Product classification
HS code for Rhododendrons: 0602.30
Plants, live, rhododendrons and azaleas, grafted or not.
Classification of rhododendrons under HS 0602.30
Rhododendrons are classified under HS code 0602.30. This code is situated within Chapter 06, which covers live trees and other plants, bulbs, roots, and the like, as well as cut flowers and ornamental foliage. Specifically, 0602.30 is a dedicated subheading for rhododendrons and azaleas, whether they are grafted or not. These plants are classified here when they are in a live state, intended for planting or ornamental use. The classification applies to the whole plant, typically including the root ball, whether it is bare-root or in a pot or similar container. The Harmonized System groups these specific genera together due to their botanical similarities and their significant role in the international nursery trade. Proper classification ensures compliance with phytosanitary regulations, which are often more stringent for live plant matter to prevent the cross-border spread of pests and diseases. The code 0602.30 excludes unrooted cuttings and slips, which are classified under 0602.10, and mushroom spawn. It is also important to distinguish between the live plant and cut branches or flowers. If the rhododendron is being shipped as cut decorative foliage without roots, it would move to heading 0604. This specific code is used by customs authorities to track the movement of Ericaceae family plants, which are often subject to specific import permits.
- Covers
- Live rhododendron shrubs
- Live azalea plants
- Grafted rhododendrons
- Potted azaleas for indoor use
- Bare-root rhododendron nursery stock
- Also under 0602.30
- Monrovia Nursery rhododendrons
- Azalea Hill Gardens & Nursery azaleas
- various specialized European nurseries
- Proven Winners azaleas.
Codes often confused with 0602.30
Common mistake. Rhododendrons are often confused with other live plants under 0602.90. They are also confused with unrooted cuttings (0602.10) or cut flowers (0603.19) if only the blooms are shipped. Azaleas are specifically included in 0602.30 and should not be placed in general nursery codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 060230 (the code used for rhododendrons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 060230 (the code used for rhododendrons) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 14% 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 060230, not only rhododendrons.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $40M 42% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $30M 32% of world exports
- 3 Germany $6.2M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $94M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $12M 14% of world imports
- 2 Italy $9.5M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $8.1M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $85M 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 rhododendrons
Brazil classifies rhododendrons under NCM 0602.30.00: HS 0602.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rhododendrons
What is the HS code for Rhododendrons?
The HS code for Rhododendrons is 060230 (Plants, live; rhododendrons and azaleas, grafted or not). The HS code for live rhododendrons and azaleas is 0602.30.
How do I classify Rhododendrons for customs?
Rhododendrons is classified under HS code 060230 — Plants, live; rhododendrons and azaleas, grafted or not. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include rhododendron seeds?
No, seeds for sowing are generally classified under heading 1209.
Which countries are the top exporters of rhododendrons (HS 060230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 060230 (the code used for rhododendrons) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($40M, 42% of world exports), the Netherlands ($30M) and Germany ($6.2M). World exports came to about $94M, 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 rhododendrons (HS 060230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 060230 (the code used for rhododendrons) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($12M, 14% of world imports), Italy ($9.5M) and the United Kingdom ($8.1M). World imports came to about $85M, 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 Rhododendrons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 060230 for Rhododendrons 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 rhododendrons in Brazil?
In Brazil, rhododendrons (HS 060230) is classified under NCM 0602.30.00.