Chapter 08 covers edible fruit and nuts, peel of citrus fruit or melons, including fresh, frozen, dried or provisionally preserved products. This chapter ranges from 0801 to 0814, involving coconuts, cashews, bananas, citrus, grapes, apples, stone fruits, berries, etc. The key distinction is whether they are suitable for direct consumption and whether they have been processed (if made into jam or juice, they are classified under Chapter 20). Products in this chapter are mostly fruits in the botanical sense, but certain nuts and peels are also included. Heading 0803 specifically covers fresh or dried bananas, including plantains. This heading is divided into two subheadings: 0803.10 for plantains, and 0803.90 for other bananas (i.e., ordinary fresh bananas). Fresh bananas refer to mature or immature fruit that has not been dried, frozen or further processed, whether peeled or not. Dried bananas should be noted for distinction under 0803.90, but fresh products are always classified under this heading. The first 2 digits 08 represent Chapter 08, i.e., edible fruit and nuts, peel of citrus fruit or melons. The 3rd-4th digits 03 represent heading 0803, specifically fresh or dried bananas, including plantains. The 5th-6th digits 90 represent subheading 0803.90, i.e., other bananas other than plantains (0803.10). Therefore, 080390 in full means: fresh or dried ordinary bananas (not plantains). If they are plantains, they are classified under 080310. Fresh bananas are usually classified under 080390, but it must be confirmed that the variety is not plantain. This product is fresh bananas, not dried, frozen or further processed, and the variety is ordinary bananas rather than plantains, so it is classified under 080390. If they are plantains, they are classified under 080310; if they are dried bananas, they are still classified under 0803 but attention must be paid to subheading distinction; if they are frozen bananas, they are classified under 0811; if they are banana paste or juice, they are classified under Chapter 20.
Chapter
Chapter 08 covers edible fruit and nuts, peel of citrus fruit or melons, including fresh, frozen, dried or provisionally preserved products. This chapter ranges from 0801 to 0814, involving coconuts, cashews, bananas, citrus, grapes, apples, stone fruits, berries, etc. The key distinction is whether they are suitable for direct consumption and whether they have been processed (if made into jam or juice, they are classified under Chapter 20). Products in this chapter are mostly fruits in the botanical sense, but certain nuts and peels are also included.
Heading
Heading 0803 specifically covers fresh or dried bananas, including plantains. This heading is divided into two subheadings: 0803.10 for plantains, and 0803.90 for other bananas (i.e., ordinary fresh bananas). Fresh bananas refer to mature or immature fruit that has not been dried, frozen or further processed, whether peeled or not. Dried bananas should be noted for distinction under 0803.90, but fresh products are always classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 08 represent Chapter 08, i.e., edible fruit and nuts, peel of citrus fruit or melons. The 3rd-4th digits 03 represent heading 0803, specifically fresh or dried bananas, including plantains. The 5th-6th digits 90 represent subheading 0803.90, i.e., other bananas other than plantains (0803.10). Therefore, 080390 in full means: fresh or dried ordinary bananas (not plantains). If they are plantains, they are classified under 080310. Fresh bananas are usually classified under 080390, but it must be confirmed that the variety is not plantain.
Classification Basis
This product is fresh bananas, not dried, frozen or further processed, and the variety is ordinary bananas rather than plantains, so it is classified under 080390. If they are plantains, they are classified under 080310; if they are dried bananas, they are still classified under 0803 but attention must be paid to subheading distinction; if they are frozen bananas, they are classified under 0811; if they are banana paste or juice, they are classified under Chapter 20.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared product should be stated as fresh bananas, and whether they are plantains should be distinguished. Brand Type: Fill in the brand of the bananas; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand". Variety: State the specific variety of bananas, such as Cavendish, plantain, etc., and distinguish from plantains. Fresh or Dried: Clearly declare the status as fresh or dried; for fresh bananas, fill in "fresh". Grade: Fill in the grade according to industry or contract standards, such as Grade A, Grade B, etc. Place of Origin: Fill in the country or region where the bananas are grown. Packaging Specifications: State the weight per box, number of pieces, etc., such as 13.5kg/box. Product Name: Fresh Bananas; Brand Type: No Brand; Variety: Cavendish; Fresh or Dried: Fresh; Grade: Grade A; Place of Origin: Philippines; Packaging Specifications: 13.5kg/box; Quantity: 1000 boxes; Net Weight: 13500kg; Gross Weight: 14000kg; Terms of Trade: CIF; Unit Price: 0.5 USD/kg; Total Price: 6750 USD. Failure to distinguish plantains from ordinary bananas, resulting in incorrect subheading. Mistakenly classifying fresh bananas under the dried banana subheading, affecting regulatory conditions. Improper filling of brand type, such as mistakenly filling in the place of origin as the brand. Grade not filled in according to contract or standards, which may lead to inaccurate declaration.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared product should be stated as fresh bananas, and whether they are plantains should be distinguished.
⚠️ Only writing "bananas" without distinguishing plantains from ordinary bananas.
Brand Type
Fill in the brand of the bananas; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the place of origin or exporter as the brand.
Variety
State the specific variety of bananas, such as Cavendish, plantain, etc., and distinguish from plantains.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring a plantain variety as ordinary bananas.
Fresh or Dried
Clearly declare the status as fresh or dried; for fresh bananas, fill in "fresh".
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring fresh bananas as dried bananas.
Grade
Fill in the grade according to industry or contract standards, such as Grade A, Grade B, etc.
⚠️ Failing to fill in according to standards or inconsistency with the contract.
Place of Origin
Fill in the country or region where the bananas are grown.
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the packaging place or exporting country as the place of origin.
Packaging Specifications
State the weight per box, number of pieces, etc., such as 13.5kg/box.
⚠️ Only filling in "boxed" without specifying detailed specifications.
Example： Product Name: Fresh Bananas; Brand Type: No Brand; Variety: Cavendish; Fresh or Dried: Fresh; Grade: Grade A; Place of Origin: Philippines; Packaging Specifications: 13.5kg/box; Quantity: 1000 boxes; Net Weight: 13500kg; Gross Weight: 14000kg; Terms of Trade: CIF; Unit Price: 0.5 USD/kg; Total Price: 6750 USD.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to distinguish plantains from ordinary bananas, resulting in incorrect subheading.
Mistakenly classifying fresh bananas under the dried banana subheading, affecting regulatory conditions.
Improper filling of brand type, such as mistakenly filling in the place of origin as the brand.
Grade not filled in according to contract or standards, which may lead to inaccurate declaration.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System. Fresh bananas belong to Chapter 08 because they are unprocessed and suitable for direct consumption. Heading 0803 covers fresh or dried bananas, and subheading 080390 is for other bananas (not plantains). When determining, it is necessary to confirm: 1) the product is fresh; 2) the variety is not plantain; 3) it has not been frozen, dried or further processed. If it is plantain, it is classified under 080310; if it is dried bananas, it still needs to be classified under 080310 or 080390 depending on the variety. 080310 Fresh or dried plantains: 080310 specifically refers to plantains, which usually need to be cooked before consumption, while 080390 is ordinary bananas, which can be eaten fresh. 081190 Other frozen fruit: 081190 covers frozen bananas; if bananas have been frozen, they are classified under this code rather than 080390. 200899 Other processed fruit: 200899 covers deeply processed products such as banana paste and banana puree; fresh bananas that have not been processed are not classified here. 080440 Fresh or dried avocados: 080440 is avocados, which are similar in appearance to bananas but of a different variety; classification must be distinguished based on botanical characteristics. Confirm the product is fresh, not frozen or dried. Confirm the variety is ordinary bananas, not plantains. Check whether the declaration elements are complete and accurate. Check whether a phytosanitary certificate is required. Confirm the country of origin and the applicability of preferential trade agreements.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System. Fresh bananas belong to Chapter 08 because they are unprocessed and suitable for direct consumption. Heading 0803 covers fresh or dried bananas, and subheading 080390 is for other bananas (not plantains). When determining, it is necessary to confirm: 1) the product is fresh; 2) the variety is not plantain; 3) it has not been frozen, dried or further processed. If it is plantain, it is classified under 080310; if it is dried bananas, it still needs to be classified under 080310 or 080390 depending on the variety.
Confused Codes：
080310 - Fresh or dried plantains
080310 specifically refers to plantains, which usually need to be cooked before consumption, while 080390 is ordinary bananas, which can be eaten fresh.
081190 - Other frozen fruit
081190 covers frozen bananas; if bananas have been frozen, they are classified under this code rather than 080390.
200899 - Other processed fruit
200899 covers deeply processed products such as banana paste and banana puree; fresh bananas that have not been processed are not classified here.
080440 - Fresh or dried avocados
080440 is avocados, which are similar in appearance to bananas but of a different variety; classification must be distinguished based on botanical characteristics.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the product is fresh, not frozen or dried.
✓ Confirm the variety is ordinary bananas, not plantains.
✓ Check whether the declaration elements are complete and accurate.
✓ Check whether a phytosanitary certificate is required.
✓ Confirm the country of origin and the applicability of preferential trade agreements.
❓ FAQ
How are fresh bananas and plantains distinguished in HS codes? Both fresh bananas and plantains are classified under heading 0803, but under different subheadings: plantains are classified under 080310, and ordinary fresh bananas under 080390. The distinction is based on botanical variety; plantains usually need to be cooked before consumption, while ordinary bananas can be eaten fresh. The variety must be stated at declaration to avoid confusion. If fresh bananas are exported after freezing, will the code change? Yes. Fresh bananas are classified under 080390, but if they have been frozen, they are classified under 0811 (frozen fruit), specifically subheading 081190. The regulatory conditions and tax rates for frozen bananas may differ from those for fresh bananas, so special attention is required. When declaring fresh bananas, how should the brand type be filled in? The brand type should be filled in with the brand of the bananas, such as "Dole", "Goodfarmer", etc. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand". Be careful not to mistakenly fill in the place of origin or exporter as the brand, otherwise it may lead to inaccurate declaration. What regulatory documents are required for importing fresh bananas? Fresh banana imports usually require a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, import animal and plant quarantine permit, etc. The specifics should be determined according to the latest regulations of the General Administration of Customs and the situation of the country of origin. It is recommended to check the website of the General Administration of Customs or consult a customs broker. How can I check the import tax rate for fresh bananas? The import tax rate must be determined according to the country of origin and trade agreements. You can check the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or query through the General Administration of Customs' "Internet + Customs" platform. Most-favored-nation rates, agreement rates, etc. differ, and a certificate of origin must be provided to apply preferential rates. How should the "grade" in the declaration elements for fresh bananas be filled in? The grade should be filled in according to the contract or industry standards, such as "Grade A", "Grade B", etc. If the contract does not specify clearly, reference may be made to the grading standards of the exporting country. Grade affects price and tariffs and must be declared truthfully. If fresh bananas are classified under 080390, is a fumigation certificate required? According to the quarantine requirements of the importing country, fresh bananas may require fumigation treatment. If required by the importing country, a fumigation certificate must be provided. The specifics should be determined according to bilateral agreements and customs regulations. It is recommended to confirm with the quarantine authorities in advance. How should the packaging specifications of fresh bananas be declared? The packaging specifications should state the weight and number of pieces per box, such as "13.5kg/box, about 20 pieces per box". If palletized, the number of pallets should also be stated. Packaging specifications affect customs inspection and statistics and must be declared accurately.
Q: How are fresh bananas and plantains distinguished in HS codes?
A: Both fresh bananas and plantains are classified under heading 0803, but under different subheadings: plantains are classified under 080310, and ordinary fresh bananas under 080390. The distinction is based on botanical variety; plantains usually need to be cooked before consumption, while ordinary bananas can be eaten fresh. The variety must be stated at declaration to avoid confusion.
Q: If fresh bananas are exported after freezing, will the code change?
A: Yes. Fresh bananas are classified under 080390, but if they have been frozen, they are classified under 0811 (frozen fruit), specifically subheading 081190. The regulatory conditions and tax rates for frozen bananas may differ from those for fresh bananas, so special attention is required.
Q: When declaring fresh bananas, how should the brand type be filled in?
A: The brand type should be filled in with the brand of the bananas, such as "Dole", "Goodfarmer", etc. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand". Be careful not to mistakenly fill in the place of origin or exporter as the brand, otherwise it may lead to inaccurate declaration.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing fresh bananas?
A: Fresh banana imports usually require a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, import animal and plant quarantine permit, etc. The specifics should be determined according to the latest regulations of the General Administration of Customs and the situation of the country of origin. It is recommended to check the website of the General Administration of Customs or consult a customs broker.
Q: How can I check the import tax rate for fresh bananas?
A: The import tax rate must be determined according to the country of origin and trade agreements. You can check the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or query through the General Administration of Customs' "Internet + Customs" platform. Most-favored-nation rates, agreement rates, etc. differ, and a certificate of origin must be provided to apply preferential rates.
Q: How should the "grade" in the declaration elements for fresh bananas be filled in?
A: The grade should be filled in according to the contract or industry standards, such as "Grade A", "Grade B", etc. If the contract does not specify clearly, reference may be made to the grading standards of the exporting country. Grade affects price and tariffs and must be declared truthfully.
Q: If fresh bananas are classified under 080390, is a fumigation certificate required?
A: According to the quarantine requirements of the importing country, fresh bananas may require fumigation treatment. If required by the importing country, a fumigation certificate must be provided. The specifics should be determined according to bilateral agreements and customs regulations. It is recommended to confirm with the quarantine authorities in advance.
Q: How should the packaging specifications of fresh bananas be declared?
A: The packaging specifications should state the weight and number of pieces per box, such as "13.5kg/box, about 20 pieces per box". If palletized, the number of pallets should also be stated. Packaging specifications affect customs inspection and statistics and must be declared accurately.
⚠️ 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.