Chapter 08 covers edible fruit and nuts, peel of citrus fruit or melons, including products that are fresh, dried, frozen or provisionally preserved. This chapter is a core chapter in agricultural trade, involving apples, citrus fruits, grapes, nuts and other daily consumer goods. Products within the chapter are usually subdivided by variety and processing state (fresh/dried/frozen), and customs supervision focuses on plant quarantine, origin and depth of processing. Heading 0802 covers other nuts, fresh or dried, including almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, chestnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, etc., whether or not shelled or peeled. Nuts under this heading are mainly used for direct consumption or food processing. The key to classification lies in the 'nut' attribute and the 'fresh or dried' state, and it does not include deeply processed products such as fried or salt-roasted nuts. The first 2 digits '08' represent Chapter 08 (Edible fruit and nuts). Digits 3-4 '02' represent heading 0802 (Other nuts, fresh or dried). Digits 5-6 '31' are subheading 0802.31, specifically 'Walnuts, fresh or dried, in shell'. Digits 7-8 (if present) may further distinguish whether shelled, but 080231 itself already specifies walnuts in shell. Therefore, the full code 080231.00 is subdivided in some countries as walnuts in shell. Walnuts are nuts, and the state is fresh or dried, in shell, so they are classified under 0802.31. If shelled, they are classified under 0802.32; if roasted, salt-roasted or otherwise processed, they are classified under Chapter 20. The difference from 0801 (coconuts, cashews, etc.) lies in the different variety; the difference from fruits such as 0803 (bananas) lies in botanical attributes.
Chapter
Chapter 08 covers edible fruit and nuts, peel of citrus fruit or melons, including products that are fresh, dried, frozen or provisionally preserved. This chapter is a core chapter in agricultural trade, involving apples, citrus fruits, grapes, nuts and other daily consumer goods. Products within the chapter are usually subdivided by variety and processing state (fresh/dried/frozen), and customs supervision focuses on plant quarantine, origin and depth of processing.
Heading
Heading 0802 covers other nuts, fresh or dried, including almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, chestnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, etc., whether or not shelled or peeled. Nuts under this heading are mainly used for direct consumption or food processing. The key to classification lies in the 'nut' attribute and the 'fresh or dried' state, and it does not include deeply processed products such as fried or salt-roasted nuts.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '08' represent Chapter 08 (Edible fruit and nuts). Digits 3-4 '02' represent heading 0802 (Other nuts, fresh or dried). Digits 5-6 '31' are subheading 0802.31, specifically 'Walnuts, fresh or dried, in shell'. Digits 7-8 (if present) may further distinguish whether shelled, but 080231 itself already specifies walnuts in shell. Therefore, the full code 080231.00 is subdivided in some countries as walnuts in shell.
Classification Basis
Walnuts are nuts, and the state is fresh or dried, in shell, so they are classified under 0802.31. If shelled, they are classified under 0802.32; if roasted, salt-roasted or otherwise processed, they are classified under Chapter 20. The difference from 0801 (coconuts, cashews, etc.) lies in the different variety; the difference from fruits such as 0803 (bananas) lies in botanical attributes.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should state 'fresh walnuts' or 'dried walnuts', and whether they are in shell. Processing state: State whether they are fresh, dried, or subjected to other treatment (such as refrigeration or shelling). Whether shelled: Clearly state whether the walnuts are in shell. In shell is classified under 080231, shelled under 080232. Type: State the variety of walnuts, such as common walnuts, hickory nuts, etc., but hickory nuts may be classified under different subheadings. Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, 'None' may be entered. Specification: Such as number of nuts per kilogram, size grade, etc., which helps customs classification and value assessment. Origin: The country or region of origin of the goods, affecting tariffs and the application of trade agreements. Packaging specification: Such as bagged, boxed, net weight per package, etc. Product name: Dried walnuts (in shell); Processing state: Dried; Whether shelled: In shell; Type: Common walnuts; Brand: None; Specification: about 40 nuts per kilogram; Origin: United States; Packaging specification: 25 kg/bag. Incorrectly classifying shelled walnuts under 080231; they should actually be classified under 080232. Classifying roasted or flavored walnuts under 080231; they should actually be classified under Chapter 20. Ignoring the difference between fresh/dried states; fresh walnuts and dried walnuts share the same code but may have different regulatory conditions.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should state 'fresh walnuts' or 'dried walnuts', and whether they are in shell.
⚠️ Writing only 'walnuts' without stating fresh/dried or in-shell status.
Processing state
State whether they are fresh, dried, or subjected to other treatment (such as refrigeration or shelling).
⚠️ Misreporting dried walnuts as 'unprocessed', or omitting the drying method.
Whether shelled
Clearly state whether the walnuts are in shell. In shell is classified under 080231, shelled under 080232.
⚠️ Incorrectly classifying shelled walnuts under 080231.
Type
State the variety of walnuts, such as common walnuts, hickory nuts, etc., but hickory nuts may be classified under different subheadings.
⚠️ Confusing hickory nuts (Carya spp.) with common walnuts (Juglans spp.).
Brand
If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, 'None' may be entered.
⚠️ Ignoring brand declaration, leading to subsequent audit risks.
Specification
Such as number of nuts per kilogram, size grade, etc., which helps customs classification and value assessment.
⚠️ Specifications declared too vaguely, such as only writing 'large nuts'.
Origin
The country or region of origin of the goods, affecting tariffs and the application of trade agreements.
⚠️ Confusing place of origin with place of dispatch.
Packaging specification
Such as bagged, boxed, net weight per package, etc.
⚠️ Packaging declared too generally, such as 'bulk'.
Example： Product name: Dried walnuts (in shell); Processing state: Dried; Whether shelled: In shell; Type: Common walnuts; Brand: None; Specification: about 40 nuts per kilogram; Origin: United States; Packaging specification: 25 kg/bag.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying shelled walnuts under 080231; they should actually be classified under 080232.
Classifying roasted or flavored walnuts under 080231; they should actually be classified under Chapter 20.
Ignoring the difference between fresh/dried states; fresh walnuts and dried walnuts share the same code but may have different regulatory conditions.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 08 and the subheading provisions of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. Walnuts (Juglans spp.) are nuts, and those that are fresh or dried and in shell should be classified under 0802.31. If shelled, they are classified under 0802.32. If roasted, salt-roasted, candied or otherwise processed, they exceed the scope of Chapter 08 and are classified under Chapter 20. At the same time, attention should be paid to whether hickory nuts (Carya spp.) are classified under 0802.31 or 0802.32. In fact, hickory nuts also belong to the walnut category, but according to the subheading structure, 0802.31 includes 'Walnuts, in shell' without specifying variety, so both common walnuts and hickory nuts may be classified under this code, although some countries may have further subdivisions. 080232 Walnuts, fresh or dried, shelled: The core difference from 080231 is whether shelled. 080232 is shelled walnuts, and 080231 is walnuts in shell. The state must be accurately described at declaration. 200819 Other prepared nuts: 200819 covers deeply processed nuts such as roasted, salt-roasted and flavored nuts, while 080231 is limited to fresh or dried, unprocessed walnuts in shell. The processing method determines classification. 080290 Other nuts, fresh or dried: 080290 is for nuts not elsewhere specified, such as pine nuts and hazelnuts. Walnuts already have dedicated subheadings 080231/080232, so they are not classified under 080290. 080131 Cashew nuts, fresh or dried, in shell: Cashews are a different variety and are classified under 0801, unlike walnuts under 0802. Classification should be determined by variety. Is it clear whether the walnuts are fresh or dried? Has it been confirmed that the walnuts are in shell? Have roasted, flavored and other processed forms been excluded? Has the variety been checked as common walnuts or hickory nuts? Have the origin and trade agreements been checked?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 08 and the subheading provisions of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. Walnuts (Juglans spp.) are nuts, and those that are fresh or dried and in shell should be classified under 0802.31. If shelled, they are classified under 0802.32. If roasted, salt-roasted, candied or otherwise processed, they exceed the scope of Chapter 08 and are classified under Chapter 20. At the same time, attention should be paid to whether hickory nuts (Carya spp.) are classified under 0802.31 or 0802.32. In fact, hickory nuts also belong to the walnut category, but according to the subheading structure, 0802.31 includes 'Walnuts, in shell' without specifying variety, so both common walnuts and hickory nuts may be classified under this code, although some countries may have further subdivisions.
Confused Codes：
080232 - Walnuts, fresh or dried, shelled
The core difference from 080231 is whether shelled. 080232 is shelled walnuts, and 080231 is walnuts in shell. The state must be accurately described at declaration.
200819 - Other prepared nuts
200819 covers deeply processed nuts such as roasted, salt-roasted and flavored nuts, while 080231 is limited to fresh or dried, unprocessed walnuts in shell. The processing method determines classification.
080290 - Other nuts, fresh or dried
080290 is for nuts not elsewhere specified, such as pine nuts and hazelnuts. Walnuts already have dedicated subheadings 080231/080232, so they are not classified under 080290.
080131 - Cashew nuts, fresh or dried, in shell
Cashews are a different variety and are classified under 0801, unlike walnuts under 0802. Classification should be determined by variety.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clear whether the walnuts are fresh or dried?
✓ Has it been confirmed that the walnuts are in shell?
✓ Have roasted, flavored and other processed forms been excluded?
✓ Has the variety been checked as common walnuts or hickory nuts?
✓ Have the origin and trade agreements been checked?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 080231? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. HS code, country of origin, trade mode, etc. need to be entered, and the system will display the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest published version should be used. What is the difference between the HS codes for in-shell walnuts and shelled walnuts? In-shell walnuts are classified under 080231, and shelled walnuts under 080232. At declaration, it must be clearly stated whether they are shelled, because the codes differ and the regulatory conditions and tariff rates may also differ. Are the HS codes for fresh walnuts and dried walnuts the same? Yes, fresh or dried walnuts in shell are both classified under 080231. However, the state must be stated at declaration because some countries may have additional plant quarantine requirements for fresh walnuts. Which HS code should roasted walnuts be classified under? Roasted walnuts are processed nuts and should be classified under Chapter 20, specifically 200819 (Other prepared nuts). This is because 080231 covers only fresh or dried, unprocessed walnuts. What declaration elements are required for imported walnuts? Usually, product name, processing state, whether shelled, type, brand, specification, origin, packaging specification, etc. need to be declared. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements, and it is recommended to use the declaration element template in the Single Window. How does the origin of walnuts affect tariffs? The origin determines the applicable tariff rate, such as the MFN rate and agreement rate. If the country of origin has a free trade agreement with China, a certificate of origin can be provided to enjoy preferential tariff rates. Are the HS codes for hickory nuts and common walnuts the same? Hickory nuts (Carya spp.) also belong to the walnut category and are usually classified under 080231 or 080232, the same as common walnuts. However, some countries may subdivide them, so it is recommended to state the variety at declaration. What HS code applies to cross-border e-commerce retail imports of walnuts? Cross-border e-commerce retail imports are usually supervised as personal items, but the HS code is still used for statistics and tariff calculation. Dried walnuts in shell can be classified under 080231, but attention should be paid to restrictions under the cross-border e-commerce positive list.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 080231?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the International Trade Single Window, or professional databases. HS code, country of origin, trade mode, etc. need to be entered, and the system will display the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest published version should be used.
Q: What is the difference between the HS codes for in-shell walnuts and shelled walnuts?
A: In-shell walnuts are classified under 080231, and shelled walnuts under 080232. At declaration, it must be clearly stated whether they are shelled, because the codes differ and the regulatory conditions and tariff rates may also differ.
Q: Are the HS codes for fresh walnuts and dried walnuts the same?
A: Yes, fresh or dried walnuts in shell are both classified under 080231. However, the state must be stated at declaration because some countries may have additional plant quarantine requirements for fresh walnuts.
Q: Which HS code should roasted walnuts be classified under?
A: Roasted walnuts are processed nuts and should be classified under Chapter 20, specifically 200819 (Other prepared nuts). This is because 080231 covers only fresh or dried, unprocessed walnuts.
Q: What declaration elements are required for imported walnuts?
A: Usually, product name, processing state, whether shelled, type, brand, specification, origin, packaging specification, etc. need to be declared. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements, and it is recommended to use the declaration element template in the Single Window.
Q: How does the origin of walnuts affect tariffs?
A: The origin determines the applicable tariff rate, such as the MFN rate and agreement rate. If the country of origin has a free trade agreement with China, a certificate of origin can be provided to enjoy preferential tariff rates.
Q: Are the HS codes for hickory nuts and common walnuts the same?
A: Hickory nuts (Carya spp.) also belong to the walnut category and are usually classified under 080231 or 080232, the same as common walnuts. However, some countries may subdivide them, so it is recommended to state the variety at declaration.
Q: What HS code applies to cross-border e-commerce retail imports of walnuts?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail imports are usually supervised as personal items, but the HS code is still used for statistics and tariff calculation. Dried walnuts in shell can be classified under 080231, but attention should be paid to restrictions under the cross-border e-commerce positive list.
⚠️ 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.