Chapter 07 covers edible vegetables, roots and tubers, including fresh, chilled, frozen, dried or provisionally preserved vegetables of various types. This chapter is a core chapter in agricultural product trade, involving complex regulatory conditions such as tariff quotas and quarantine access. Within the chapter, headings are divided by vegetable type, such as 07.01 potatoes, 07.02 tomatoes, 07.03 onions and garlic, etc., 07.05 for chicory, and 07.06 for carrots and similar roots. Note that this chapter does not include roots and tubers for fodder purposes (12.14) or botanically defined fruits (Chapter 08). Heading 07.05 covers fresh or chilled chicory (Cichorium spp.), including common chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum) and curly endive (Cichorium endivia). Under this heading, subheadings are further divided by degree of processing and use: fresh or chilled chicory (0705.1) and fresh or chilled curly endive (0705.2). 0705.1 is further divided into Witloof chicory (0705.11), loose-leaf chicory (0705.12) and other (0705.19). Fresh chicory generally refers to whole or cut products that have not been dried, frozen or provisionally preserved. Code 070521 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "07" represent Chapter 7 (Edible vegetables, roots and tubers); digits 3-4 "05" represent heading 07.05 (Fresh or chilled chicory); digits 5-6 "21" represent subheading 0705.21, i.e., fresh or chilled Witloof chicory. Note the subheading hierarchy: 0705.1 is fresh or chilled chicory (excluding curly endive), 0705.11 is Witloof chicory, 0705.12 is loose-leaf chicory, and 0705.19 is other. 070521 specifically refers to Witloof chicory, characterized by a tight head shaped like a cannonball, typically used in salads. Fresh chicory is classified under 0705 rather than 0704 (cabbages, cauliflowers, etc.) or 0706 (carrots, radishes, etc.) because its botanical classification is the genus Cichorium, which differs from Brassicaceae or Apiaceae. 070521 is further limited to Witloof chicory, distinct from loose-leaf chicory (070512) and other chicory (070519). If frozen, chicory should be classified under 0710; if dried, under 0712; if provisionally preserved, under 0711.
Chapter
Chapter 07 covers edible vegetables, roots and tubers, including fresh, chilled, frozen, dried or provisionally preserved vegetables of various types. This chapter is a core chapter in agricultural product trade, involving complex regulatory conditions such as tariff quotas and quarantine access. Within the chapter, headings are divided by vegetable type, such as 07.01 potatoes, 07.02 tomatoes, 07.03 onions and garlic, etc., 07.05 for chicory, and 07.06 for carrots and similar roots. Note that this chapter does not include roots and tubers for fodder purposes (12.14) or botanically defined fruits (Chapter 08).
Heading
Heading 07.05 covers fresh or chilled chicory (Cichorium spp.), including common chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum) and curly endive (Cichorium endivia). Under this heading, subheadings are further divided by degree of processing and use: fresh or chilled chicory (0705.1) and fresh or chilled curly endive (0705.2). 0705.1 is further divided into Witloof chicory (0705.11), loose-leaf chicory (0705.12) and other (0705.19). Fresh chicory generally refers to whole or cut products that have not been dried, frozen or provisionally preserved.
Digit Breakdown
Code 070521 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "07" represent Chapter 7 (Edible vegetables, roots and tubers); digits 3-4 "05" represent heading 07.05 (Fresh or chilled chicory); digits 5-6 "21" represent subheading 0705.21, i.e., fresh or chilled Witloof chicory. Note the subheading hierarchy: 0705.1 is fresh or chilled chicory (excluding curly endive), 0705.11 is Witloof chicory, 0705.12 is loose-leaf chicory, and 0705.19 is other. 070521 specifically refers to Witloof chicory, characterized by a tight head shaped like a cannonball, typically used in salads.
Classification Basis
Fresh chicory is classified under 0705 rather than 0704 (cabbages, cauliflowers, etc.) or 0706 (carrots, radishes, etc.) because its botanical classification is the genus Cichorium, which differs from Brassicaceae or Apiaceae. 070521 is further limited to Witloof chicory, distinct from loose-leaf chicory (070512) and other chicory (070519). If frozen, chicory should be classified under 0710; if dried, under 0712; if provisionally preserved, under 0711.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declare the specific commodity name, such as "fresh Witloof chicory" or "fresh chicory (Witloof)", avoiding the use of only "chicory" which may cause classification disputes. Brand type: Fill in the brand name or "no brand", used for customs intellectual property recordation verification. Export preferential treatment status: Declare whether preferential tariffs under free trade agreements, etc. are enjoyed, such as "no preference" or "preference claimed (China-ASEAN)". Method of production or preservation: Specify as "fresh" or "chilled"; chilled temperature is usually 0-4℃, and must not be frozen. Grade: Fill in according to industry standards, such as "Grade 1", "Grade 2" or "bulk goods", affecting price and inspection. Packaging specifications: Such as "10 kg/carton", "500 g/bag", must be consistent with the bill of lading and packing list. Place of origin: Fill in the country or region, such as "Netherlands", "Belgium", affecting tariffs and quarantine. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Fresh Witloof chicory; Brand type: No brand; Export preferential treatment status: No preference; Method of production or preservation: Fresh; Grade: Grade 1; Packaging specifications: 10 kg/carton; Place of origin: Netherlands; HS code: 07052100.
Remarks: Phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin (if applicable), invoice, and packing list must be attached. Mistaking Witloof chicory for loose-leaf chicory (070512), resulting in classification errors and tariff differences. Missing chilled temperature records, determined by customs as frozen, which should be classified under 0710. Ignoring phytosanitary requirements, failing to provide official quarantine certificate of the exporting country, resulting in return of goods.
Product name
Declare the specific commodity name, such as "fresh Witloof chicory" or "fresh chicory (Witloof)", avoiding the use of only "chicory" which may cause classification disputes.
⚠️ Declaring only "chicory" without distinguishing Witloof/loose-leaf may result in classification under 070519.
Brand type
Fill in the brand name or "no brand", used for customs intellectual property recordation verification.
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with actual goods, or omitted, causing inspection delays.
Export preferential treatment status
Declare whether preferential tariffs under free trade agreements, etc. are enjoyed, such as "no preference" or "preference claimed (China-ASEAN)".
⚠️ Incorrectly claiming preference without providing a certificate of origin, resulting in rejection.
Method of production or preservation
Specify as "fresh" or "chilled"; chilled temperature is usually 0-4℃, and must not be frozen.
⚠️ Reporting chilled as frozen, which should be classified under 0710.
Grade
Fill in according to industry standards, such as "Grade 1", "Grade 2" or "bulk goods", affecting price and inspection.
⚠️ Grade inconsistent with contract, triggering customs valuation queries.
Packaging specifications
Such as "10 kg/carton", "500 g/bag", must be consistent with the bill of lading and packing list.
⚠️ Incorrect packaging unit (e.g., confusing kilograms with cartons), causing quantity verification anomalies.
Place of origin
Fill in the country or region, such as "Netherlands", "Belgium", affecting tariffs and quarantine.
⚠️ Certificate of origin inconsistent with goods, unable to enjoy preferences.
Example： Customs declaration example:
Product name: Fresh Witloof chicory; Brand type: No brand; Export preferential treatment status: No preference; Method of production or preservation: Fresh; Grade: Grade 1; Packaging specifications: 10 kg/carton; Place of origin: Netherlands; HS code: 07052100.
Remarks: Phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin (if applicable), invoice, and packing list must be attached.
Common Mistakes：
Mistaking Witloof chicory for loose-leaf chicory (070512), resulting in classification errors and tariff differences.
Missing chilled temperature records, determined by customs as frozen, which should be classified under 0710.
Ignoring phytosanitary requirements, failing to provide official quarantine certificate of the exporting country, resulting in return of goods.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and its notes. 070521 specifically refers to fresh or chilled Witloof chicory, botanical name Cichorium intybus var. foliosum, characterized by a tight, elongated oval head. It must simultaneously satisfy: 1) fresh or chilled; 2) not frozen, dried, or provisionally preserved; 3) Witloof form. If loose-leaf or non-Witloof, classify under 070512 or 070519. If curly endive (Cichorium endivia), classify under 0705.2. 070512 Fresh or chilled loose-leaf chicory: Loose-leaf chicory has loose leaves and does not form a head, whereas 070521 is Witloof chicory with a tight head. 070519 Other fresh or chilled chicory: Refers to chicory other than Witloof and loose-leaf, such as wild chicory, typically not used in salads. 070529 Other fresh or chilled curly endive: Curly endive (Cichorium endivia) has curled leaves and is a different species from Witloof chicory. 071080 Frozen chicory: Frozen chicory has undergone freezing treatment, whereas 070521 is fresh or chilled, different state. 070490 Other fresh or chilled edible vegetables: This code is a residual clause; chicory already has a specific listing and should not be classified here. Confirm the goods are fresh or chilled, not frozen, dried or provisionally preserved. Confirm the chicory is of the Witloof variety with a tight head. Verify the botanical name is Cichorium intybus var. foliosum. Check whether the packaging is labeled "Witloof chicory" or "Witloof". Confirm no other processing (such as cutting, peeling) beyond the scope of fresh or chilled.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and its notes. 070521 specifically refers to fresh or chilled Witloof chicory, botanical name Cichorium intybus var. foliosum, characterized by a tight, elongated oval head. It must simultaneously satisfy: 1) fresh or chilled; 2) not frozen, dried, or provisionally preserved; 3) Witloof form. If loose-leaf or non-Witloof, classify under 070512 or 070519. If curly endive (Cichorium endivia), classify under 0705.2.
Confused Codes：
070512 - Fresh or chilled loose-leaf chicory
Loose-leaf chicory has loose leaves and does not form a head, whereas 070521 is Witloof chicory with a tight head.
070519 - Other fresh or chilled chicory
Refers to chicory other than Witloof and loose-leaf, such as wild chicory, typically not used in salads.
070529 - Other fresh or chilled curly endive
Curly endive (Cichorium endivia) has curled leaves and is a different species from Witloof chicory.
071080 - Frozen chicory
Frozen chicory has undergone freezing treatment, whereas 070521 is fresh or chilled, different state.
070490 - Other fresh or chilled edible vegetables
This code is a residual clause; chicory already has a specific listing and should not be classified here.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the goods are fresh or chilled, not frozen, dried or provisionally preserved.
✓ Confirm the chicory is of the Witloof variety with a tight head.
✓ Verify the botanical name is Cichorium intybus var. foliosum.
✓ Check whether the packaging is labeled "Witloof chicory" or "Witloof".
✓ Confirm no other processing (such as cutting, peeling) beyond the scope of fresh or chilled.
❓ FAQ
How to check the tariff rate for HS code 070521? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China. Enter code 07052100 to view the MFN rate, general rate and FTA rate. Note that tariff rates are adjusted annually; refer to the latest version. What is the difference in HS codes between fresh chicory and frozen chicory? Fresh or chilled chicory is classified under 0705, and frozen chicory under 0710. If chicory has undergone freezing treatment, even if subsequently thawed, it should still be classified as frozen. Temperature records must be provided during declaration to prove the state. How to distinguish Witloof chicory from loose-leaf chicory? Witloof chicory has a tight head shaped like a cannonball, commonly known as Witloof or Belgian chicory; loose-leaf chicory has loose leaves and does not form a head. For classification, Witloof goes under 070521 and loose-leaf under 070512. What quarantine certificates are required for importing fresh chicory? An official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country is required, certifying the absence of quarantine pests of concern to China. Some countries also require fumigation certificates. For details, consult the General Administration of Customs' "List of Quarantine Access for Imported Plants". How to fill in "Method of production or preservation" when declaring fresh chicory? Fill in "fresh" or "chilled", and indicate the chilled temperature range (e.g., 0-4℃). If "frozen" is filled in, the classification is incorrect. Chilled transportation requires temperature monitoring records. What is the difference between 070521 and 070529? 070521 is Witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum), and 070529 is other fresh or chilled curly endive (Cichorium endivia). The two are different botanical species; Witloof chicory has a tight head, while curly endive has curled leaves. How to declare the export preferential treatment status for fresh chicory? If exported to FTA countries (such as ASEAN, South Korea), preference can be claimed, requiring a certificate of origin. If uncertain, declare "no preference". Preference can reduce tariffs but must comply with rules of origin. What common mistakes are made when classifying fresh chicory? Common mistakes include: reporting Witloof as loose-leaf; reporting chilled as frozen; ignoring phytosanitary requirements; failing to distinguish chicory from curly endive. It is recommended to verify the botanical name and morphological characteristics.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for HS code 070521?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China. Enter code 07052100 to view the MFN rate, general rate and FTA rate. Note that tariff rates are adjusted annually; refer to the latest version.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between fresh chicory and frozen chicory?
A: Fresh or chilled chicory is classified under 0705, and frozen chicory under 0710. If chicory has undergone freezing treatment, even if subsequently thawed, it should still be classified as frozen. Temperature records must be provided during declaration to prove the state.
Q: How to distinguish Witloof chicory from loose-leaf chicory?
A: Witloof chicory has a tight head shaped like a cannonball, commonly known as Witloof or Belgian chicory; loose-leaf chicory has loose leaves and does not form a head. For classification, Witloof goes under 070521 and loose-leaf under 070512.
Q: What quarantine certificates are required for importing fresh chicory?
A: An official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country is required, certifying the absence of quarantine pests of concern to China. Some countries also require fumigation certificates. For details, consult the General Administration of Customs' "List of Quarantine Access for Imported Plants".
Q: How to fill in "Method of production or preservation" when declaring fresh chicory?
A: Fill in "fresh" or "chilled", and indicate the chilled temperature range (e.g., 0-4℃). If "frozen" is filled in, the classification is incorrect. Chilled transportation requires temperature monitoring records.
Q: What is the difference between 070521 and 070529?
A: 070521 is Witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum), and 070529 is other fresh or chilled curly endive (Cichorium endivia). The two are different botanical species; Witloof chicory has a tight head, while curly endive has curled leaves.
Q: How to declare the export preferential treatment status for fresh chicory?
A: If exported to FTA countries (such as ASEAN, South Korea), preference can be claimed, requiring a certificate of origin. If uncertain, declare "no preference". Preference can reduce tariffs but must comply with rules of origin.
Q: What common mistakes are made when classifying fresh chicory?
A: Common mistakes include: reporting Witloof as loose-leaf; reporting chilled as frozen; ignoring phytosanitary requirements; failing to distinguish chicory from curly endive. It is recommended to verify the botanical name and morphological characteristics.
⚠️ 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.