Chapter 07 covers all edible vegetables, roots and tubers, including fresh, chilled, frozen, temporarily preserved, etc. This chapter does not include plants used as feed or for oil extraction, nor certain specific processed products (such as dried products classified under Chapter 12). Fresh or chilled chicory belongs to this chapter and is a common vegetable category in international trade. Heading 0705 covers fresh or chilled lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and chicory (Cichorium spp.), including head lettuce, leaf lettuce, chicory, endive, etc. Under this heading, subheadings are further divided by variety, such as head lettuce, other lettuce, chicory, etc. Fresh other chicory refers to fresh chicory other than witloof chicory. First 2 digits 07: represents Chapter 07, edible vegetables, roots and tubers. Digits 3-4, 05: represents heading 0705, fresh or chilled lettuce and chicory. Digits 5-6, 29: represents subheading 070529, i.e., fresh or chilled other chicory (other than witloof chicory). Among these, subheading 070521 is witloof chicory, and 070529 is other chicory, including common chicory, red chicory, endive, etc. This product is fresh other chicory, belonging to the genus Cichorium spp. but not witloof chicory, therefore classified under 070529. If it were witloof chicory, it would be classified under 070521; if it were lettuce, it would be classified under 070511 or 070519. Fresh or chilled status is key to this chapter; if processed (such as dried or frozen), it would be classified under other chapters.
Chapter
Chapter 07 covers all edible vegetables, roots and tubers, including fresh, chilled, frozen, temporarily preserved, etc. This chapter does not include plants used as feed or for oil extraction, nor certain specific processed products (such as dried products classified under Chapter 12). Fresh or chilled chicory belongs to this chapter and is a common vegetable category in international trade.
Heading
Heading 0705 covers fresh or chilled lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and chicory (Cichorium spp.), including head lettuce, leaf lettuce, chicory, endive, etc. Under this heading, subheadings are further divided by variety, such as head lettuce, other lettuce, chicory, etc. Fresh other chicory refers to fresh chicory other than witloof chicory.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 07: represents Chapter 07, edible vegetables, roots and tubers. Digits 3-4, 05: represents heading 0705, fresh or chilled lettuce and chicory. Digits 5-6, 29: represents subheading 070529, i.e., fresh or chilled other chicory (other than witloof chicory). Among these, subheading 070521 is witloof chicory, and 070529 is other chicory, including common chicory, red chicory, endive, etc.
Classification Basis
This product is fresh other chicory, belonging to the genus Cichorium spp. but not witloof chicory, therefore classified under 070529. If it were witloof chicory, it would be classified under 070521; if it were lettuce, it would be classified under 070511 or 070519. Fresh or chilled status is key to this chapter; if processed (such as dried or frozen), it would be classified under other chapters.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared goods, such as 'fresh chicory,' 'fresh red chicory,' 'fresh endive,' etc., which must be consistent with the contract and invoice. State: Indicate 'fresh' or 'chilled.' Fresh should be explicitly stated as 'fresh'; chilled must specify temperature conditions. Variety: Specific variety name, such as 'red chicory,' 'green chicory,' 'endive,' etc., which helps with accurate classification. Latin Scientific Name: The Latin scientific name of the genus Cichorium spp.; specific species names may be provided when necessary. Use: For food, processing, etc. Generally, fresh chicory is mostly for food use. Packaging Specifications: Such as boxed or bagged, weight per box or quantity per bag, to facilitate customs inspection. Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if no brand, fill in 'none.' Country of Origin: The country (region) of origin of the goods, affecting tariffs and trade policies. Product Name: Fresh Red Chicory; State: Fresh; Variety: Red Chicory; Latin Scientific Name: Cichorium intybus; Use: Food; Packaging Specifications: 10kg/box; Brand: None; Country of Origin: Italy. Mistakenly classifying witloof chicory under 070529, when it should actually be classified under 070521. Confusing fresh chicory with chilled chicory; both belong to 0705 but the state affects regulatory conditions. Ignoring the Latin scientific name, leading to confusion with lettuce (Lactuca) and incorrect classification under 070511 or 070519.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, such as 'fresh chicory,' 'fresh red chicory,' 'fresh endive,' etc., which must be consistent with the contract and invoice.
⚠️ Writing only 'chicory' without distinguishing between witloof and non-witloof, or mistakenly writing 'lettuce' or 'celtuce.'
State
Indicate 'fresh' or 'chilled.' Fresh should be explicitly stated as 'fresh'; chilled must specify temperature conditions.
⚠️ Reporting chilled as fresh, or vaguely writing 'fresh.'
Variety
Specific variety name, such as 'red chicory,' 'green chicory,' 'endive,' etc., which helps with accurate classification.
⚠️ Failing to provide variety information, making it impossible to determine whether it is witloof chicory.
Latin Scientific Name
The Latin scientific name of the genus Cichorium spp.; specific species names may be provided when necessary.
⚠️ Mistakenly writing Lactuca sativa (lettuce), leading to classification errors.
Use
For food, processing, etc. Generally, fresh chicory is mostly for food use.
⚠️ Filling in 'feed' or 'industrial use,' which may affect classification.
Packaging Specifications
Such as boxed or bagged, weight per box or quantity per bag, to facilitate customs inspection.
⚠️ Not indicating packaging units, or inconsistency with actual conditions.
Brand
If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if no brand, fill in 'none.'
⚠️ Omitting the brand or reporting it incorrectly.
Country of Origin
The country (region) of origin of the goods, affecting tariffs and trade policies.
⚠️ False or vague declaration.
Example： Product Name: Fresh Red Chicory; State: Fresh; Variety: Red Chicory; Latin Scientific Name: Cichorium intybus; Use: Food; Packaging Specifications: 10kg/box; Brand: None; Country of Origin: Italy.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying witloof chicory under 070529, when it should actually be classified under 070521.
Confusing fresh chicory with chilled chicory; both belong to 0705 but the state affects regulatory conditions.
Ignoring the Latin scientific name, leading to confusion with lettuce (Lactuca) and incorrect classification under 070511 or 070519.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 07 and subheading texts of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. Fresh other chicory must meet the following: 1) state is fresh or chilled; 2) belongs to the genus Cichorium spp.; 3) is not witloof chicory. If it is witloof chicory, it is classified under 070521; if it is lettuce, it is classified under 070511 or 070519. In addition, if frozen, dried, or otherwise processed, it is classified under other headings of Chapter 07 or Chapter 12. 070521 Fresh or chilled witloof chicory: Witloof chicory has a tight head of leaves, while other chicories such as red chicory and endive do not form heads or form loose heads, which is the basis for distinction. 070511 Fresh or chilled head lettuce: Head lettuce is Lactuca sativa var. capitata, with a tight head, and is different from plants of the genus Cichorium. 070519 Fresh or chilled other lettuce: Other lettuce includes leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, etc., belonging to the genus Lactuca, while chicory belongs to the genus Cichorium. 070690 Fresh or chilled other vegetables: This subheading is a residual provision; if chicory is specially processed or does not fall within the scope of 0705, it may be classified here. However, fresh chicory is explicitly classified under 0705. 121190 Other plants used primarily for perfumery, pharmacy, insecticidal, fungicidal purposes: If chicory roots are used as coffee substitutes or for medicinal purposes, they may be classified under Chapter 12, but fresh chicory leaves used as vegetables are classified under 0705. Is it clearly in fresh or chilled state? Does it belong to the genus Cichorium rather than Lactuca? Is it non-witloof chicory? Is the Latin scientific name accurate? Are packaging and use consistent with food use?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 07 and subheading texts of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. Fresh other chicory must meet the following: 1) state is fresh or chilled; 2) belongs to the genus Cichorium spp.; 3) is not witloof chicory. If it is witloof chicory, it is classified under 070521; if it is lettuce, it is classified under 070511 or 070519. In addition, if frozen, dried, or otherwise processed, it is classified under other headings of Chapter 07 or Chapter 12.
Confused Codes：
070521 - Fresh or chilled witloof chicory
Witloof chicory has a tight head of leaves, while other chicories such as red chicory and endive do not form heads or form loose heads, which is the basis for distinction.
070511 - Fresh or chilled head lettuce
Head lettuce is Lactuca sativa var. capitata, with a tight head, and is different from plants of the genus Cichorium.
070519 - Fresh or chilled other lettuce
Other lettuce includes leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, etc., belonging to the genus Lactuca, while chicory belongs to the genus Cichorium.
070690 - Fresh or chilled other vegetables
This subheading is a residual provision; if chicory is specially processed or does not fall within the scope of 0705, it may be classified here. However, fresh chicory is explicitly classified under 0705.
121190 - Other plants used primarily for perfumery, pharmacy, insecticidal, fungicidal purposes
If chicory roots are used as coffee substitutes or for medicinal purposes, they may be classified under Chapter 12, but fresh chicory leaves used as vegetables are classified under 0705.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clearly in fresh or chilled state?
✓ Does it belong to the genus Cichorium rather than Lactuca?
✓ Is it non-witloof chicory?
✓ Is the Latin scientific name accurate?
✓ Are packaging and use consistent with food use?
❓ FAQ
How do you distinguish witloof chicory from other chicory? Witloof chicory has a tight, oval-shaped head, usually white or pale yellow, while other chicories such as red chicory and endive have loose leaves or are red in color. They can be distinguished by appearance and variety, and the Latin scientific name can be referenced when necessary. Are the HS codes the same for fresh chicory and chilled chicory? Yes, both fresh and chilled chicory are classified under 0705, with the specific subheading depending on the variety. However, the state must be indicated at declaration because certain trade policies or quarantine requirements may differ. If the chicory is frozen, which code should it be classified under? Frozen chicory should be classified under other headings of Chapter 07, such as 0710 (frozen vegetables), with the specific subheading being 071080 or others. Fresh or chilled state is key to classification under 0705. Is there a difference in classification between chicory roots and chicory leaves? If chicory roots are used as coffee substitutes or for medicinal purposes, they are usually classified under Chapter 12 (such as 121190); while chicory leaves as vegetables, when fresh or chilled, are classified under 0705. If roots and leaves are mixed, classification should be based on the primary use. Is it mandatory to provide the Latin scientific name at declaration? It is recommended to provide it, as the Latin scientific name can accurately distinguish the genus Cichorium from the genus Lactuca and avoid classification errors. Customs may require it to confirm the variety. How can I check the tariff rate for fresh other chicory? The tariff rate must be determined based on the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. It can be checked in the Import and Export Tariff published by the General Administration of Customs of China or through the customs classification advance ruling system. Rates may change, so it is recommended to refer to the latest announcements. What should be noted when selling fresh chicory through cross-border e-commerce? It is necessary to ensure that the goods comply with the quarantine requirements of the importing and exporting countries, accurately provide information such as product name, state, and variety at declaration, and pay attention to whether a phytosanitary certificate is required. At the same time, attention should be paid to fresh-keeping transportation conditions. If the chicory is organic, will the HS code be different? The HS code does not change due to organic certification and is still classified under 070529. However, organic products may involve additional certification and labeling requirements, and relevant certificates must be provided at declaration.
Q: How do you distinguish witloof chicory from other chicory?
A: Witloof chicory has a tight, oval-shaped head, usually white or pale yellow, while other chicories such as red chicory and endive have loose leaves or are red in color. They can be distinguished by appearance and variety, and the Latin scientific name can be referenced when necessary.
Q: Are the HS codes the same for fresh chicory and chilled chicory?
A: Yes, both fresh and chilled chicory are classified under 0705, with the specific subheading depending on the variety. However, the state must be indicated at declaration because certain trade policies or quarantine requirements may differ.
Q: If the chicory is frozen, which code should it be classified under?
A: Frozen chicory should be classified under other headings of Chapter 07, such as 0710 (frozen vegetables), with the specific subheading being 071080 or others. Fresh or chilled state is key to classification under 0705.
Q: Is there a difference in classification between chicory roots and chicory leaves?
A: If chicory roots are used as coffee substitutes or for medicinal purposes, they are usually classified under Chapter 12 (such as 121190); while chicory leaves as vegetables, when fresh or chilled, are classified under 0705. If roots and leaves are mixed, classification should be based on the primary use.
Q: Is it mandatory to provide the Latin scientific name at declaration?
A: It is recommended to provide it, as the Latin scientific name can accurately distinguish the genus Cichorium from the genus Lactuca and avoid classification errors. Customs may require it to confirm the variety.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for fresh other chicory?
A: The tariff rate must be determined based on the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. It can be checked in the Import and Export Tariff published by the General Administration of Customs of China or through the customs classification advance ruling system. Rates may change, so it is recommended to refer to the latest announcements.
Q: What should be noted when selling fresh chicory through cross-border e-commerce?
A: It is necessary to ensure that the goods comply with the quarantine requirements of the importing and exporting countries, accurately provide information such as product name, state, and variety at declaration, and pay attention to whether a phytosanitary certificate is required. At the same time, attention should be paid to fresh-keeping transportation conditions.
Q: If the chicory is organic, will the HS code be different?
A: The HS code does not change due to organic certification and is still classified under 070529. However, organic products may involve additional certification and labeling requirements, and relevant certificates must be provided at declaration.
⚠️ 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.