Chapter 07 covers edible vegetables, roots and tubers, including fresh, chilled, frozen, dried or temporarily preserved vegetables of various kinds. This chapter is a core chapter in agricultural trade, involving complex regulatory conditions such as tariff quotas, seasonal duty rates, and phytosanitary requirements. Within the chapter, tariff lines are divided by vegetable type and degree of processing. Fresh or chilled vegetables are mainly classified under 0701-0709, among which 0709 covers other fresh or chilled vegetables and is one of the broadest tariff lines in this chapter in terms of product coverage. Heading 0709 covers other fresh or chilled vegetables, namely all kinds of fresh or chilled vegetables not listed in the preceding headings (0701-0708). This heading includes many varieties such as sweet corn, mushrooms, peppers, spinach, and salad vegetables. Although sweet corn belongs to the cereal crops, because it is eaten as a vegetable when immature, it is classified in this chapter rather than Chapter 10 (Cereals). Under heading 0709, products are further subdivided by specific variety, and sweet corn corresponds to subheading 0709.91. Code 070991 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "07" indicate Chapter 7 (Edible vegetables, roots and tubers); digits 3-4 "09" indicate heading 0709 (Other vegetables, fresh or chilled); digits 5-6 "91" indicate subheading 0709.91, namely sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata). This subheading applies only to fresh or chilled sweet corn and does not include frozen sweet corn (classified under 0710.40), dried sweet corn (classified under 0712.90), or sweet corn for sowing (classified under 1005.10). Fresh sweet corn is classified under 0709.91 rather than 1005.90 (Other maize), because sweet corn is harvested when immature and eaten as a vegetable, meeting the definition of "edible vegetables" in Chapter 7. By contrast, 1005.90 covers maize used as a cereal after maturity (such as feed maize or maize for starch). In addition, frozen sweet corn is classified under 0710.40, dried sweet corn under 0712.90, and sweet corn for sowing under 1005.10, none of which are classified under this heading.
Chapter
Chapter 07 covers edible vegetables, roots and tubers, including fresh, chilled, frozen, dried or temporarily preserved vegetables of various kinds. This chapter is a core chapter in agricultural trade, involving complex regulatory conditions such as tariff quotas, seasonal duty rates, and phytosanitary requirements. Within the chapter, tariff lines are divided by vegetable type and degree of processing. Fresh or chilled vegetables are mainly classified under 0701-0709, among which 0709 covers other fresh or chilled vegetables and is one of the broadest tariff lines in this chapter in terms of product coverage.
Heading
Heading 0709 covers other fresh or chilled vegetables, namely all kinds of fresh or chilled vegetables not listed in the preceding headings (0701-0708). This heading includes many varieties such as sweet corn, mushrooms, peppers, spinach, and salad vegetables. Although sweet corn belongs to the cereal crops, because it is eaten as a vegetable when immature, it is classified in this chapter rather than Chapter 10 (Cereals). Under heading 0709, products are further subdivided by specific variety, and sweet corn corresponds to subheading 0709.91.
Digit Breakdown
Code 070991 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "07" indicate Chapter 7 (Edible vegetables, roots and tubers); digits 3-4 "09" indicate heading 0709 (Other vegetables, fresh or chilled); digits 5-6 "91" indicate subheading 0709.91, namely sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata). This subheading applies only to fresh or chilled sweet corn and does not include frozen sweet corn (classified under 0710.40), dried sweet corn (classified under 0712.90), or sweet corn for sowing (classified under 1005.10).
Classification Basis
Fresh sweet corn is classified under 0709.91 rather than 1005.90 (Other maize), because sweet corn is harvested when immature and eaten as a vegetable, meeting the definition of "edible vegetables" in Chapter 7. By contrast, 1005.90 covers maize used as a cereal after maturity (such as feed maize or maize for starch). In addition, frozen sweet corn is classified under 0710.40, dried sweet corn under 0712.90, and sweet corn for sowing under 1005.10, none of which are classified under this heading.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity; it should state "fresh sweet corn" or "chilled sweet corn" and avoid the general term "corn." Brand type: Fill in the brand of the commodity; if there is no brand, enter "no brand," or select types such as "foreign brand (OEM production)" or "domestic brand." Export preferential treatment status: According to whether export tariff preferences or free trade agreement rates are enjoyed, fill in "export preferential treatment enjoyed" or "export preferential treatment not enjoyed." Method of production or preservation: Clearly declare "fresh" or "chilled"; terms such as "frozen" or "dried" must not appear. Grade: Fill in the grade according to industry or contract standards, such as "Grade A" or "Premium"; if there is no grade, enter "none." Packaging specifications: Fill in the weight or quantity of each package, such as "10 kg/carton" or "24 ears/carton." Brand (Chinese and foreign language names): If there is a brand, both the Chinese and foreign language names must be declared; if there is no brand, enter "none." GTIN: If there is a Global Trade Item Number, fill in the GTIN; if not, enter "none." Product name: Fresh sweet corn; Brand type: No brand; Export preferential treatment status: Export preferential treatment not enjoyed; Method of production or preservation: Fresh; Grade: Grade A; Packaging specifications: 10 kg/carton; Brand: None; GTIN: None. Declaring chilled sweet corn as frozen, resulting in incorrect classification under 0710.40 and affecting regulatory conditions and duty rates. Ignoring brand type and export preferential treatment status, resulting in incomplete declaration and possible customs rejection. Vague packaging specification descriptions, such as writing only "carton-packed" without providing specific weight or quantity.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity; it should state "fresh sweet corn" or "chilled sweet corn" and avoid the general term "corn."
⚠️ Declaring only "corn" without distinguishing sweet corn from ordinary corn.
Brand type
Fill in the brand of the commodity; if there is no brand, enter "no brand," or select types such as "foreign brand (OEM production)" or "domestic brand."
⚠️ The brand does not match the actual packaging, or the brand type is omitted.
Export preferential treatment status
According to whether export tariff preferences or free trade agreement rates are enjoyed, fill in "export preferential treatment enjoyed" or "export preferential treatment not enjoyed."
⚠️ Incorrectly checking the preferential treatment status, leading to subsequent issues with tax refunds or tariffs.
Method of production or preservation
Clearly declare "fresh" or "chilled"; terms such as "frozen" or "dried" must not appear.
⚠️ Declaring chilled sweet corn as "frozen," resulting in incorrect classification.
Grade
Fill in the grade according to industry or contract standards, such as "Grade A" or "Premium"; if there is no grade, enter "none."
⚠️ The grade description does not match the contract, or it is not filled in according to the standard.
Packaging specifications
Fill in the weight or quantity of each package, such as "10 kg/carton" or "24 ears/carton."
⚠️ Incomplete packaging specifications, such as writing only "carton-packed."
Brand (Chinese and foreign language names)
If there is a brand, both the Chinese and foreign language names must be declared; if there is no brand, enter "none."
⚠️ Only the foreign language brand is filled in, without the Chinese name.
GTIN
If there is a Global Trade Item Number, fill in the GTIN; if not, enter "none."
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in another code or leaving it blank.
Example: Product name: Fresh sweet corn; Brand type: No brand; Export preferential treatment status: Export preferential treatment not enjoyed; Method of production or preservation: Fresh; Grade: Grade A; Packaging specifications: 10 kg/carton; Brand: None; GTIN: None.
Common Mistakes:
Declaring chilled sweet corn as frozen, resulting in incorrect classification under 0710.40 and affecting regulatory conditions and duty rates.
Ignoring brand type and export preferential treatment status, resulting in incomplete declaration and possible customs rejection.
Vague packaging specification descriptions, such as writing only "carton-packed" without providing specific weight or quantity.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. Sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) is harvested when immature and is mainly eaten as a vegetable, meeting the definition of "edible vegetables" in Chapter 7. According to the General Explanatory Notes to Chapter 7 of the HS, although sweet corn is a cereal crop, because it is used as a vegetable in the fresh and tender state, it is classified under 0709.91. If sweet corn has matured and dried, it is classified in Chapter 10 (Cereals). In addition, frozen sweet corn is classified under 0710.40, dried sweet corn under 0712.90, and sweet corn for sowing under 1005.10. 071040 Frozen sweet corn: Frozen sweet corn has undergone freezing treatment, and its preservation state is different, so it is classified under 0710.40; fresh or chilled sweet corn is classified under 0709.91. 071290 Dried sweet corn: Dried sweet corn has low moisture content and is classified under 0712.90; fresh sweet corn has high moisture content and is classified under 0709.91. 100510 Maize for sowing: Maize for sowing is used for planting and is classified under 1005.10; fresh sweet corn is used for food and is classified under 0709.91. 100590 Other maize: Other maize is mature grain used for feed, starch, etc., and is classified under 1005.90; fresh sweet corn is a vegetable and is classified under 0709.91. 070999 Other fresh or chilled vegetables: 0709.99 covers vegetables not elsewhere specified; sweet corn already has a specific subheading 0709.91, so it is not classified under 0709.99. Confirm that the commodity is in a fresh or chilled state, not frozen or dried. Confirm that the variety is sweet corn, not ordinary corn or maize for sowing. Check whether the packaging and labels indicate "fresh sweet corn." Check whether phytosanitary requirements are also met. Confirm that declaration elements are complete, including brand, packaging specifications, etc.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. Sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) is harvested when immature and is mainly eaten as a vegetable, meeting the definition of "edible vegetables" in Chapter 7. According to the General Explanatory Notes to Chapter 7 of the HS, although sweet corn is a cereal crop, because it is used as a vegetable in the fresh and tender state, it is classified under 0709.91. If sweet corn has matured and dried, it is classified in Chapter 10 (Cereals). In addition, frozen sweet corn is classified under 0710.40, dried sweet corn under 0712.90, and sweet corn for sowing under 1005.10.
Confused Codes:
071040 - Frozen sweet corn
Frozen sweet corn has undergone freezing treatment, and its preservation state is different, so it is classified under 0710.40; fresh or chilled sweet corn is classified under 0709.91.
071290 - Dried sweet corn
Dried sweet corn has low moisture content and is classified under 0712.90; fresh sweet corn has high moisture content and is classified under 0709.91.
100510 - Maize for sowing
Maize for sowing is used for planting and is classified under 1005.10; fresh sweet corn is used for food and is classified under 0709.91.
100590 - Other maize
Other maize is mature grain used for feed, starch, etc., and is classified under 1005.90; fresh sweet corn is a vegetable and is classified under 0709.91.
070999 - Other fresh or chilled vegetables
0709.99 covers vegetables not elsewhere specified; sweet corn already has a specific subheading 0709.91, so it is not classified under 0709.99.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm that the commodity is in a fresh or chilled state, not frozen or dried.
✓ Confirm that the variety is sweet corn, not ordinary corn or maize for sowing.
✓ Check whether the packaging and labels indicate "fresh sweet corn."
✓ Check whether phytosanitary requirements are also met.
✓ Confirm that declaration elements are complete, including brand, packaging specifications, etc.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between fresh sweet corn and ordinary corn? Fresh sweet corn is classified under 0709.91 as a vegetable; ordinary corn (mature grain) is classified under 1005.90 as a cereal. The two are classified in different chapters, and regulatory conditions and duty rates may also differ. Which code should chilled sweet corn be classified under? Chilled sweet corn, like fresh sweet corn, is classified under 0709.91. However, frozen sweet corn is classified under 0710.40, so attention must be paid to the preservation state. How are seed-use and non-seed-use sweet corn distinguished? Sweet corn for sowing is classified under 1005.10, while non-seed fresh sweet corn is classified under 0709.91. Seed corn is usually treated and used for sowing, and relevant certificates must be provided. What special documents are required when declaring fresh sweet corn? Usually a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, contract, invoice, packing list, etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to customs. If sweet corn is both fresh and frozen, how is it classified? It is classified according to the principal preservation state. If preserved by freezing, it is classified under 0710.40; if only chilled or fresh, it is classified under 0709.91. How can the tariff rate for fresh sweet corn be checked? You can consult the Import and Export Tariff or the website of the General Administration of Customs, and determine the applicable rate according to the country of origin and trade agreements. Rates may change, so the latest announcements should be used. What should be noted when declaring fresh sweet corn sold via cross-border e-commerce? Attention should be paid to the short shelf life and the selection of suitable logistics; when declaring, accurately fill in the product name, preservation method, packaging specifications, etc., to avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors. Which code are canned sweet corn classified under? Canned sweet corn is classified under 2005.80, as canned vegetables. Fresh sweet corn is classified under 0709.91; the two differ in degree of processing.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between fresh sweet corn and ordinary corn?
A: Fresh sweet corn is classified under 0709.91 as a vegetable; ordinary corn (mature grain) is classified under 1005.90 as a cereal. The two are classified in different chapters, and regulatory conditions and duty rates may also differ.
Q: Which code should chilled sweet corn be classified under?
A: Chilled sweet corn, like fresh sweet corn, is classified under 0709.91. However, frozen sweet corn is classified under 0710.40, so attention must be paid to the preservation state.
Q: How are seed-use and non-seed-use sweet corn distinguished?
A: Sweet corn for sowing is classified under 1005.10, while non-seed fresh sweet corn is classified under 0709.91. Seed corn is usually treated and used for sowing, and relevant certificates must be provided.
Q: What special documents are required when declaring fresh sweet corn?
A: Usually a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, contract, invoice, packing list, etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to customs.
Q: If sweet corn is both fresh and frozen, how is it classified?
A: It is classified according to the principal preservation state. If preserved by freezing, it is classified under 0710.40; if only chilled or fresh, it is classified under 0709.91.
Q: How can the tariff rate for fresh sweet corn be checked?
A: You can consult the Import and Export Tariff or the website of the General Administration of Customs, and determine the applicable rate according to the country of origin and trade agreements. Rates may change, so the latest announcements should be used.
Q: What should be noted when declaring fresh sweet corn sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: Attention should be paid to the short shelf life and the selection of suitable logistics; when declaring, accurately fill in the product name, preservation method, packaging specifications, etc., to avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors.
Q: Which code are canned sweet corn classified under?
A: Canned sweet corn is classified under 2005.80, as canned vegetables. Fresh sweet corn is classified under 0709.91; the two differ in 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.