Product classification
HS code for Preserved moss: 0604.90
Foliage, 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 prepared.
Classification of preserved moss under HS 0604.90
Preserved moss is classified under HS code 0604.90, which falls within Chapter 6 of the Harmonized System. This chapter generally covers live trees, plants, bulbs, and cut flowers. Specifically, heading 0604 includes foliage, branches, and other parts of plants without flowers or buds, as well as grasses, mosses, and lichens that are suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes. The subheading 0604.90 is designated for products that have undergone preservation treatments such as drying, dyeing, bleaching, or impregnation with chemicals like glycerin to maintain their appearance and flexibility. Unlike fresh moss, preserved moss is treated to remain shelf-stable without water, which necessitates its classification under the 'otherwise prepared' category of this heading. The classification depends on the moss being used for decorative rather than medicinal or industrial purposes.
- Covers
- Preserved reindeer moss (Cladonia rangiferina)
- Stabilized sheet moss and mood moss
- Dyed decorative lichens
- Chemically impregnated moss for green walls
- Dried forest moss for floral arrangements
- Bleached ornamental mosses
- Also under 0604.90
- Verdissimo
- Secondflor
- various craft suppliers
- preserved foliage wholesalers
Codes often confused with 0604.90
Common mistake. Preserved moss is frequently misclassified under HS code 0604.20, which is reserved specifically for fresh mosses and lichens. The distinction lies in the preservation state; if the moss has been dyed or chemically treated to prevent decay, it must move to 0604.90. Another common error is using HS code 1404.90 for vegetable products not elsewhere specified. However, because 0604 explicitly mentions mosses and lichens for ornamental use, it takes precedence over the more general codes in Chapter 14. Additionally, artificial moss made from plastics should be classified under Chapter 67 as artificial foliage, not under 0604.
Top exporters and importers of HS 060490 (the code used for preserved moss), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 060490 (the code used for preserved moss) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 23% 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 060490, not only preserved moss.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $72M 20% of world exports
- 2 China $29M 8.2% of world exports
- 3 Italy $28M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $356M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $82M 23% of world imports
- 2 United States $61M 17% of world imports
- 3 Germany $44M 12% of world imports
World total: $355M 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 preserved moss
Brazil classifies preserved moss under NCM 0604.90.00: HS 0604.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about preserved moss
What is the HS code for Preserved moss?
The HS code for Preserved moss is 060490 (Foliage, 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 prepared). The primary HS code for preserved moss intended for ornamental use is 0604.90.
How do I classify Preserved moss for customs?
Preserved moss is classified under HS code 060490 — Foliage, 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 prepared. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can preserved moss be classified as a live plant?
No, preserved moss is no longer living and has been treated with preservatives, so it cannot be classified under live plant codes like 0604.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of preserved moss (HS 060490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 060490 (the code used for preserved moss) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($72M, 20% of world exports), China ($29M) and Italy ($28M). World exports came to about $356M, 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 preserved moss (HS 060490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 060490 (the code used for preserved moss) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($82M, 23% of world imports), the United States ($61M) and Germany ($44M). World imports came to about $355M, 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 Preserved moss the same in all countries?
The base HS code 060490 for Preserved 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 preserved moss in Brazil?
In Brazil, preserved moss (HS 060490) is classified under NCM 0604.90.00.