utilize tuberous structures for reproduction and nutrient storage.
- Covers
- Growing dahlia tubers
- Begonia tubers in flower
- Cyclamen tubers in growth
- Gloxinia tubers
- Tuberous roots of ornamental plants in growth
- Also under 0601.20
- Ball Horticultural Company potted plants
- Syngenta Flowers in-growth bulbs
- various Dutch flower auction products
- local garden center flowering plants.
Codes often confused with 0601.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 060110, which is reserved for dormant tubers. If the plant has sprouted or shows any signs of active growth, it must be moved to 060120. Furthermore, edible tubers like potatoes are excluded from Chapter 6 and are classified under heading 0701. Similarly, other edible starchy tubers like cassava or sweet potatoes are classified under heading 0714. It is vital to distinguish between ornamental tubers (Chapter 6) and those intended for human consumption (Chapter 7) to avoid significant tariff discrepancies and regulatory delays.
Top exporters and importers of HS 060120 (the code used for live tubers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 060120 (the code used for live tubers) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% 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 060120, not only live tubers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $533M 74% of world exports
- 2 Germany $45M 6.2% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $31M 4.2% of world exports
World total: $724M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $140M 19% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $113M 15% of world imports
- 3 France $81M 11% of world imports
World total: $745M 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 live tubers
Brazil classifies live tubers under NCM 0601.20.00: HS 0601.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about live tubers
What is the HS code for Live tubers?
The HS code for Live tubers is 060120 (Plants, live; bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns and rhizomes, in growth or in flower, chicory plants and roots other than of heading no. 1212). The HS code for live tubers that are in growth or in flower is 060120. If they are dormant, the code is 060110.
How do I classify Live tubers for customs?
Live tubers is classified under HS code 060120 — Plants, live; bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns and rhizomes, in growth or in flower, chicory plants and roots other than of heading no. 1212. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I know if a tuber is in growth?
A tuber is considered in growth if it has visible sprouts, leaves, or flowers at the time of inspection. Dormant tubers are typically dry and show no active biological development.
Which countries are the top exporters of live tubers (HS 060120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 060120 (the code used for live tubers) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($533M, 74% of world exports), Germany ($45M) and Belgium ($31M). World exports came to about $724M, 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 live tubers (HS 060120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 060120 (the code used for live tubers) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($140M, 19% of world imports), Switzerland ($113M) and France ($81M). World imports came to about $745M, 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 Live tubers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 060120 for Live tubers 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 live tubers in Brazil?
In Brazil, live tubers (HS 060120) is classified under NCM 0601.20.00.