Chapter 08 covers edible fruit and nuts, peel of citrus fruit or melons, including products that are fresh, frozen, dried or provisionally preserved. This chapter is a core chapter in agricultural trade, involving many categories such as apples, citrus fruits, grapes, and nuts, and its classification is mainly based on botanical attributes, processing state, and use. For almonds (sweet almond kernels), this chapter covers their fresh fruit, dried fruit, and shelled state, but does not include products that are further processed (such as roasted or flavored) or canned. Heading 0802 covers other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled, including almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, chestnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, etc. This heading distinguishes the types of nuts and whether they are shelled, but does not include coconuts, cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, and other nuts listed under separate headings. Almonds (sweet almond kernels) are further subdivided under this heading according to whether they are shelled, with shelled almonds classified under 0802.12 and in-shell almonds under 0802.11. Code 080212 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits 08 represent Chapter 08 (edible fruit and nuts); digits 3-4, 02, represent heading 0802 (other nuts, fresh or dried); digits 5-6, 12, represent subheading 0802.12, i.e., shelled almonds. Among them, the 5th digit 1 indicates "almonds," and the 6th digit 2 indicates "shelled." Therefore, 080212 precisely refers to shelled almonds (sweet almond kernels), whether or not they have undergone simple drying or shelling, and they are classified under this code. This commodity is shelled almonds, belongs to nuts, and has not undergone further processing (such as roasting, flavoring, canning, etc.), so it is classified under Chapter 08. Under heading 0802, according to the type of nut and whether it is shelled, shelled almonds correspond to subheading 0802.12. If they are in-shell almonds, they are classified under 0802.11; if they are other nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts, they are classified under other subheadings. If they have been roasted or flavored, they may be classified under Chapter 20.
Chapter
Chapter 08 covers edible fruit and nuts, peel of citrus fruit or melons, including products that are fresh, frozen, dried or provisionally preserved. This chapter is a core chapter in agricultural trade, involving many categories such as apples, citrus fruits, grapes, and nuts, and its classification is mainly based on botanical attributes, processing state, and use. For almonds (sweet almond kernels), this chapter covers their fresh fruit, dried fruit, and shelled state, but does not include products that are further processed (such as roasted or flavored) or canned.
Heading
Heading 0802 covers other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled, including almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, chestnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, etc. This heading distinguishes the types of nuts and whether they are shelled, but does not include coconuts, cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, and other nuts listed under separate headings. Almonds (sweet almond kernels) are further subdivided under this heading according to whether they are shelled, with shelled almonds classified under 0802.12 and in-shell almonds under 0802.11.
Digit Breakdown
Code 080212 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits 08 represent Chapter 08 (edible fruit and nuts); digits 3-4, 02, represent heading 0802 (other nuts, fresh or dried); digits 5-6, 12, represent subheading 0802.12, i.e., shelled almonds. Among them, the 5th digit 1 indicates "almonds," and the 6th digit 2 indicates "shelled." Therefore, 080212 precisely refers to shelled almonds (sweet almond kernels), whether or not they have undergone simple drying or shelling, and they are classified under this code.
Classification Basis
This commodity is shelled almonds, belongs to nuts, and has not undergone further processing (such as roasting, flavoring, canning, etc.), so it is classified under Chapter 08. Under heading 0802, according to the type of nut and whether it is shelled, shelled almonds correspond to subheading 0802.12. If they are in-shell almonds, they are classified under 0802.11; if they are other nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts, they are classified under other subheadings. If they have been roasted or flavored, they may be classified under Chapter 20.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Fill in the accurate name of the commodity, and "shelled almonds" or "sweet almond kernels" should be used; avoid using common names such as "American large almonds." Processing method: Indicate whether shelled, whether dried, whether roasted, etc., such as "shelled, dried, unroasted." State: Describe the physical state of the product, such as whole kernels, slices, broken kernels, etc., and whether the skin is on. Ingredients: Fill in the main ingredients, such as pure almond kernels; if it is mixed nuts, the proportions must be listed. Packaging specifications: Fill in the packaging method and net weight, such as "25 kg/bag." Brand: Fill in the brand name; if there is no brand, indicate "none." Origin: Fill in the country or region of production, such as "United States." Customs declaration commodity item:
Product name: Shelled almonds (sweet almond kernels)
Processing method: Shelled, dried, unroasted
State: Whole kernels, with skin
Ingredients: 100% almond kernels
Packaging specifications: 25 kg/bag
Brand: None
Origin: United States
HS code: 080212
Declaration elements: 1. Product name: shelled almonds; 2. Processing method: shelled, dried, unroasted; 3. State: whole kernels, with skin; 4. Ingredients: 100% almond kernels; 5. Packaging specifications: 25 kg/bag; 6. Brand: none; 7. Origin: United States. Mistakenly classifying shelled almonds under 0802.11 (in-shell) due to ignoring the shelled state. Mistakenly classifying roasted or flavored almonds under 080212, when they should actually be classified under Chapter 20. Confusing almonds with apricot kernels, resulting in classification under a code other than 0802.12.
Product name
Fill in the accurate name of the commodity, and "shelled almonds" or "sweet almond kernels" should be used; avoid using common names such as "American large almonds."
⚠️ Mistakenly written as "apricot kernels," causing confusion with true apricot kernels (apricot seed kernels).
Processing method
Indicate whether shelled, whether dried, whether roasted, etc., such as "shelled, dried, unroasted."
⚠️ Omitting "unroasted," which may cause them to be mistaken for processed nuts.
State
Describe the physical state of the product, such as whole kernels, slices, broken kernels, etc., and whether the skin is on.
⚠️ Failure to indicate "with skin" or "skinless," affecting classification.
Ingredients
Fill in the main ingredients, such as pure almond kernels; if it is mixed nuts, the proportions must be listed.
⚠️ Mixed nuts not declared separately, leading to incorrect classification.
Packaging specifications
Fill in the packaging method and net weight, such as "25 kg/bag."
⚠️ Omitting net weight, affecting statistics and inspection.
Brand
Fill in the brand name; if there is no brand, indicate "none."
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, resulting in unclear filling.
Origin
Fill in the country or region of production, such as "United States."
Mistakenly classifying shelled almonds under 0802.11 (in-shell) due to ignoring the shelled state.
Mistakenly classifying roasted or flavored almonds under 080212, when they should actually be classified under Chapter 20.
Confusing almonds with apricot kernels, resulting in classification under a code other than 0802.12.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the commodity is almond (sweet almond kernel) kernels; 2) the state is shelled; 3) it has not undergone further processing (such as roasting, flavoring, canning, etc.). According to the notes to Chapter 08 of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, fresh or dried nuts are classified under this chapter, and shelled almonds belong to 0802.12. If they have undergone processing such as roasting or flavoring, they exceed the scope of Chapter 08 and are classified under Chapter 20. At the same time, attention must be paid to distinguishing them from apricot kernels (apricot seed kernels), which are classified under subheadings other than 0802.12. 080211 In-shell almonds: In-shell almonds are not shelled and are classified under 0802.11; shelled almonds are classified under 0802.12. The core difference lies in whether they are shelled. 080222 Shelled hazelnuts: Hazelnuts and almonds are different nuts; hazelnuts are classified under 0802.22, while almonds are classified under 0802.12. The difference lies in the type of nut. 080232 Shelled walnuts: Walnuts are classified under 0802.32 and are a different type from almonds. The difference lies in botanical classification and appearance. 200819 Roasted almonds: Roasted or flavored almonds are classified under 2008.19 because they have undergone further processing and exceed the scope of Chapter 08. 121299 Almond shells: Almond shells are usually used as feed or fuel and are classified under 1212.99 or elsewhere, while edible kernels are classified under 0802.12. Confirm whether the commodity is almonds (sweet almond kernels) rather than apricot kernels. Confirm whether they are shelled; if in-shell, classify under 0802.11. Confirm whether they have undergone processing such as roasting or flavoring. Confirm whether they are mixed with other nuts; if mixed, they must be classified separately. Confirm whether the packaging state affects classification (e.g., retail packaging does not affect it).
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the commodity is almond (sweet almond kernel) kernels; 2) the state is shelled; 3) it has not undergone further processing (such as roasting, flavoring, canning, etc.). According to the notes to Chapter 08 of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, fresh or dried nuts are classified under this chapter, and shelled almonds belong to 0802.12. If they have undergone processing such as roasting or flavoring, they exceed the scope of Chapter 08 and are classified under Chapter 20. At the same time, attention must be paid to distinguishing them from apricot kernels (apricot seed kernels), which are classified under subheadings other than 0802.12.
Confused Codes：
080211 - In-shell almonds
In-shell almonds are not shelled and are classified under 0802.11; shelled almonds are classified under 0802.12. The core difference lies in whether they are shelled.
080222 - Shelled hazelnuts
Hazelnuts and almonds are different nuts; hazelnuts are classified under 0802.22, while almonds are classified under 0802.12. The difference lies in the type of nut.
080232 - Shelled walnuts
Walnuts are classified under 0802.32 and are a different type from almonds. The difference lies in botanical classification and appearance.
200819 - Roasted almonds
Roasted or flavored almonds are classified under 2008.19 because they have undergone further processing and exceed the scope of Chapter 08.
121299 - Almond shells
Almond shells are usually used as feed or fuel and are classified under 1212.99 or elsewhere, while edible kernels are classified under 0802.12.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is almonds (sweet almond kernels) rather than apricot kernels.
✓ Confirm whether they are shelled; if in-shell, classify under 0802.11.
✓ Confirm whether they have undergone processing such as roasting or flavoring.
✓ Confirm whether they are mixed with other nuts; if mixed, they must be classified separately.
✓ Confirm whether the packaging state affects classification (e.g., retail packaging does not affect it).
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between shelled almonds and in-shell almonds? Shelled almonds are classified under 080212, and in-shell almonds under 080211. Both belong to heading 0802, but the subheadings are different, and the main difference lies in whether they are shelled. When imported, shelled almonds usually need the processing method declared to prove that they have not undergone further processing. How are almonds and apricot kernels distinguished in HS codes? Almonds (sweet almond kernels) are the seeds of the almond tree and are classified under 080212; apricot kernels are the seeds of the apricot tree and are usually classified under subheadings other than 0802.12 (e.g., 0802.12 is almonds; apricot kernels may be classified under 0802.12? In fact, are apricot kernels classified under 0802.12? This needs verification). According to HS classification, almonds and apricot kernels are different species; almonds are classified under 0802.12, and apricot kernels under subheadings other than 0802.12, depending on the species. It is recommended to provide the Latin scientific name when declaring. Can roasted shelled almonds still be classified under 080212? No. Almonds that have been roasted, flavored, or canned exceed the scope of Chapter 08 and should be classified under Chapter 20, such as 2008.19. Only almonds that have not undergone further processing (only shelled and dried) are classified under 080212. What declaration elements are required for importing shelled almonds? Usually, product name, processing method, state, ingredients, packaging specifications, brand, origin, etc. are required. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements; it is recommended to refer to the Customs Clearance Specifications for Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China and the latest announcements. How can the tariff rate for shelled almonds be checked? Tariff rates must be determined according to origin, trade agreements, etc., and may change. The latest rates can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. This article does not provide specific tariff rate values. If shelled almonds are mixed with a small amount of in-shell almonds, how are they classified? If mixed with in-shell almonds and the in-shell portion exceeds a certain proportion, classification may be affected. It is usually recommended to classify according to the main ingredient; if they cannot be distinguished, the higher tariff rate applies. It is recommended to sort before declaration to ensure accurate classification. What are the inspection and quarantine requirements for shelled almonds? Imported shelled almonds must comply with China's national food safety standards and undergo inspection and quarantine procedures. Certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, health certificates, etc. are required, subject to customs requirements. For cross-border e-commerce sales of shelled almonds, is the HS code the same? Cross-border e-commerce retail imports also need to use HS codes for declaration, and shelled almonds are still classified under 080212. However, cross-border e-commerce has special tax policies, and relevant regulations should be consulted.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between shelled almonds and in-shell almonds?
A: Shelled almonds are classified under 080212, and in-shell almonds under 080211. Both belong to heading 0802, but the subheadings are different, and the main difference lies in whether they are shelled. When imported, shelled almonds usually need the processing method declared to prove that they have not undergone further processing.
Q: How are almonds and apricot kernels distinguished in HS codes?
A: Almonds (sweet almond kernels) are the seeds of the almond tree and are classified under 080212; apricot kernels are the seeds of the apricot tree and are usually classified under subheadings other than 0802.12 (e.g., 0802.12 is almonds; apricot kernels may be classified under 0802.12? In fact, are apricot kernels classified under 0802.12? This needs verification). According to HS classification, almonds and apricot kernels are different species; almonds are classified under 0802.12, and apricot kernels under subheadings other than 0802.12, depending on the species. It is recommended to provide the Latin scientific name when declaring.
Q: Can roasted shelled almonds still be classified under 080212?
A: No. Almonds that have been roasted, flavored, or canned exceed the scope of Chapter 08 and should be classified under Chapter 20, such as 2008.19. Only almonds that have not undergone further processing (only shelled and dried) are classified under 080212.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing shelled almonds?
A: Usually, product name, processing method, state, ingredients, packaging specifications, brand, origin, etc. are required. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements; it is recommended to refer to the Customs Clearance Specifications for Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China and the latest announcements.
Q: How can the tariff rate for shelled almonds be checked?
A: Tariff rates must be determined according to origin, trade agreements, etc., and may change. The latest rates can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. This article does not provide specific tariff rate values.
Q: If shelled almonds are mixed with a small amount of in-shell almonds, how are they classified?
A: If mixed with in-shell almonds and the in-shell portion exceeds a certain proportion, classification may be affected. It is usually recommended to classify according to the main ingredient; if they cannot be distinguished, the higher tariff rate applies. It is recommended to sort before declaration to ensure accurate classification.
Q: What are the inspection and quarantine requirements for shelled almonds?
A: Imported shelled almonds must comply with China's national food safety standards and undergo inspection and quarantine procedures. Certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, health certificates, etc. are required, subject to customs requirements.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of shelled almonds, is the HS code the same?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail imports also need to use HS codes for declaration, and shelled almonds are still classified under 080212. However, cross-border e-commerce has special tax policies, and relevant regulations should be consulted.
⚠️ 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.