Chapter 08 covers edible fruits and nuts, fresh or dried citrus fruits or melons. This chapter includes fresh fruits, dried fruits, and frozen fruits (but frozen fruits that have been steamed, boiled, or sweetened are classified in Chapter 20). The core characteristic is plant fruits for human consumption, whether or not peeled or pitted, but not further processed. This chapter does not include oil-bearing fruits (Chapter 12), roasted coffee (Chapter 09), or fruits preserved with sugar (Chapter 20). Heading 0805 covers fresh or dried citrus fruits, including oranges, mandarins, tangerines, lemons, limes, grapefruits, pomelos, etc. Under this heading, it is subdivided by variety and form: 0805.10 for oranges, 0805.20 for mandarins and tangerines, 0805.40 for grapefruits, 0805.50 for lemons and limes, and 0805.90 for other citrus fruits. Both fresh and dried are classified here, but frozen or preserved citrus fruits are not under this heading. Code 080590 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits 08 represent Chapter 08 (Edible fruits and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons), indicating the goods belong to the edible fruit category. Digits 3-4, 05, represent heading 0805, specifically fresh or dried citrus fruits, distinguishing them from fruits of other chapters (such as apples and pears in Chapter 08). Digits 5-6, 90, represent subheading 0805.90, i.e., "other" citrus fruits, referring to citrus fruits not listed in 0805.10 to 0805.50, such as pomelos, bergamots, limes, etc. The overall code indicates fresh or dried other citrus fruits. The goods are fresh or dried citrus fruits, but are not oranges, mandarins, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, or limes, so they are classified under 0805.90 "other." If they were oranges, they would be classified under 0805.10; mandarins or tangerines under 0805.20; grapefruits under 0805.40; lemons or limes under 0805.50. If frozen or processed with sugar, they would be classified under Chapter 20.
Chapter
Chapter 08 covers edible fruits and nuts, fresh or dried citrus fruits or melons. This chapter includes fresh fruits, dried fruits, and frozen fruits (but frozen fruits that have been steamed, boiled, or sweetened are classified in Chapter 20). The core characteristic is plant fruits for human consumption, whether or not peeled or pitted, but not further processed. This chapter does not include oil-bearing fruits (Chapter 12), roasted coffee (Chapter 09), or fruits preserved with sugar (Chapter 20).
Heading
Heading 0805 covers fresh or dried citrus fruits, including oranges, mandarins, tangerines, lemons, limes, grapefruits, pomelos, etc. Under this heading, it is subdivided by variety and form: 0805.10 for oranges, 0805.20 for mandarins and tangerines, 0805.40 for grapefruits, 0805.50 for lemons and limes, and 0805.90 for other citrus fruits. Both fresh and dried are classified here, but frozen or preserved citrus fruits are not under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 080590 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits 08 represent Chapter 08 (Edible fruits and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons), indicating the goods belong to the edible fruit category. Digits 3-4, 05, represent heading 0805, specifically fresh or dried citrus fruits, distinguishing them from fruits of other chapters (such as apples and pears in Chapter 08). Digits 5-6, 90, represent subheading 0805.90, i.e., "other" citrus fruits, referring to citrus fruits not listed in 0805.10 to 0805.50, such as pomelos, bergamots, limes, etc. The overall code indicates fresh or dried other citrus fruits.
Classification Basis
The goods are fresh or dried citrus fruits, but are not oranges, mandarins, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, or limes, so they are classified under 0805.90 "other." If they were oranges, they would be classified under 0805.10; mandarins or tangerines under 0805.20; grapefruits under 0805.40; lemons or limes under 0805.50. If frozen or processed with sugar, they would be classified under Chapter 20.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific fruit name should be declared, such as pomelo, bergamot, lime, etc., and it cannot be written only as "other citrus fruits." State: Indicate fresh or dried. For fresh fruit, state whether it is refrigerated; for dried fruit, state the drying method (such as sun-dried or oven-dried). Variety: Provide the botanical variety or commercial variety name, such as "Guanxi honey pomelo," "Eureka lemon," etc. Grade: Declare the grade according to industry standards or contract terms, such as Grade 1, Grade 2, or premium grade. Origin: Indicate the specific country and region, such as "Pinghe, Fujian, China." Packaging specifications: State the packaging method and weight per package, such as "10kg/carton, packed in cartons." Brand: If there is a brand, it should be declared; if there is no brand, fill in "none." Product name: Fresh pomelo; State: Fresh; Variety: Guanxi honey pomelo; Grade: Grade 1; Origin: Pinghe, Fujian, China; Packaging specifications: 10kg/carton, packed in cartons; Brand: None. Mistakenly classifying pomelo under 0805.40 grapefruit; the two are different. If dried pomelo peel is used as a spice, it is classified under Chapter 09, not 0805.90. Frozen pomelo should be classified under other headings of Chapter 08 or Chapter 20, not 0805.90.
Product name
The specific fruit name should be declared, such as pomelo, bergamot, lime, etc., and it cannot be written only as "other citrus fruits."
⚠️ Declaring it generically as "citrus fruit" or "fresh fruit," resulting in ambiguous classification.
State
Indicate fresh or dried. For fresh fruit, state whether it is refrigerated; for dried fruit, state the drying method (such as sun-dried or oven-dried).
⚠️ Failing to indicate fresh/dried, or mistakenly declaring frozen fruit as fresh fruit.
Variety
Provide the botanical variety or commercial variety name, such as "Guanxi honey pomelo," "Eureka lemon," etc.
⚠️ Writing only "pomelo" without distinguishing the variety, affecting classification.
Grade
Declare the grade according to industry standards or contract terms, such as Grade 1, Grade 2, or premium grade.
⚠️ Ignoring the grade or filling it in arbitrarily, resulting in inability to match during inspection.
Origin
Indicate the specific country and region, such as "Pinghe, Fujian, China."
⚠️ Writing only "China" without the specific production area, affecting origin determination.
Packaging specifications
State the packaging method and weight per package, such as "10kg/carton, packed in cartons."
⚠️ Unclear packaging description, such as "bulk" but actually having inner packaging.
Brand
If there is a brand, it should be declared; if there is no brand, fill in "none."
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or failing to declare the brand.
Mistakenly classifying pomelo under 0805.40 grapefruit; the two are different.
If dried pomelo peel is used as a spice, it is classified under Chapter 09, not 0805.90.
Frozen pomelo should be classified under other headings of Chapter 08 or Chapter 20, not 0805.90.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. First determine whether it belongs to the genus Citrus, then determine whether it is fresh or dried, and finally determine the subheading according to the variety. 0805.90 is a residual subheading, applicable only when the goods do not belong to oranges, mandarins, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, or limes. Common goods include pomelos, bergamots, limes, kumquats, etc. If they have been steamed, preserved with sugar, frozen, or otherwise processed, they may be classified under Chapter 20. 080540 Grapefruit: Grapefruit (including pomelo) is easily confused with pomelo under 0805.90. However, in the HS, grapefruit specifically refers to Citrus paradisi, while pomelo (Citrus maxima) is generally classified under 0805.90. 080550 Lemons and limes: Lemons (Citrus limon) and limes (Citrus aurantifolia) are classified under 0805.50, while limes such as Citrus latifolia are sometimes mistakenly classified under 0805.90 and must be distinguished by variety. 080510 Oranges: Oranges (Citrus sinensis) are classified under 0805.10, but some hybrid varieties such as "orange-pomelo" may need to be classified according to their main characteristics. 081090 Other fresh fruits: Non-citrus fruits such as lychees and longans are classified under 0810.90; the difference from 0805.90 lies in whether they belong to the genus Citrus. 200830 Canned citrus fruits: Citrus fruits processed by sugar preservation, canning, etc. are classified under 2008.30, not 0805.90. Does it belong to the genus Citrus? Is it fresh or dried, not frozen or sugar-preserved? Does it not belong to oranges, mandarins, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, or limes? Is the declared product name specific to the variety? Are origin and state certificates provided?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. First determine whether it belongs to the genus Citrus, then determine whether it is fresh or dried, and finally determine the subheading according to the variety. 0805.90 is a residual subheading, applicable only when the goods do not belong to oranges, mandarins, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, or limes. Common goods include pomelos, bergamots, limes, kumquats, etc. If they have been steamed, preserved with sugar, frozen, or otherwise processed, they may be classified under Chapter 20.
Confused Codes：
080540 - Grapefruit
Grapefruit (including pomelo) is easily confused with pomelo under 0805.90. However, in the HS, grapefruit specifically refers to Citrus paradisi, while pomelo (Citrus maxima) is generally classified under 0805.90.
080550 - Lemons and limes
Lemons (Citrus limon) and limes (Citrus aurantifolia) are classified under 0805.50, while limes such as Citrus latifolia are sometimes mistakenly classified under 0805.90 and must be distinguished by variety.
080510 - Oranges
Oranges (Citrus sinensis) are classified under 0805.10, but some hybrid varieties such as "orange-pomelo" may need to be classified according to their main characteristics.
081090 - Other fresh fruits
Non-citrus fruits such as lychees and longans are classified under 0810.90; the difference from 0805.90 lies in whether they belong to the genus Citrus.
200830 - Canned citrus fruits
Citrus fruits processed by sugar preservation, canning, etc. are classified under 2008.30, not 0805.90.
Self-Check：
✓ Does it belong to the genus Citrus?
✓ Is it fresh or dried, not frozen or sugar-preserved?
✓ Does it not belong to oranges, mandarins, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, or limes?
✓ Is the declared product name specific to the variety?
✓ Are origin and state certificates provided?
❓ FAQ
Should pomelo be classified under 0805.90 or 0805.40? Pomelo (Citrus maxima) is generally classified under 0805.90, because grapefruit under 0805.40 in the HS specifically refers to Citrus paradisi. However, if it is a hybrid variety of pomelo and grapefruit, it must be determined according to its main characteristics. It is recommended to provide the botanical scientific name to determine classification. Is dried citrus peel classified under 0805.90? If dried citrus peel is used as a spice or medicinal material, it is generally classified under Chapter 09 (such as 0906, 0907, etc.) or Chapter 12. If it is a dried fruit product and belongs to the genus Citrus, it may be classified under 0805.90, but it must be confirmed whether it has undergone further processing. Can frozen pomelo be classified under 0805.90? No. 0805 includes only fresh or dried fruits. Frozen pomelo should be classified under other headings of Chapter 08 (such as 0811) or Chapter 20, depending on whether sugar has been added or it has been cooked. How can I check the tariff rate for 080590? You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the Import and Export Tariff to check. Tariff rates vary depending on origin, trade agreements, etc., so the latest tariff should be used. You may also consult a customs broker or use the customs advance classification service. Can I write "citrus" as the product name when declaring? No. It should be specifically declared as "pomelo," "bergamot," etc., because different varieties may be classified under different subheadings. A generic declaration may lead to classification errors and affect customs clearance. How are 080590 and 080520 (mandarins and tangerines) distinguished? 0805.20 specifically refers to mandarins and tangerines (such as Satsuma mandarin and Clementine), while 0805.90 is for other citrus fruits. If the goods are mandarins or tangerines, they should be classified under 0805.20; if they are pomelos, limes, etc., they should be classified under 0805.90. What quarantine approvals are required for importing fresh pomelo? An Import Permit for Quarantine of Animals and Plants is required, and it must be ensured that the exporting country/region has no quarantine pests of concern to China. For specific procedures, consult customs or quarantine authorities. What are the regulatory conditions for 080590? It usually involves animal and plant quarantine (P/Q), and may require certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, etc. Specific regulatory conditions vary by country/region; it is recommended to check the latest Customs Regulatory Conditions Table.
Q: Should pomelo be classified under 0805.90 or 0805.40?
A: Pomelo (Citrus maxima) is generally classified under 0805.90, because grapefruit under 0805.40 in the HS specifically refers to Citrus paradisi. However, if it is a hybrid variety of pomelo and grapefruit, it must be determined according to its main characteristics. It is recommended to provide the botanical scientific name to determine classification.
Q: Is dried citrus peel classified under 0805.90?
A: If dried citrus peel is used as a spice or medicinal material, it is generally classified under Chapter 09 (such as 0906, 0907, etc.) or Chapter 12. If it is a dried fruit product and belongs to the genus Citrus, it may be classified under 0805.90, but it must be confirmed whether it has undergone further processing.
Q: Can frozen pomelo be classified under 0805.90?
A: No. 0805 includes only fresh or dried fruits. Frozen pomelo should be classified under other headings of Chapter 08 (such as 0811) or Chapter 20, depending on whether sugar has been added or it has been cooked.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for 080590?
A: You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the Import and Export Tariff to check. Tariff rates vary depending on origin, trade agreements, etc., so the latest tariff should be used. You may also consult a customs broker or use the customs advance classification service.
Q: Can I write "citrus" as the product name when declaring?
A: No. It should be specifically declared as "pomelo," "bergamot," etc., because different varieties may be classified under different subheadings. A generic declaration may lead to classification errors and affect customs clearance.
Q: How are 080590 and 080520 (mandarins and tangerines) distinguished?
A: 0805.20 specifically refers to mandarins and tangerines (such as Satsuma mandarin and Clementine), while 0805.90 is for other citrus fruits. If the goods are mandarins or tangerines, they should be classified under 0805.20; if they are pomelos, limes, etc., they should be classified under 0805.90.
Q: What quarantine approvals are required for importing fresh pomelo?
A: An Import Permit for Quarantine of Animals and Plants is required, and it must be ensured that the exporting country/region has no quarantine pests of concern to China. For specific procedures, consult customs or quarantine authorities.
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for 080590?
A: It usually involves animal and plant quarantine (P/Q), and may require certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, etc. Specific regulatory conditions vary by country/region; it is recommended to check the latest Customs Regulatory Conditions Table.
⚠️ 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.