Chapter 07 covers edible vegetables, roots and tubers, including vegetables in fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, temporarily preserved and other states. This chapter does not include vegetable products (Chapter 20) or certain specific plants (such as oil seeds and medicinal plants). The core scope is vegetables as food, whether or not simply processed, provided they retain the essential characteristics of vegetables. Heading 0705 covers fresh or chilled lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and chicory (Cichorium spp.), including head lettuce, leaf lettuce, asparagus lettuce (stem lettuce) and chicory, etc. Under this heading, subheadings are further divided by variety and state, but frozen, dried or further processed lettuce is not included. The first 2 digits 07 represent Chapter 7 (Edible vegetables, roots and tubers). The 3rd-4th digits 05 represent heading 0705, specifically fresh or chilled lettuce and chicory. The 5th-6th digits 19 are the subheading, indicating "other fresh lettuce," that is, fresh lettuce other than head lettuce (070511) and leaf lettuce (070519? Actually 070511 is head lettuce, 070519 is other), including asparagus lettuce, upright lettuce, etc. Note: 070519 refers only to fresh; chilled is classified under 070519? But according to the HS, fresh or chilled belong to the same subheading, but do the codes distinguish fresh from chilled? In fact, subheadings under 0705 are divided by variety, not by fresh/chilled. 070519 covers other fresh or chilled lettuce. This product is fresh other lettuce, not head-forming or leaf type, such as asparagus lettuce, romaine lettuce, etc., and has not been frozen, dried or processed, so it is classified under 070519. If it were head lettuce, it would be classified under 070511; if it were chicory, it would be classified under 070521 or 070529.
Chapter
Chapter 07 covers edible vegetables, roots and tubers, including vegetables in fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, temporarily preserved and other states. This chapter does not include vegetable products (Chapter 20) or certain specific plants (such as oil seeds and medicinal plants). The core scope is vegetables as food, whether or not simply processed, provided they retain the essential characteristics of vegetables.
Heading
Heading 0705 covers fresh or chilled lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and chicory (Cichorium spp.), including head lettuce, leaf lettuce, asparagus lettuce (stem lettuce) and chicory, etc. Under this heading, subheadings are further divided by variety and state, but frozen, dried or further processed lettuce is not included.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 07 represent Chapter 7 (Edible vegetables, roots and tubers). The 3rd-4th digits 05 represent heading 0705, specifically fresh or chilled lettuce and chicory. The 5th-6th digits 19 are the subheading, indicating "other fresh lettuce," that is, fresh lettuce other than head lettuce (070511) and leaf lettuce (070519? Actually 070511 is head lettuce, 070519 is other), including asparagus lettuce, upright lettuce, etc. Note: 070519 refers only to fresh; chilled is classified under 070519? But according to the HS, fresh or chilled belong to the same subheading, but do the codes distinguish fresh from chilled? In fact, subheadings under 0705 are divided by variety, not by fresh/chilled. 070519 covers other fresh or chilled lettuce.
Classification Basis
This product is fresh other lettuce, not head-forming or leaf type, such as asparagus lettuce, romaine lettuce, etc., and has not been frozen, dried or processed, so it is classified under 070519. If it were head lettuce, it would be classified under 070511; if it were chicory, it would be classified under 070521 or 070529.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "fresh asparagus lettuce," "fresh romaine lettuce," etc., which must correspond to the HS code. State: Indicate "fresh" or "chilled," because 0705 includes fresh or chilled, but it must be specified. Variety: The specific scientific name or commercial name of the variety, such as Lactuca sativa var. angustana (asparagus lettuce). Whether root/leaf removed: Explain the degree of processing, such as only roots removed and old leaves removed, with no further processing. Packaging specifications: Such as box packing, weight per box, weight per head, etc., used for statistics and value review. Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, fill in "none." Origin: The country/region where the goods are produced or grown, affecting tariffs and trade policy. Example customs declaration: Product name: fresh asparagus lettuce; State: fresh; Variety: Lactuca sativa var. angustana; Processing method: roots removed, old leaves removed, not washed; Packaging specifications: 10kg/box; Brand: none; Origin: China. HS code: 0705190090 (assuming a 10-digit code, first 6 digits 070519). Mistakenly classifying chilled lettuce under 070519, but fresh and chilled both belong to 0705, and it is necessary to confirm whether the subheading distinguishes them. Incorrectly classifying asparagus lettuce under 070511 (head lettuce), resulting in classification error. Classifying cut and washed lettuce under 070519, when it may actually belong to Chapter 20.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "fresh asparagus lettuce," "fresh romaine lettuce," etc., which must correspond to the HS code.
⚠️ Writing only "lettuce" without distinguishing the variety, leading to classification disputes.
State
Indicate "fresh" or "chilled," because 0705 includes fresh or chilled, but it must be specified.
⚠️ Mistakenly writing "frozen," leading to classification under 0710.
Variety
The specific scientific name or commercial name of the variety, such as Lactuca sativa var. angustana (asparagus lettuce).
⚠️ Confusing head-forming and leaf types, incorrectly classifying under 070511.
Whether root/leaf removed
Explain the degree of processing, such as only roots removed and old leaves removed, with no further processing.
⚠️ Describing it as "washed and cut into pieces," which may lead to classification under Chapter 20.
Packaging specifications
Such as box packing, weight per box, weight per head, etc., used for statistics and value review.
If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, fill in "none."
⚠️ The brand does not match the goods, leading to intellectual property issues.
Origin
The country/region where the goods are produced or grown, affecting tariffs and trade policy.
⚠️ False declaration, which may trigger anti-dumping or additional duties.
Example： Example customs declaration: Product name: fresh asparagus lettuce; State: fresh; Variety: Lactuca sativa var. angustana; Processing method: roots removed, old leaves removed, not washed; Packaging specifications: 10kg/box; Brand: none; Origin: China. HS code: 0705190090 (assuming a 10-digit code, first 6 digits 070519).
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying chilled lettuce under 070519, but fresh and chilled both belong to 0705, and it is necessary to confirm whether the subheading distinguishes them.
Incorrectly classifying asparagus lettuce under 070511 (head lettuce), resulting in classification error.
Classifying cut and washed lettuce under 070519, when it may actually belong to Chapter 20.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) The commodity must be a plant of the genus Lactuca and in fresh or chilled state; 2) It is not head-forming or leaf type, that is, it does not belong to 070511 or 070519? Actually 070511 is head lettuce, and 070519 is other, including leaf? According to the HS, 070511 is head lettuce, and 070519 is other fresh or chilled lettuce. Therefore, as long as it is not head lettuce, it is classified under 070519. 3) It has not been frozen, dried, steamed or further processed. 070511 Fresh or chilled head lettuce: Head lettuce (such as iceberg lettuce) has a distinct head, while 070519 is other types, such as asparagus lettuce and romaine lettuce. 070521 Fresh or chilled chicory (witloof chicory): The genus Cichorium is different from Lactuca, but the appearance is similar, and they must be distinguished by botanical classification. 070529 Other fresh or chilled chicory: Also of the genus Cichorium, but not witloof type, such as red chicory. 071080 Frozen lettuce: Frozen state is classified under 0710, while fresh or chilled is classified under 0705. 200511 Processed lettuce: Lettuce preserved in vinegar or acetic acid is classified under 2005, not 0705. Confirm the commodity is in fresh or chilled state. Confirm it belongs to the genus Lactuca and not Cichorium. Confirm it is not head lettuce (otherwise classify under 070511). Confirm it has not been frozen, dried or further processed. Confirm the declaration elements are complete and accurate.
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) The commodity must be a plant of the genus Lactuca and in fresh or chilled state; 2) It is not head-forming or leaf type, that is, it does not belong to 070511 or 070519? Actually 070511 is head lettuce, and 070519 is other, including leaf? According to the HS, 070511 is head lettuce, and 070519 is other fresh or chilled lettuce. Therefore, as long as it is not head lettuce, it is classified under 070519. 3) It has not been frozen, dried, steamed or further processed.
Confused Codes：
070511 - Fresh or chilled head lettuce
Head lettuce (such as iceberg lettuce) has a distinct head, while 070519 is other types, such as asparagus lettuce and romaine lettuce.
070521 - Fresh or chilled chicory (witloof chicory)
The genus Cichorium is different from Lactuca, but the appearance is similar, and they must be distinguished by botanical classification.
070529 - Other fresh or chilled chicory
Also of the genus Cichorium, but not witloof type, such as red chicory.
071080 - Frozen lettuce
Frozen state is classified under 0710, while fresh or chilled is classified under 0705.
200511 - Processed lettuce
Lettuce preserved in vinegar or acetic acid is classified under 2005, not 0705.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the commodity is in fresh or chilled state.
✓ Confirm it belongs to the genus Lactuca and not Cichorium.
✓ Confirm it is not head lettuce (otherwise classify under 070511).
✓ Confirm it has not been frozen, dried or further processed.
✓ Confirm the declaration elements are complete and accurate.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between HS codes 070519 and 070511? 070511 specifically refers to head lettuce (such as iceberg lettuce), which has a distinct head; 070519 refers to other fresh or chilled lettuce, including asparagus lettuce, romaine lettuce, leaf lettuce, etc. Classification must be judged based on botanical characteristics and appearance. Which HS code should asparagus lettuce be classified under? Asparagus lettuce (stem lettuce) belongs to the genus Lactuca, is not head-forming, and in fresh or chilled state should be classified under 070519. If frozen, it is classified under 071080; if processed, it may be classified under Chapter 20. Are the HS codes for fresh lettuce and chilled lettuce the same? Yes, HS code 0705 covers fresh or chilled lettuce, and subheadings are divided by variety, not distinguishing fresh from chilled. However, the state must be indicated when declaring. How can I check the tariff rate for 070519? You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use a customs tariff query tool, enter HS code 070519, and check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, value-added tax rate, etc. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted, and the latest announcement shall prevail. What procedures are required to import fresh lettuce from abroad? An animal and plant quarantine permit, an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country, and compliance with China's access requirements are required. When declaring, provide contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, etc., and declare HS code 070519. What are the declaration elements for 070519? Usually include product name, state, variety, processing method, packaging specifications, brand, origin, etc. The specific requirements shall be subject to customs requirements; it is recommended to refer to the Customs Import and Export Commodity Specification Declaration Catalog of the People's Republic of China. Does the HS code for fresh lettuce apply to organic lettuce? Yes, organic certification does not affect HS code classification, and it is still classified as fresh lettuce under 070519, but an organic certification certificate must be provided during declaration for customs verification. If lettuce has been washed and cut, can it still be classified under 070519? If it is only simply washed, roots removed, and old leaves removed, it can still be classified under 070519; if it is cut, sliced, shredded, etc., it may be regarded as processed and classified under Chapter 20. The judgment must be based on the degree of processing.
Q: What is the difference between HS codes 070519 and 070511?
A: 070511 specifically refers to head lettuce (such as iceberg lettuce), which has a distinct head; 070519 refers to other fresh or chilled lettuce, including asparagus lettuce, romaine lettuce, leaf lettuce, etc. Classification must be judged based on botanical characteristics and appearance.
Q: Which HS code should asparagus lettuce be classified under?
A: Asparagus lettuce (stem lettuce) belongs to the genus Lactuca, is not head-forming, and in fresh or chilled state should be classified under 070519. If frozen, it is classified under 071080; if processed, it may be classified under Chapter 20.
Q: Are the HS codes for fresh lettuce and chilled lettuce the same?
A: Yes, HS code 0705 covers fresh or chilled lettuce, and subheadings are divided by variety, not distinguishing fresh from chilled. However, the state must be indicated when declaring.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for 070519?
A: You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use a customs tariff query tool, enter HS code 070519, and check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, value-added tax rate, etc. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted, and the latest announcement shall prevail.
Q: What procedures are required to import fresh lettuce from abroad?
A: An animal and plant quarantine permit, an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country, and compliance with China's access requirements are required. When declaring, provide contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, etc., and declare HS code 070519.
Q: What are the declaration elements for 070519?
A: Usually include product name, state, variety, processing method, packaging specifications, brand, origin, etc. The specific requirements shall be subject to customs requirements; it is recommended to refer to the Customs Import and Export Commodity Specification Declaration Catalog of the People's Republic of China.
Q: Does the HS code for fresh lettuce apply to organic lettuce?
A: Yes, organic certification does not affect HS code classification, and it is still classified as fresh lettuce under 070519, but an organic certification certificate must be provided during declaration for customs verification.
Q: If lettuce has been washed and cut, can it still be classified under 070519?
A: If it is only simply washed, roots removed, and old leaves removed, it can still be classified under 070519; if it is cut, sliced, shredded, etc., it may be regarded as processed and classified under Chapter 20. The judgment must be based on the degree of processing.
⚠️ 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.