Chapter 07 covers edible vegetables, roots and tubers, including vegetables in various processed states such as fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, and temporarily preserved. This chapter involves multiple headings from 0701 to 0714, divided by vegetable type and processing method. Fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables (such as kidney beans, peas, cowpeas, etc.) are mainly classified under 0708, while dried leguminous vegetables are classified under 0713. This chapter does not include certain plants used as feed or oilseeds, nor does it include potatoes, sweet potatoes and other tubers (classified under Chapter 07 or Chapter 11). Heading 0708 covers fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables, whether or not shelled. Specifically includes kidney beans, peas, cowpeas, lentils, etc. However, note: 0708 applies only to fresh or chilled state, and does not include frozen (classified under 0710) or dried (classified under 0713) leguminous vegetables. In addition, leguminous vegetable seeds for sowing, if in fresh or chilled state, are also classified under this heading, but if processed or packaged, classification may be affected. Code 070820 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 07 represent Chapter 07 (edible vegetables, roots and tubers); digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 0708 (fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables); digits 5-6, 20, represent subheading 070820, specifically referring to fresh or chilled kidney beans. Among them, the 5th digit 2 indicates the genus Phaseolus, and the 6th digit 0 indicates fresh or chilled kidney beans not further subdivided. In the HS coding system, the first six digits are internationally uniform, and countries may add four more digits to refine them. China Customs' 10-digit code is 0708200000, where the last four digits are used for statistics and regulation. Fresh green beans belong to fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables and have not been frozen, dried, or further processed, so they are classified under 0708 rather than 0710 (frozen leguminous vegetables) or 0713 (dried leguminous vegetables). At the same time, kidney beans belong to the legume family genus Phaseolus, and are distinguished from subheadings such as peas (070810) and cowpeas (070830), so they are classified under 070820. If they are shelled fresh kidney beans, they are still classified under 070820, because 0708 covers shelled or unshelled fresh leguminous vegetables.
Chapter
Chapter 07 covers edible vegetables, roots and tubers, including vegetables in various processed states such as fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, and temporarily preserved. This chapter involves multiple headings from 0701 to 0714, divided by vegetable type and processing method. Fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables (such as kidney beans, peas, cowpeas, etc.) are mainly classified under 0708, while dried leguminous vegetables are classified under 0713. This chapter does not include certain plants used as feed or oilseeds, nor does it include potatoes, sweet potatoes and other tubers (classified under Chapter 07 or Chapter 11).
Heading
Heading 0708 covers fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables, whether or not shelled. Specifically includes kidney beans, peas, cowpeas, lentils, etc. However, note: 0708 applies only to fresh or chilled state, and does not include frozen (classified under 0710) or dried (classified under 0713) leguminous vegetables. In addition, leguminous vegetable seeds for sowing, if in fresh or chilled state, are also classified under this heading, but if processed or packaged, classification may be affected.
Digit Breakdown
Code 070820 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 07 represent Chapter 07 (edible vegetables, roots and tubers); digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 0708 (fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables); digits 5-6, 20, represent subheading 070820, specifically referring to fresh or chilled kidney beans. Among them, the 5th digit 2 indicates the genus Phaseolus, and the 6th digit 0 indicates fresh or chilled kidney beans not further subdivided. In the HS coding system, the first six digits are internationally uniform, and countries may add four more digits to refine them. China Customs' 10-digit code is 0708200000, where the last four digits are used for statistics and regulation.
Classification Basis
Fresh green beans belong to fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables and have not been frozen, dried, or further processed, so they are classified under 0708 rather than 0710 (frozen leguminous vegetables) or 0713 (dried leguminous vegetables). At the same time, kidney beans belong to the legume family genus Phaseolus, and are distinguished from subheadings such as peas (070810) and cowpeas (070830), so they are classified under 070820. If they are shelled fresh kidney beans, they are still classified under 070820, because 0708 covers shelled or unshelled fresh leguminous vegetables.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "fresh kidney beans" or "fresh green beans", must be consistent with the contract and invoice. State: Indicate "fresh" or "chilled"; chilled temperature is usually 0-4°C. Whether shelled: State whether the kidney beans are in pod or shelled, such as "in pod" or "shelled". Use: Indicate food use, processing use, or seed use, etc.; seed use requires relevant certificates. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none". Specifications: Such as length, diameter, packaging specifications, e.g., "length 10-15cm". Origin: Declare the specific place of origin, such as "Shouguang City, Shandong Province". Product name: Fresh kidney beans (in pod); State: Fresh; Whether shelled: In pod; Use: Food; Brand: None; Specifications: Length 10-15cm, diameter 0.8-1.2cm, 5kg per box; Origin: Shouguang City, Shandong Province.
Note: This batch of goods is freshly picked, without freezing or drying treatment, and complies with HS code 0708200000. Misreporting chilled kidney beans as frozen kidney beans, resulting in classification under 0710 instead of 0708. Ignoring the "whether shelled" element, but this element does not affect 070820 classification, only affects statistics. Seed-use kidney beans without quarantine approval or seed certificates may be questioned by customs.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "fresh kidney beans" or "fresh green beans", must be consistent with the contract and invoice.
⚠️ Mistakenly written as "frozen kidney beans" or "dried kidney beans", leading to incorrect classification.
State
Indicate "fresh" or "chilled"; chilled temperature is usually 0-4°C.
⚠️ Failure to indicate the state, or mistakenly filling in "frozen".
Whether shelled
State whether the kidney beans are in pod or shelled, such as "in pod" or "shelled".
⚠️ Ignoring this element, affecting subheading determination.
Use
Indicate food use, processing use, or seed use, etc.; seed use requires relevant certificates.
⚠️ Misreporting as seed use without certificates, or actually seed use reported as food use.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with actual situation, or omission of brand.
Specifications
Such as length, diameter, packaging specifications, e.g., "length 10-15cm".
⚠️ Specification description too general to distinguish.
Origin
Declare the specific place of origin, such as "Shouguang City, Shandong Province".
⚠️ Only filling in "China", not specific enough.
Example： Product name: Fresh kidney beans (in pod); State: Fresh; Whether shelled: In pod; Use: Food; Brand: None; Specifications: Length 10-15cm, diameter 0.8-1.2cm, 5kg per box; Origin: Shouguang City, Shandong Province.
Note: This batch of goods is freshly picked, without freezing or drying treatment, and complies with HS code 0708200000.
Common Mistakes：
Misreporting chilled kidney beans as frozen kidney beans, resulting in classification under 0710 instead of 0708.
Ignoring the "whether shelled" element, but this element does not affect 070820 classification, only affects statistics.
Seed-use kidney beans without quarantine approval or seed certificates may be questioned by customs.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the physical state of the commodity (fresh or chilled), degree of processing (not frozen, not dried), and botanical species (genus Phaseolus). According to the notes to Chapter 07 of the Import and Export Tariff, fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables are classified under 0708, among which kidney beans are classified under 070820. If frozen, they are classified under 0710; if dried, they are classified under 0713. In addition, if kidney beans have undergone further processing such as steaming, boiling, or frying, they may be classified under Chapter 20. Therefore, maintaining fresh or chilled state is the key to classification under 070820. 070810 Fresh or chilled peas: Peas and kidney beans are botanically different; peas belong to the genus Pisum, while kidney beans belong to the genus Phaseolus. In appearance, pea pods are thinner, while kidney bean pods are thicker. 070830 Fresh or chilled cowpeas: Cowpea pods are slender, while kidney bean pods are usually wider and flatter. Cowpeas are classified under 070830, kidney beans under 070820. 071022 Frozen kidney beans: Frozen kidney beans have undergone freezing treatment and are classified under 0710, while fresh or chilled kidney beans are classified under 0708. 071331 Dried kidney beans: Dried kidney beans have undergone dehydration and drying and are classified under 0713, while fresh kidney beans are classified under 0708. 200559 Other prepared or preserved kidney beans: Kidney beans processed by vinegar pickling, oil immersion, steaming, etc. are classified under Chapter 20, not Chapter 07. Does the commodity remain fresh or chilled? Does it belong to the genus Phaseolus spp.? Has it been frozen, dried, or further processed? Is it for seed use? Seed use requires certificates. Do packaging and labels comply with the importing country's requirements?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the physical state of the commodity (fresh or chilled), degree of processing (not frozen, not dried), and botanical species (genus Phaseolus). According to the notes to Chapter 07 of the Import and Export Tariff, fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables are classified under 0708, among which kidney beans are classified under 070820. If frozen, they are classified under 0710; if dried, they are classified under 0713. In addition, if kidney beans have undergone further processing such as steaming, boiling, or frying, they may be classified under Chapter 20. Therefore, maintaining fresh or chilled state is the key to classification under 070820.
Confused Codes：
070810 - Fresh or chilled peas
Peas and kidney beans are botanically different; peas belong to the genus Pisum, while kidney beans belong to the genus Phaseolus. In appearance, pea pods are thinner, while kidney bean pods are thicker.
070830 - Fresh or chilled cowpeas
Cowpea pods are slender, while kidney bean pods are usually wider and flatter. Cowpeas are classified under 070830, kidney beans under 070820.
071022 - Frozen kidney beans
Frozen kidney beans have undergone freezing treatment and are classified under 0710, while fresh or chilled kidney beans are classified under 0708.
071331 - Dried kidney beans
Dried kidney beans have undergone dehydration and drying and are classified under 0713, while fresh kidney beans are classified under 0708.
200559 - Other prepared or preserved kidney beans
Kidney beans processed by vinegar pickling, oil immersion, steaming, etc. are classified under Chapter 20, not Chapter 07.
Self-Check：
✓ Does the commodity remain fresh or chilled?
✓ Does it belong to the genus Phaseolus spp.?
✓ Has it been frozen, dried, or further processed?
✓ Is it for seed use? Seed use requires certificates.
✓ Do packaging and labels comply with the importing country's requirements?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between fresh kidney beans and frozen kidney beans? Fresh kidney beans are classified under 070820, while frozen kidney beans are classified under 071022. The key difference lies in whether they have undergone freezing treatment. Frozen kidney beans are usually quick-frozen at temperatures below -18°C, while fresh kidney beans are only chilled (0-4°C) or not chilled. When declaring, the state must be accurately described to avoid classification errors. How can it be determined whether kidney beans belong to 070820? First confirm that the commodity is in fresh or chilled state, without freezing, drying, or further processing. Second, confirm that the botanical species is genus Phaseolus (such as green beans, kidney beans, etc.). If they are fresh kidney beans in pod or shelled, they are all classified under 070820. If they are other leguminous vegetables such as peas or cowpeas, they are classified under 070810 or 070830. What declaration elements are required for importing fresh kidney beans? The main declaration elements include product name, state (fresh/chilled), whether shelled, use, brand, specifications, origin, etc. In addition, phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, etc. are required. If for seed use, seed quarantine approval is also required. When declaring, the elements must be complete and accurate to avoid customs clearance delays. How can the tariff rate for fresh kidney beans be checked? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the Import and Export Tariff issued by the General Administration of Customs of China or query through the customs classification pre-ruling system. At the same time, attention may be paid to free trade agreement rates, such as preferential rates under agreements with ASEAN, Chile, etc. The specific rate shall be subject to actual customs determination. Is the classification of fresh kidney beans affected by packaging? Generally not, but if the packaging is retail packaging with a brand, it may affect declaration elements. Classification is still based on the state of the commodity itself. If special treatment has been applied (such as vacuum packaging or modified atmosphere packaging), as long as the fresh or chilled state has not changed, it is still classified under 070820. However, if the packaging causes deterioration or processing of the commodity, classification may change. How are kidney beans and cowpeas distinguished in HS codes? Kidney beans are classified under 070820, and cowpeas under 070830. The two are botanically different: Phaseolus pods are wider and flatter, while Vigna pods are slender. When declaring, they must be accurately classified according to the actual variety, and a botanical identification report may be provided if necessary. What certifications are required for exporting fresh kidney beans to the European Union? Exporting to the EU requires compliance with EU food safety regulations, usually requiring GlobalG.A.P. certification, phytosanitary certificates, and compliance with EU pesticide residue standards. In addition, packaging must meet EU requirements, and labels must indicate the place of origin. For specifics, consult a professional customs broker or EU importer. If fresh kidney beans are steamed and then frozen, which code should they be classified under? Kidney beans that have been steamed and then frozen have exceeded the scope of Chapter 07, because Chapter 07 only includes fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, and other vegetables not further processed. Steaming is further processing and should be classified under Chapter 20, with the specific subheading depending on the processing method, such as 200559 (other prepared or preserved kidney beans).
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between fresh kidney beans and frozen kidney beans?
A: Fresh kidney beans are classified under 070820, while frozen kidney beans are classified under 071022. The key difference lies in whether they have undergone freezing treatment. Frozen kidney beans are usually quick-frozen at temperatures below -18°C, while fresh kidney beans are only chilled (0-4°C) or not chilled. When declaring, the state must be accurately described to avoid classification errors.
Q: How can it be determined whether kidney beans belong to 070820?
A: First confirm that the commodity is in fresh or chilled state, without freezing, drying, or further processing. Second, confirm that the botanical species is genus Phaseolus (such as green beans, kidney beans, etc.). If they are fresh kidney beans in pod or shelled, they are all classified under 070820. If they are other leguminous vegetables such as peas or cowpeas, they are classified under 070810 or 070830.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing fresh kidney beans?
A: The main declaration elements include product name, state (fresh/chilled), whether shelled, use, brand, specifications, origin, etc. In addition, phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, etc. are required. If for seed use, seed quarantine approval is also required. When declaring, the elements must be complete and accurate to avoid customs clearance delays.
Q: How can the tariff rate for fresh kidney beans be checked?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the Import and Export Tariff issued by the General Administration of Customs of China or query through the customs classification pre-ruling system. At the same time, attention may be paid to free trade agreement rates, such as preferential rates under agreements with ASEAN, Chile, etc. The specific rate shall be subject to actual customs determination.
Q: Is the classification of fresh kidney beans affected by packaging?
A: Generally not, but if the packaging is retail packaging with a brand, it may affect declaration elements. Classification is still based on the state of the commodity itself. If special treatment has been applied (such as vacuum packaging or modified atmosphere packaging), as long as the fresh or chilled state has not changed, it is still classified under 070820. However, if the packaging causes deterioration or processing of the commodity, classification may change.
Q: How are kidney beans and cowpeas distinguished in HS codes?
A: Kidney beans are classified under 070820, and cowpeas under 070830. The two are botanically different: Phaseolus pods are wider and flatter, while Vigna pods are slender. When declaring, they must be accurately classified according to the actual variety, and a botanical identification report may be provided if necessary.
Q: What certifications are required for exporting fresh kidney beans to the European Union?
A: Exporting to the EU requires compliance with EU food safety regulations, usually requiring GlobalG.A.P. certification, phytosanitary certificates, and compliance with EU pesticide residue standards. In addition, packaging must meet EU requirements, and labels must indicate the place of origin. For specifics, consult a professional customs broker or EU importer.
Q: If fresh kidney beans are steamed and then frozen, which code should they be classified under?
A: Kidney beans that have been steamed and then frozen have exceeded the scope of Chapter 07, because Chapter 07 only includes fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, and other vegetables not further processed. Steaming is further processing and should be classified under Chapter 20, with the specific subheading depending on the processing method, such as 200559 (other prepared or preserved kidney beans).
⚠️ 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.