Chapter 07 covers all edible vegetables, including fresh, chilled, frozen, provisionally preserved or otherwise processed vegetables, but excludes root and tuber fodder, certain oilseeds and processed products. This chapter mainly divides headings by vegetable variety and processing state. Fresh or chilled vegetables are concentrated in 0701-0709, among which 0709 is a residual heading for other fresh or chilled vegetables not elsewhere specified. Heading 0709 includes all fresh or chilled vegetables not specifically named in 0701 to 0708, such as spinach, purslane, beet leaves, garden rhubarb, black nightshade, dandelion, etc. This heading is a residual heading with broad coverage, but attention must be paid to distinguishing it from specifically named headings such as 0701 (potatoes, tomatoes, etc.), 0702 (onions, garlic, etc.), and from other chapters (such as Chapter 12 oilseeds). Code 070999 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "07" represent Chapter 7 (Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers); digits 3-4 "09" represent heading 0709 (Other vegetables, fresh or chilled); digits 5-6 "99" represent subheading 0709.99 (Other vegetables, fresh or chilled), i.e. vegetables not further subdivided under this heading. Note: under 0709 there are also specific subheadings such as 0709.20 (asparagus), 0709.40 (celery), 0709.60 (sweet peppers), etc. 0709.99 is a residual subheading covering all fresh or chilled vegetables not elsewhere specified. This product is a fresh vegetable not specifically named, and because it does not fall under any specific heading from 0701 to 0708, it is classified under 0709. Under 0709, if it does not fall under any specific subheading from 0709.10 to 0709.90, it is classified under 0709.99. For example, fresh spinach, fresh purslane, fresh garden rhubarb, etc. are all classified under this code.
Chapter
Chapter 07 covers all edible vegetables, including fresh, chilled, frozen, provisionally preserved or otherwise processed vegetables, but excludes root and tuber fodder, certain oilseeds and processed products. This chapter mainly divides headings by vegetable variety and processing state. Fresh or chilled vegetables are concentrated in 0701-0709, among which 0709 is a residual heading for other fresh or chilled vegetables not elsewhere specified.
Heading
Heading 0709 includes all fresh or chilled vegetables not specifically named in 0701 to 0708, such as spinach, purslane, beet leaves, garden rhubarb, black nightshade, dandelion, etc. This heading is a residual heading with broad coverage, but attention must be paid to distinguishing it from specifically named headings such as 0701 (potatoes, tomatoes, etc.), 0702 (onions, garlic, etc.), and from other chapters (such as Chapter 12 oilseeds).
Digit Breakdown
Code 070999 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "07" represent Chapter 7 (Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers); digits 3-4 "09" represent heading 0709 (Other vegetables, fresh or chilled); digits 5-6 "99" represent subheading 0709.99 (Other vegetables, fresh or chilled), i.e. vegetables not further subdivided under this heading. Note: under 0709 there are also specific subheadings such as 0709.20 (asparagus), 0709.40 (celery), 0709.60 (sweet peppers), etc. 0709.99 is a residual subheading covering all fresh or chilled vegetables not elsewhere specified.
Classification Basis
This product is a fresh vegetable not specifically named, and because it does not fall under any specific heading from 0701 to 0708, it is classified under 0709. Under 0709, if it does not fall under any specific subheading from 0709.10 to 0709.90, it is classified under 0709.99. For example, fresh spinach, fresh purslane, fresh garden rhubarb, etc. are all classified under this code.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should use the standard Chinese or English trade name, such as "fresh spinach", "fresh purslane", etc., and avoid colloquial or vague names. State: Describe the physical state of the vegetable, such as "fresh" or "chilled", which must correspond to the HS code; both fresh and chilled are classified under 0709. Whether mainly for human consumption: Confirm whether the vegetable is mainly for human consumption; if used for feed or planting, it may be classified under other chapters. Variety: For certain vegetables, the specific variety must be declared, such as "spinach", "beet leaves", etc., to distinguish it from other similar vegetables. Packaging specifications: State the packaging method, such as "boxed", "bagged", etc., and the weight per package, which affects the customs value and regulatory conditions. Origin: Declare the country or region of origin of the vegetables, used to determine the applicable tariff rate and trade agreements. Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, declare "none". Product name: fresh spinach; State: fresh; Whether mainly for human consumption: yes; Variety: spinach; Packaging specifications: 10kg/box; Origin: China; Brand: none. Incorrectly declaring fresh vegetables as chilled vegetables; although both are classified under 0709, this may affect quarantine requirements. Failure to distinguish specific varieties, leading to confusion with specifically named subheadings, e.g. fresh sweet peppers should be classified under 0709.60 rather than 0709.99. Ignoring state declaration and declaring fresh vegetables as frozen, resulting in incorrect classification under 0710.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should use the standard Chinese or English trade name, such as "fresh spinach", "fresh purslane", etc., and avoid colloquial or vague names.
⚠️ Declared only as "vegetables" or "fresh vegetables", without specifying the specific variety.
State
Describe the physical state of the vegetable, such as "fresh" or "chilled", which must correspond to the HS code; both fresh and chilled are classified under 0709.
⚠️ Incorrectly declared as "frozen", resulting in classification under 0710.
Whether mainly for human consumption
Confirm whether the vegetable is mainly for human consumption; if used for feed or planting, it may be classified under other chapters.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring feed vegetables as edible vegetables.
Variety
For certain vegetables, the specific variety must be declared, such as "spinach", "beet leaves", etc., to distinguish it from other similar vegetables.
⚠️ The variety is not declared specifically, leading to classification disputes.
Packaging specifications
State the packaging method, such as "boxed", "bagged", etc., and the weight per package, which affects the customs value and regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Inaccurate declaration of packaging specifications, affecting customs inspection.
Origin
Declare the country or region of origin of the vegetables, used to determine the applicable tariff rate and trade agreements.
⚠️ Incorrect declaration of origin, leading to incorrect application of tariff rates.
Brand
If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, declare "none".
⚠️ Ignoring brand declaration, leading to intellectual property issues.
Incorrectly declaring fresh vegetables as chilled vegetables; although both are classified under 0709, this may affect quarantine requirements.
Failure to distinguish specific varieties, leading to confusion with specifically named subheadings, e.g. fresh sweet peppers should be classified under 0709.60 rather than 0709.99.
Ignoring state declaration and declaring fresh vegetables as frozen, resulting in incorrect classification under 0710.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. First confirm that the goods are fresh or chilled vegetables and are not specifically named in 0701 to 0708. Second, under 0709, check whether they fall under a specific subheading from 0709.10 to 0709.90; if not, classify under 0709.99. At the same time, attention must be paid to the distinction from Chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits), e.g. peanuts, soybeans, etc. are not classified in this chapter. 0709.60 Sweet peppers, fresh or chilled: Sweet peppers are specifically named under 0709.60, while 0709.99 is a residual subheading; sweet peppers are not classified under 0709.99. 0710.80 Frozen vegetables: 0710 is frozen vegetables; if the goods are in a frozen state, they should be classified under 0710, not 0709. 0705.11 Head lettuce, fresh or chilled: Head lettuce is specifically named under 0705 and is not classified under 0709.99. 1211.90 Plants used primarily as perfumery, pharmacy, etc.: If the vegetables are mainly used as spices or medicinal materials, they should be classified under 1211, not 0709. Are the goods fresh or chilled? Do they fall under a specific heading from 0701-0708? Do they fall under a specific subheading under 0709? Are they mainly for human consumption? Is there any conflict with other chapters (such as Chapter 12)?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. First confirm that the goods are fresh or chilled vegetables and are not specifically named in 0701 to 0708. Second, under 0709, check whether they fall under a specific subheading from 0709.10 to 0709.90; if not, classify under 0709.99. At the same time, attention must be paid to the distinction from Chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits), e.g. peanuts, soybeans, etc. are not classified in this chapter.
Confused Codes:
0709.60 - Sweet peppers, fresh or chilled
Sweet peppers are specifically named under 0709.60, while 0709.99 is a residual subheading; sweet peppers are not classified under 0709.99.
0710.80 - Frozen vegetables
0710 is frozen vegetables; if the goods are in a frozen state, they should be classified under 0710, not 0709.
0705.11 - Head lettuce, fresh or chilled
Head lettuce is specifically named under 0705 and is not classified under 0709.99.
1211.90 - Plants used primarily as perfumery, pharmacy, etc.
If the vegetables are mainly used as spices or medicinal materials, they should be classified under 1211, not 0709.
Self-Check:
✓ Are the goods fresh or chilled?
✓ Do they fall under a specific heading from 0701-0708?
✓ Do they fall under a specific subheading under 0709?
✓ Are they mainly for human consumption?
✓ Is there any conflict with other chapters (such as Chapter 12)?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate for HS code 070999? 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. Tariff rates include MFN rate, general rate, VAT, consumption tax, etc., depending on the origin and trade agreements. It is recommended to use official databases to ensure accuracy. Which HS code should fresh spinach be classified under? Fresh spinach is not specifically named in 0701-0708 and does not fall under a specific subheading under 0709, so it is classified under 070999. However, note that if it is frozen spinach, it should be classified under 0710.80. What is the difference between 070999 and 07099990? 070999 is a six-digit HS subheading, while 07099990 is an eight- or ten-digit code further subdivided by China Customs on this basis for more precise statistics and regulation. The specific number of digits depends on China Customs coding rules. What regulatory documents are required when declaring 070999? Usually a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, invoice, packing list, etc. are required. Specific regulatory conditions must be determined according to customs regulations and the country of origin; some countries may require an endangered species certificate. What is the difference in HS codes between fresh vegetables and frozen vegetables? Fresh or chilled vegetables are classified under the first few headings of Chapter 07 (such as 0709), while frozen vegetables are classified under 0710. The processing state is the key to distinction; fresh, chilled, and frozen are classified differently. If a vegetable is both eaten fresh and used medicinally, how should it be classified? Classify according to the primary use. If mainly for human consumption, classify under Chapter 07; if mainly used as a spice or medicinal material, classify under Chapter 12. Proof of use must be provided. How should HS codes be declared for cross-border e-commerce sales of fresh vegetables? Cross-border e-commerce is usually declared as personal items or express shipments, but if imported by general trade, the HS code must be declared according to the actual state and variety. It is recommended to consult a customs broker or customs. What is the export tax rebate rate for 070999? The export tax rebate rate is adjusted periodically by the State Taxation Administration, and the latest Export Tax Rebate Rate Database must be checked. Generally, the rebate rate for agricultural products is relatively low; the official announcement shall prevail.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for HS code 070999?
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. Tariff rates include MFN rate, general rate, VAT, consumption tax, etc., depending on the origin and trade agreements. It is recommended to use official databases to ensure accuracy.
Q: Which HS code should fresh spinach be classified under?
A: Fresh spinach is not specifically named in 0701-0708 and does not fall under a specific subheading under 0709, so it is classified under 070999. However, note that if it is frozen spinach, it should be classified under 0710.80.
Q: What is the difference between 070999 and 07099990?
A: 070999 is a six-digit HS subheading, while 07099990 is an eight- or ten-digit code further subdivided by China Customs on this basis for more precise statistics and regulation. The specific number of digits depends on China Customs coding rules.
Q: What regulatory documents are required when declaring 070999?
A: Usually a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, invoice, packing list, etc. are required. Specific regulatory conditions must be determined according to customs regulations and the country of origin; some countries may require an endangered species certificate.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between fresh vegetables and frozen vegetables?
A: Fresh or chilled vegetables are classified under the first few headings of Chapter 07 (such as 0709), while frozen vegetables are classified under 0710. The processing state is the key to distinction; fresh, chilled, and frozen are classified differently.
Q: If a vegetable is both eaten fresh and used medicinally, how should it be classified?
A: Classify according to the primary use. If mainly for human consumption, classify under Chapter 07; if mainly used as a spice or medicinal material, classify under Chapter 12. Proof of use must be provided.
Q: How should HS codes be declared for cross-border e-commerce sales of fresh vegetables?
A: Cross-border e-commerce is usually declared as personal items or express shipments, but if imported by general trade, the HS code must be declared according to the actual state and variety. It is recommended to consult a customs broker or customs.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 070999?
A: The export tax rebate rate is adjusted periodically by the State Taxation Administration, and the latest Export Tax Rebate Rate Database must be checked. Generally, the rebate rate for agricultural products is relatively low; the official announcement shall prevail.
⚠️ 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.