Chapter 07 covers all edible vegetables, including fresh, chilled, frozen, and temporarily preserved (e.g., with sulfur dioxide gas, in brine, in sulfurous water, etc.), but excludes vegetables that have undergone further processing (e.g., dried, steamed, fried, etc.). This chapter classifies vegetables according to their botanical properties and degree of processing, mainly divided into fresh or chilled vegetables (0701-0709), frozen vegetables (0710), temporarily preserved vegetables (0711), dried vegetables (0712), and leguminous vegetables (0713), etc. Fresh leeks and other alliaceous vegetables fall within the category of fresh or chilled vegetables and are classified under heading 0703. Heading 0703 covers fresh or chilled alliaceous vegetables, including onions, shallots, garlic, leeks, and other alliaceous vegetables. It is specifically divided into: 0703.10 onions and shallots; 0703.20 garlic; 0703.90 leeks and other alliaceous vegetables. This heading applies only to the fresh or chilled state; if frozen, dried, preserved in vinegar, or otherwise processed, they are classified under other headings. Leek is an Allium plant, belonging to the same genus as onion and garlic but a different species, and is therefore classified under 0703.90. Code 070390 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "07" represent Chapter 07 (Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers); digits 3-4 "03" represent heading 0703 (Onions, shallots, garlic, leeks and other alliaceous vegetables, fresh or chilled); digits 5-6 "90" represent subheading 0703.90 (Other alliaceous vegetables, i.e., alliaceous vegetables other than onions, shallots, and garlic, such as leeks, welsh onions, chives, etc.). Therefore, 070390 specifically refers to fresh or chilled leeks and other alliaceous vegetables not elsewhere specified. Fresh leeks are alliaceous vegetables and have not undergone freezing, drying, preservation in vinegar, or other processing, thus meeting the description of heading 0703. They differ from 0703.10 (onions and shallots) and 0703.20 (garlic) in that they are a different species: leek (Allium porrum), onion (Allium cepa), and garlic (Allium sativum) are different species, so leeks are classified under 0703.90 "Other." If frozen, leeks should be classified under 0710.80; if dried, under 0712.90; if preserved in vinegar, under 2001.90.
Chapter
Chapter 07 covers all edible vegetables, including fresh, chilled, frozen, and temporarily preserved (e.g., with sulfur dioxide gas, in brine, in sulfurous water, etc.), but excludes vegetables that have undergone further processing (e.g., dried, steamed, fried, etc.). This chapter classifies vegetables according to their botanical properties and degree of processing, mainly divided into fresh or chilled vegetables (0701-0709), frozen vegetables (0710), temporarily preserved vegetables (0711), dried vegetables (0712), and leguminous vegetables (0713), etc. Fresh leeks and other alliaceous vegetables fall within the category of fresh or chilled vegetables and are classified under heading 0703.
Heading
Heading 0703 covers fresh or chilled alliaceous vegetables, including onions, shallots, garlic, leeks, and other alliaceous vegetables. It is specifically divided into: 0703.10 onions and shallots; 0703.20 garlic; 0703.90 leeks and other alliaceous vegetables. This heading applies only to the fresh or chilled state; if frozen, dried, preserved in vinegar, or otherwise processed, they are classified under other headings. Leek is an Allium plant, belonging to the same genus as onion and garlic but a different species, and is therefore classified under 0703.90.
Digit Breakdown
Code 070390 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "07" represent Chapter 07 (Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers); digits 3-4 "03" represent heading 0703 (Onions, shallots, garlic, leeks and other alliaceous vegetables, fresh or chilled); digits 5-6 "90" represent subheading 0703.90 (Other alliaceous vegetables, i.e., alliaceous vegetables other than onions, shallots, and garlic, such as leeks, welsh onions, chives, etc.). Therefore, 070390 specifically refers to fresh or chilled leeks and other alliaceous vegetables not elsewhere specified.
Classification Basis
Fresh leeks are alliaceous vegetables and have not undergone freezing, drying, preservation in vinegar, or other processing, thus meeting the description of heading 0703. They differ from 0703.10 (onions and shallots) and 0703.20 (garlic) in that they are a different species: leek (Allium porrum), onion (Allium cepa), and garlic (Allium sativum) are different species, so leeks are classified under 0703.90 "Other." If frozen, leeks should be classified under 0710.80; if dried, under 0712.90; if preserved in vinegar, under 2001.90.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, using standard Chinese or English commodity names, such as "Fresh Leeks," "Fresh Welsh Onions," etc. State: Indicate "fresh" or "chilled," showing that it has not been frozen, dried, or otherwise processed. Variety: The specific botanical variety or trade name, such as Leek, Chives, etc. Grade: The grade according to industry standards or contract specifications, such as Grade 1, Grade 2, etc. Packaging Specifications: The packaging method and weight or quantity per package, such as "10 kg/carton." Brand: The brand of the commodity (if any); if no brand, declare "None." Origin: The specific growing region or country, such as "Shandong Province," "California, USA." Product Name: Fresh Leeks; State: Fresh; Variety: Leek; Grade: Grade 1; Packaging Specifications: 10 kg/carton; Brand: None; Origin: Shandong Province, China. Misclassifying leeks under 0703.10 (onions and shallots) due to similar appearance but different species. Neglecting to declare the state, incorrectly reporting chilled leeks as frozen, resulting in classification under 0710. Failing to distinguish varieties, classifying chives etc. under 0703.90 without specific naming, affecting statistics. Incomplete declaration of packaging specifications, which may affect customs inspection and duty assessment.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, using standard Chinese or English commodity names, such as "Fresh Leeks," "Fresh Welsh Onions," etc.
⚠️ Declaring only as "vegetables" or "alliaceous vegetables," which is too general and does not specify the variety.
State
Indicate "fresh" or "chilled," showing that it has not been frozen, dried, or otherwise processed.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "frozen" or "dried," leading to classification errors.
Variety
The specific botanical variety or trade name, such as Leek, Chives, etc.
⚠️ Confusing leeks with shallots; shallots should be classified under 0703.10.
Grade
The grade according to industry standards or contract specifications, such as Grade 1, Grade 2, etc.
⚠️ Failing to declare the grade, or the grade description is unclear.
Packaging Specifications
The packaging method and weight or quantity per package, such as "10 kg/carton."
⚠️ Declaring only "carton" without specifying the weight.
Brand
The brand of the commodity (if any); if no brand, declare "None."
⚠️ Confusing the brand with the manufacturer, or omitting the brand.
Origin
The specific growing region or country, such as "Shandong Province," "California, USA."
⚠️ Declaring only the country without specifying the production region.
Misclassifying leeks under 0703.10 (onions and shallots) due to similar appearance but different species.
Neglecting to declare the state, incorrectly reporting chilled leeks as frozen, resulting in classification under 0710.
Failing to distinguish varieties, classifying chives etc. under 0703.90 without specific naming, affecting statistics.
Incomplete declaration of packaging specifications, which may affect customs inspection and duty assessment.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. Heading 0703 explicitly includes fresh or chilled alliaceous vegetables. Leek (Allium porrum) belongs to the genus Allium but is not onion or garlic, so it is classified under 0703.90. Note: if leeks have undergone any preservation treatment (such as freezing, drying, or preservation in vinegar), they are no longer classified under 0703 but should be classified under 0710, 0712, or 2001, etc. In addition, if alliaceous vegetables are mixed in packaging, they should be classified according to the predominant variety. 070310 Fresh or chilled onions and shallots: 070310 covers only onions (Allium cepa) and shallots (Allium fistulosum, etc.); leeks are a different species and are therefore classified under 070390. 070320 Fresh or chilled garlic: Garlic is another species of the genus Allium (Allium sativum), with obvious differences in morphology and odor from leeks, and is classified under 070320. 071080 Frozen other vegetables: Frozen leeks should be classified under 071080, as 0703 is limited to fresh or chilled, and freezing changes the degree of processing. 071290 Dried other vegetables: Dried leeks are classified under 071290, as drying constitutes further processing beyond the scope of 0703. 200190 Vegetables preserved in vinegar: Leeks preserved in vinegar are classified under 200190, as preservation in vinegar changes the essential character and they are no longer fresh or chilled. Confirm the commodity is in fresh or chilled state, not frozen, dried, or preserved in vinegar. Confirm the botanical variety is leek or other alliaceous vegetables, not onion, shallot, or garlic. Verify whether packaging specifications affect classification (e.g., retail packaging does not affect). Check whether mixed with other vegetables; if mixed, classify according to the predominant component. Confirm origin and brand information is complete for customs verification.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. Heading 0703 explicitly includes fresh or chilled alliaceous vegetables. Leek (Allium porrum) belongs to the genus Allium but is not onion or garlic, so it is classified under 0703.90. Note: if leeks have undergone any preservation treatment (such as freezing, drying, or preservation in vinegar), they are no longer classified under 0703 but should be classified under 0710, 0712, or 2001, etc. In addition, if alliaceous vegetables are mixed in packaging, they should be classified according to the predominant variety.
Confused Codes：
070310 - Fresh or chilled onions and shallots
070310 covers only onions (Allium cepa) and shallots (Allium fistulosum, etc.); leeks are a different species and are therefore classified under 070390.
070320 - Fresh or chilled garlic
Garlic is another species of the genus Allium (Allium sativum), with obvious differences in morphology and odor from leeks, and is classified under 070320.
071080 - Frozen other vegetables
Frozen leeks should be classified under 071080, as 0703 is limited to fresh or chilled, and freezing changes the degree of processing.
071290 - Dried other vegetables
Dried leeks are classified under 071290, as drying constitutes further processing beyond the scope of 0703.
200190 - Vegetables preserved in vinegar
Leeks preserved in vinegar are classified under 200190, as preservation in vinegar changes the essential character and they are no longer fresh or chilled.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the commodity is in fresh or chilled state, not frozen, dried, or preserved in vinegar.
✓ Confirm the botanical variety is leek or other alliaceous vegetables, not onion, shallot, or garlic.
✓ Verify whether packaging specifications affect classification (e.g., retail packaging does not affect).
✓ Check whether mixed with other vegetables; if mixed, classify according to the predominant component.
✓ Confirm origin and brand information is complete for customs verification.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between fresh leeks and shallots? Fresh leeks are classified under 070390, while shallots are classified under 070310. The difference lies in the botanical variety: shallots usually refer to Allium fistulosum or a variety of Allium cepa, while leeks are Allium porrum. Customs inspection may judge based on appearance, odor, etc.; it is recommended to provide the accurate variety name when declaring. If leeks are frozen, which code should they be classified under? Frozen leeks should be classified under 071080 (Frozen other vegetables), because 0703 applies only to fresh or chilled state. Freezing constitutes processing that changes the essential character of the commodity, so it must be classified under the frozen vegetable heading of Chapter 07. Does 070390 include all other alliaceous vegetables? Yes, 070390 covers fresh or chilled leeks and other alliaceous vegetables not elsewhere specified, such as welsh onions, chives, Chinese chives, etc. However, note that if these vegetables have been frozen, dried, or otherwise processed, they are classified under other codes. How to distinguish leeks from onions when declaring? Leek leaves are flat, and the false stem is long and thick; onions usually form bulbs. When declaring, provide the specific variety name, such as "Leek," and avoid using confusing names like "onion." Customs may require a phytosanitary certificate or variety certification. How to check the export tax rebate and import tariff rates for 070390? Tax rates are adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to obtain the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff query tools. Export tax rebates should refer to the export tax rebate rate database published by the State Taxation Administration. If fresh leeks are mixed with other vegetables in packaging, how should they be classified? According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, if mixed packaged vegetables cannot be distinguished by predominant component, they are generally classified according to the component with the greatest weight. If leeks are the predominant component, they are classified under 070390; if the mixture retains their respective characteristics, they may be classified separately. It is recommended to provide detailed composition ratios. What are the regulatory conditions for 070390? Import of fresh leeks generally requires animal and plant quarantine approval, obtaining an "Import Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit," and an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country. Export must comply with the requirements of the importing country and may require fumigation or other treatments. Specific regulatory conditions are subject to the latest customs announcements. Does this code apply to fresh leeks sold via cross-border e-commerce? Fresh leeks sold via cross-border e-commerce also apply to 070390, but note that cross-border e-commerce retail imported goods may be subject to different tax policies. In addition, fresh vegetables have high logistics timeliness requirements and must comply with inspection and quarantine requirements.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between fresh leeks and shallots?
A: Fresh leeks are classified under 070390, while shallots are classified under 070310. The difference lies in the botanical variety: shallots usually refer to Allium fistulosum or a variety of Allium cepa, while leeks are Allium porrum. Customs inspection may judge based on appearance, odor, etc.; it is recommended to provide the accurate variety name when declaring.
Q: If leeks are frozen, which code should they be classified under?
A: Frozen leeks should be classified under 071080 (Frozen other vegetables), because 0703 applies only to fresh or chilled state. Freezing constitutes processing that changes the essential character of the commodity, so it must be classified under the frozen vegetable heading of Chapter 07.
Q: Does 070390 include all other alliaceous vegetables?
A: Yes, 070390 covers fresh or chilled leeks and other alliaceous vegetables not elsewhere specified, such as welsh onions, chives, Chinese chives, etc. However, note that if these vegetables have been frozen, dried, or otherwise processed, they are classified under other codes.
Q: How to distinguish leeks from onions when declaring?
A: Leek leaves are flat, and the false stem is long and thick; onions usually form bulbs. When declaring, provide the specific variety name, such as "Leek," and avoid using confusing names like "onion." Customs may require a phytosanitary certificate or variety certification.
Q: How to check the export tax rebate and import tariff rates for 070390?
A: Tax rates are adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to obtain the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff query tools. Export tax rebates should refer to the export tax rebate rate database published by the State Taxation Administration.
Q: If fresh leeks are mixed with other vegetables in packaging, how should they be classified?
A: According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, if mixed packaged vegetables cannot be distinguished by predominant component, they are generally classified according to the component with the greatest weight. If leeks are the predominant component, they are classified under 070390; if the mixture retains their respective characteristics, they may be classified separately. It is recommended to provide detailed composition ratios.
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for 070390?
A: Import of fresh leeks generally requires animal and plant quarantine approval, obtaining an "Import Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit," and an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country. Export must comply with the requirements of the importing country and may require fumigation or other treatments. Specific regulatory conditions are subject to the latest customs announcements.
Q: Does this code apply to fresh leeks sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: Fresh leeks sold via cross-border e-commerce also apply to 070390, but note that cross-border e-commerce retail imported goods may be subject to different tax policies. In addition, fresh vegetables have high logistics timeliness requirements and must comply with inspection and quarantine requirements.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.