HS Code for Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are classified under HS code 071420. This code is found in Chapter 7, which deals with edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers. Heading 0714 specifically covers roots and tubers with high starch or inulin content, such as manioc, arrowroot, salep, Jerusalem artichokes, and sweet potatoes. The subheading 071420 is dedicated to the species Ipomoea batatas. This classification applies to the product in various states: fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried. They may also be sliced or in the form of pellets. The high starch content is the defining botanical characteristic that groups sweet potatoes with other starchy roots rather than with standard green vegetables. It is important to note that this code covers the raw or minimally processed vegetable; once the sweet potatoes are significantly prepared (such as being cooked and canned or turned into flour), the classification shifts to other chapters.

Products Included

• Fresh sweet potatoes (whole)
• Chilled sweet potatoes
• Frozen sweet potatoes (unprocessed beyond freezing)
• Dried sweet potatoes, whether or not sliced
• Sweet potato pellets made from dried and compressed roots
• Sweet potatoes with orange, white, or purple flesh

Common Misclassification

Sweet potatoes are most commonly misclassified under HS code 0701, which is reserved for standard potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). Despite the similar name, they belong to different botanical families and are treated separately in the HS nomenclature. Another common error is using HS code 2004 or 2005, which covers vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid. If the sweet potatoes have been cooked, fried (like frozen sweet potato fries), or preserved in a way that goes beyond simple drying or freezing, they must be moved to Chapter 20.

FAQ

What is the HS code for sweet potatoes?

The HS code for sweet potatoes is 071420, covering fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried forms of the tuber.

Are sweet potato fries classified under 071420?

Generally, no. If the sweet potato fries have been pre-cooked or battered before freezing, they are classified under HS code 200410 or 200520 as prepared vegetable products.