Product classification
HS code for Nursery plants: 0602.90
Plants, live, n.e.c. in heading no. 0602.
Classification of nursery plants under HS 0602.90
Nursery plants are classified under HS code 0602.90, which serves as the residual category for live plants not specified elsewhere in heading 06.02. Chapter 6 of the Harmonized System covers live trees and other plants, bulbs, roots, and the like. Within this chapter, heading 06.02 is designated for other live plants, including their roots, cuttings, and slips. The classification under 0602.90 is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, which dictate that products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. This specific code is used for a wide variety of nursery stock that does not fall into more specific subheadings like unrooted cuttings (0602.10), edible fruit or nut trees (0602.20), or specific flowering shrubs like rhododendrons (0602.30). To qualify, the plants must be in a live state, typically intended for transplanting or ornamental use. The presence of soil or growing media is permitted, provided the plant remains the essential character of the item. This code also uniquely includes mushroom spawn, which is biologically distinct but commercially grouped here for trade purposes.
- Covers
- Ornamental nursery shrubs and bushes
- Perennial outdoor plants and flowers
- Indoor potted foliage and decorative plants
- Mushroom spawn for commercial cultivation
- Live sod and turf grass for landscaping
- Also under 0602.90
- Various specialized nurseries
- forestry seedling suppliers
- botanical plant distributors
- exotic plant retailers.
Codes often confused with 0602.90
Common mistake. Nursery plants are frequently confused with HS code 0601, which covers bulbs, tubers, and rhizomes in a dormant state. If the plant is not yet growing or is in a dormant stage, 0601 is more appropriate. Another common error is using 0602.10 for rooted plants; 0602.10 is strictly for unrooted cuttings and slips. Additionally, edible fruit-bearing plants must be classified under 0602.20 rather than the general 0602.90 category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 060290 (the code used for nursery plants), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 060290 (the code used for nursery plants) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% 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 060290, not only nursery plants.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $5.3B 51% of world exports
- 2 Italy $842M 8.1% of world exports
- 3 Germany $813M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $10.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $1.7B 18% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $868M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $786M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $9.3B 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 codes for nursery plants
Brazil splits HS 0602.90 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0602.90.10Mushroom spawn
- 0602.90.21Orchid plants for planting
- 0602.90.29Other ornamental plants for planting
- 0602.90.81Sugar cane plants for planting
- 0602.90.82Grapevine plants for planting
- 0602.90.83Coffee plants for planting
- 0602.90.89Other non-ornamental plants for planting
- 0602.90.90Other live plants
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nursery plants
What is the HS code for Nursery plants?
The HS code for Nursery plants is 060290 (Plants, live; n.e.c. in heading no. 0602). The primary HS code for general nursery plants, including ornamental shrubs and indoor plants, is 0602.90.
How do I classify Nursery plants for customs?
Nursery plants is classified under HS code 060290 — Plants, live; n.e.c. in heading no. 0602. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include plant seeds?
No, plant seeds are generally classified in Chapter 12, specifically under heading 12.09 for sowing seeds, rather than Chapter 6.
Which countries are the top exporters of nursery plants (HS 060290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 060290 (the code used for nursery plants) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($5.3B, 51% of world exports), Italy ($842M) and Germany ($813M). World exports came to about $10.4B, 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 nursery plants (HS 060290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 060290 (the code used for nursery plants) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.7B, 18% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($868M) and the Netherlands ($786M). World imports came to about $9.3B, 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 Nursery plants the same in all countries?
The base HS code 060290 for Nursery plants 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 nursery plants in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 060290 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for nursery plants depends on the product's details: 0602.90.10 (Mushroom spawn), 0602.90.21 (Orchid plants for planting), 0602.90.29 (Other ornamental plants for planting), 0602.90.81 (Sugar cane plants for planting), 0602.90.82 (Grapevine plants for planting), 0602.90.83 (Coffee plants for planting), and more.