Chapter 07 covers edible vegetables, roots and tubers, including fresh, chilled, frozen, dried or temporarily preserved vegetables. This chapter does not include seeds for planting, vegetables for fodder, and certain specific processed products (such as oil seeds, medicinal plants). Fresh spinach, as a leafy vegetable, falls within the core commodity scope of this chapter. Heading 0709 covers other vegetables, fresh or chilled, including spinach, lettuce, chicory, beetroot, basil, etc. This heading is distinguished from 0701 (potatoes), 0702 (tomatoes) and other specifically named vegetables, and is one of the residual headings for fresh vegetable commodities. The first 2 digits 07 represent Chapter 7 "Edible vegetables, roots and tubers"; digits 3-4, 09, represent the heading "Other vegetables, fresh or chilled"; digits 5-6, 70, represent the subheading "Spinach, fresh or chilled". The complete code 070970 means fresh spinach, whether or not with roots, whether or not washed, as long as it remains fresh it is classified under this code. Fresh spinach has not been frozen, dried or processed, and is not among the vegetables specifically named in 0701-0708, therefore it is classified under 0709. The difference from other subheadings of 0709 adjacent to 070970 (such as lettuce, beetroot) lies in the different botanical varieties; customs classifies based on the product name and appearance.
Chapter
Chapter 07 covers edible vegetables, roots and tubers, including fresh, chilled, frozen, dried or temporarily preserved vegetables. This chapter does not include seeds for planting, vegetables for fodder, and certain specific processed products (such as oil seeds, medicinal plants). Fresh spinach, as a leafy vegetable, falls within the core commodity scope of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 0709 covers other vegetables, fresh or chilled, including spinach, lettuce, chicory, beetroot, basil, etc. This heading is distinguished from 0701 (potatoes), 0702 (tomatoes) and other specifically named vegetables, and is one of the residual headings for fresh vegetable commodities.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 07 represent Chapter 7 "Edible vegetables, roots and tubers"; digits 3-4, 09, represent the heading "Other vegetables, fresh or chilled"; digits 5-6, 70, represent the subheading "Spinach, fresh or chilled". The complete code 070970 means fresh spinach, whether or not with roots, whether or not washed, as long as it remains fresh it is classified under this code.
Classification Basis
Fresh spinach has not been frozen, dried or processed, and is not among the vegetables specifically named in 0701-0708, therefore it is classified under 0709. The difference from other subheadings of 0709 adjacent to 070970 (such as lettuce, beetroot) lies in the different botanical varieties; customs classifies based on the product name and appearance.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use the standardized botanical name or a common name recognized by customs, such as "fresh spinach". State: Indicate the freshness of the commodity, such as "fresh" or "chilled"; chilled temperature usually refers to 0-4°C. Whether washed: State whether it has undergone simple treatments such as washing, removing roots, removing yellow leaves, etc.; this does not affect classification but must be declared truthfully. Packaging specifications: Indicate the packaging method, such as "plastic bag, 500 grams per bag" or "bulk", which affects inspection and statistics. Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, "none" may be filled in. Place of origin: Indicate the specific growing place, such as "Qingdao City, Shandong Province", used to determine rules of origin. Scientific name: It is recommended to declare the Latin scientific name of spinach, Spinacia oleracea, to facilitate accurate identification by customs. Product name: Fresh spinach; State: Fresh; Whether washed: Yes, roots and yellow leaves removed; Packaging specifications: Plastic bag, 500 grams per bag, 10 bags per box; Brand: Lvyuan; Place of origin: Qingdao City, Shandong Province; Scientific name: Spinacia oleracea. Failure to indicate "fresh" or "chilled" may result in misclassification as frozen or dried spinach. Mistaking simple treatments such as washing and root removal as "processing", incorrectly classifying under Chapter 20. Vague packaging specification descriptions, such as only writing "boxed", making it impossible to verify during customs inspection.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use the standardized botanical name or a common name recognized by customs, such as "fresh spinach".
⚠️ Writing it as "spinach" without indicating "fresh" or "chilled", causing confusion with frozen or dried products.
State
Indicate the freshness of the commodity, such as "fresh" or "chilled"; chilled temperature usually refers to 0-4°C.
⚠️ Declaring chilled spinach as "frozen", or failing to indicate the state, leading to classification disputes.
Whether washed
State whether it has undergone simple treatments such as washing, removing roots, removing yellow leaves, etc.; this does not affect classification but must be declared truthfully.
⚠️ Misreporting washed spinach as "processed" and classifying it under other codes.
Packaging specifications
Indicate the packaging method, such as "plastic bag, 500 grams per bag" or "bulk", which affects inspection and statistics.
⚠️ Writing vaguely "boxed" without specifying inner packaging and net weight.
Brand
If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, "none" may be filled in.
⚠️ Confusing the brand with the manufacturer, or omitting the brand, leading to infringement risks.
Place of origin
Indicate the specific growing place, such as "Qingdao City, Shandong Province", used to determine rules of origin.
⚠️ Writing only "China" without specifying province and city, affecting the determination of preferential origin.
Scientific name
It is recommended to declare the Latin scientific name of spinach, Spinacia oleracea, to facilitate accurate identification by customs.
⚠️ Mistakenly writing the scientific name of another Chenopodiaceae plant, leading to classification errors.
Example： Product name: Fresh spinach; State: Fresh; Whether washed: Yes, roots and yellow leaves removed; Packaging specifications: Plastic bag, 500 grams per bag, 10 bags per box; Brand: Lvyuan; Place of origin: Qingdao City, Shandong Province; Scientific name: Spinacia oleracea.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to indicate "fresh" or "chilled" may result in misclassification as frozen or dried spinach.
Mistaking simple treatments such as washing and root removal as "processing", incorrectly classifying under Chapter 20.
Vague packaging specification descriptions, such as only writing "boxed", making it impossible to verify during customs inspection.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 7 and the subheading provisions of the Import and Export Tariff. Fresh spinach must remain fresh and must not be frozen, dried, steamed, cooked, or pickled in vinegar or otherwise processed. If it has undergone simple treatments such as washing, root removal, grading, etc., it is still classified under 070970; if it has been blanched or frozen, it is classified under 0710; if made into canned products, it is classified under 2005. 0710 Frozen spinach: 0710 is frozen vegetables; even if uncooked, they must have undergone freezing treatment. Fresh spinach is only chilled or at room temperature, not frozen. 0712 Dried spinach: 0712 is dried vegetables, with low moisture content, usually dehydrated or sun-dried. Fresh spinach has high moisture content and a tender texture. 0709 Other fresh vegetables: 0709 is other vegetables, fresh or chilled, but spinach is specifically named under 070970, so it is preferentially classified under 070970. 2005 Processed spinach: 2005 is other prepared or preserved vegetables, not frozen, such as canned or vinegar-pickled products. Fresh spinach has not undergone any processing and is not classified under this chapter. Does the commodity remain fresh, not frozen, dried or cooked? Has it undergone simple treatments such as washing or root removal? This does not affect classification. Does it belong to vegetables specifically named in 0701-0708? If not, classify under 0709. Is spinach specifically named under 070970? If yes, classify preferentially under it. Is the packaging used only for transportation and freshness preservation, without changing the essential nature of the commodity?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 7 and the subheading provisions of the Import and Export Tariff. Fresh spinach must remain fresh and must not be frozen, dried, steamed, cooked, or pickled in vinegar or otherwise processed. If it has undergone simple treatments such as washing, root removal, grading, etc., it is still classified under 070970; if it has been blanched or frozen, it is classified under 0710; if made into canned products, it is classified under 2005.
Confused Codes：
0710 - Frozen spinach
0710 is frozen vegetables; even if uncooked, they must have undergone freezing treatment. Fresh spinach is only chilled or at room temperature, not frozen.
0712 - Dried spinach
0712 is dried vegetables, with low moisture content, usually dehydrated or sun-dried. Fresh spinach has high moisture content and a tender texture.
0709 - Other fresh vegetables
0709 is other vegetables, fresh or chilled, but spinach is specifically named under 070970, so it is preferentially classified under 070970.
2005 - Processed spinach
2005 is other prepared or preserved vegetables, not frozen, such as canned or vinegar-pickled products. Fresh spinach has not undergone any processing and is not classified under this chapter.
Self-Check：
✓ Does the commodity remain fresh, not frozen, dried or cooked?
✓ Has it undergone simple treatments such as washing or root removal? This does not affect classification.
✓ Does it belong to vegetables specifically named in 0701-0708? If not, classify under 0709.
✓ Is spinach specifically named under 070970? If yes, classify preferentially under it.
✓ Is the packaging used only for transportation and freshness preservation, without changing the essential nature of the commodity?
❓ FAQ
Are the HS codes for fresh spinach and chilled spinach the same? Yes. HS code 070970 covers spinach, fresh or chilled; chilled refers to preservation at 0-4°C, not frozen. As long as it is not frozen, it is classified under this code. Can washed spinach still be classified under 070970? Yes. Washing, root removal, and removal of yellow leaves are simple treatments that do not change the fresh state and basic characteristics of spinach, so it is still classified under 070970. If it has been blanched or quick-frozen, it must be reclassified under 0710. How can I check the import tariff rate for fresh spinach? You can visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the "Internet + Customs" platform, enter HS code 070970 to check the MFN rate, general rate and VAT rate. Tariff rates may be adjusted; the latest announcement shall prevail. What declaration elements are required for exporting fresh spinach? It is necessary to declare the product name, state, whether washed, packaging specifications, brand, place of origin, scientific name, etc. The specifics shall be subject to customs declaration specifications; it is recommended to use the "Single Window" for pre-entry. What are the differences in regulatory conditions between fresh spinach and frozen spinach? Fresh spinach usually requires a phytosanitary certificate, while frozen spinach may also require a food hygiene certificate. Specific regulatory conditions vary by country/region; you can check the Customs Import and Export Tariff or consult the local customs. What are the consequences if fresh spinach is mistakenly classified under another subheading of 0709? It may lead to incorrect application of tariff rates, statistical confusion, and even customs penalties for inaccurate declaration. It is recommended to classify strictly according to the product name and subheading provisions, and apply for advance classification when necessary. What HS code applies to cross-border e-commerce retail export of fresh spinach? 070970 still applies, but attention should be paid to the declaration requirements for cross-border e-commerce retail export, such as list declaration and simplified classification. For details, refer to relevant announcements of the General Administration of Customs. Does the HS code for fresh spinach enjoy preferential tariff rates under the RCEP agreement? It is necessary to check the tariff commitment schedules of each RCEP country. If fresh spinach is included in the concession list and meets the rules of origin, preferential tariff rates may be applied for. It is recommended to use a certificate of origin.
Q: Are the HS codes for fresh spinach and chilled spinach the same?
A: Yes. HS code 070970 covers spinach, fresh or chilled; chilled refers to preservation at 0-4°C, not frozen. As long as it is not frozen, it is classified under this code.
Q: Can washed spinach still be classified under 070970?
A: Yes. Washing, root removal, and removal of yellow leaves are simple treatments that do not change the fresh state and basic characteristics of spinach, so it is still classified under 070970. If it has been blanched or quick-frozen, it must be reclassified under 0710.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for fresh spinach?
A: You can visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the "Internet + Customs" platform, enter HS code 070970 to check the MFN rate, general rate and VAT rate. Tariff rates may be adjusted; the latest announcement shall prevail.
Q: What declaration elements are required for exporting fresh spinach?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name, state, whether washed, packaging specifications, brand, place of origin, scientific name, etc. The specifics shall be subject to customs declaration specifications; it is recommended to use the "Single Window" for pre-entry.
Q: What are the differences in regulatory conditions between fresh spinach and frozen spinach?
A: Fresh spinach usually requires a phytosanitary certificate, while frozen spinach may also require a food hygiene certificate. Specific regulatory conditions vary by country/region; you can check the Customs Import and Export Tariff or consult the local customs.
Q: What are the consequences if fresh spinach is mistakenly classified under another subheading of 0709?
A: It may lead to incorrect application of tariff rates, statistical confusion, and even customs penalties for inaccurate declaration. It is recommended to classify strictly according to the product name and subheading provisions, and apply for advance classification when necessary.
Q: What HS code applies to cross-border e-commerce retail export of fresh spinach?
A: 070970 still applies, but attention should be paid to the declaration requirements for cross-border e-commerce retail export, such as list declaration and simplified classification. For details, refer to relevant announcements of the General Administration of Customs.
Q: Does the HS code for fresh spinach enjoy preferential tariff rates under the RCEP agreement?
A: It is necessary to check the tariff commitment schedules of each RCEP country. If fresh spinach is included in the concession list and meets the rules of origin, preferential tariff rates may be applied for. It is recommended to use a certificate of origin.
⚠️ 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.