Chapter 08 covers edible fruit and nuts, peels 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 major fruits such as apples, pears, citrus, grapes, and bananas, as well as minor varieties such as quinces, apricots, and cherries. All goods must comply with phytosanitary and food safety standards, and classification requires attention to the degree of processing (such as fresh or chilled only) and use (edible). Heading 0808 covers fresh or dried apples, pears, and quinces. Among these, apples (0808.10) and pears (0808.30) are major traded goods, while quinces (0808.40) are a niche fruit often used for processing jam, jelly, or cooking. This heading distinguishes between fresh (0808.40.10) and dried (0808.40.90) states, and fresh products must meet specific storage and transport conditions. Code 080840 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "08" represent Chapter 08 (edible fruit and nuts, etc.); digits 3-4 "08" represent heading 0808 (fresh or dried apples, pears, quinces); digits 5-6 "40" represent subheading 0808.40 (quinces). In HS classification, digits 5-6 are internationally uniform subheadings, and countries may further subdivide to 8-10 digits. Fresh quinces and dried quinces under this subheading are usually distinguished by digits 7-8, such as China Customs 0808.40.10 for fresh quinces. Fresh quinces are classified under 0808.40 rather than other fruit codes because they belong to the genus Cydonia oblonga, which is in the same family as apples (Malus) and pears (Pyrus) but a different genus, yet HS combines the three under the same heading. They are not classified under 0808.10 or 0808.30 because the species is different; nor under 0810 (other fresh fruit) because quinces have a specific listing under 0808. The fresh state must remain whole and unprocessed; if cooked or candied, they are classified under Chapter 20.
Chapter
Chapter 08 covers edible fruit and nuts, peels 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 major fruits such as apples, pears, citrus, grapes, and bananas, as well as minor varieties such as quinces, apricots, and cherries. All goods must comply with phytosanitary and food safety standards, and classification requires attention to the degree of processing (such as fresh or chilled only) and use (edible).
Heading
Heading 0808 covers fresh or dried apples, pears, and quinces. Among these, apples (0808.10) and pears (0808.30) are major traded goods, while quinces (0808.40) are a niche fruit often used for processing jam, jelly, or cooking. This heading distinguishes between fresh (0808.40.10) and dried (0808.40.90) states, and fresh products must meet specific storage and transport conditions.
Digit Breakdown
Code 080840 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "08" represent Chapter 08 (edible fruit and nuts, etc.); digits 3-4 "08" represent heading 0808 (fresh or dried apples, pears, quinces); digits 5-6 "40" represent subheading 0808.40 (quinces). In HS classification, digits 5-6 are internationally uniform subheadings, and countries may further subdivide to 8-10 digits. Fresh quinces and dried quinces under this subheading are usually distinguished by digits 7-8, such as China Customs 0808.40.10 for fresh quinces.
Classification Basis
Fresh quinces are classified under 0808.40 rather than other fruit codes because they belong to the genus Cydonia oblonga, which is in the same family as apples (Malus) and pears (Pyrus) but a different genus, yet HS combines the three under the same heading. They are not classified under 0808.10 or 0808.30 because the species is different; nor under 0810 (other fresh fruit) because quinces have a specific listing under 0808. The fresh state must remain whole and unprocessed; if cooked or candied, they are classified under Chapter 20.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should use "fresh quinces" or "quinces (fresh)", avoiding colloquial names such as "wood pear". Brand type: Fill in "no brand" or the specific brand name, used for customs intellectual property recordation verification. Export preferential treatment status: According to trade agreements, fill in "export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country" or "do not enjoy", which affects certificate of origin requirements. Production or preservation method: Indicate "fresh" or "chilled", with temperature range such as 0-4°C; do not fill in "frozen" or "dried". Grade: Fill in according to export standards, such as "Grade I", "Premium", or "ungraded" if no grade. Packaging specifications: Indicate the net weight per box and packaging type, such as "10kg/box, carton". Origin: Fill in the specific country or region, such as "Xinjiang, China", which must be consistent with the phytosanitary certificate. Use: Indicate "edible" or "for processing"; if for processing, relevant proof must be provided. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Fresh quinces; Brand type: No brand; Export preferential treatment status: Do not enjoy; Production or preservation method: Fresh, chilled 0-4°C; Grade: Grade I; Packaging specifications: 10kg/box, carton; Origin: Xinjiang, China; Use: Edible.
Remarks: Attached phytosanitary certificate No. XXXX, certificate of origin No. XXXX.
Note: This example is based on general trade; actual declaration must be adjusted according to the contract and customs requirements. Misreporting quinces as pears or apples, leading to incorrect HS codes, which may trigger customs inspection and penalties. Filling in the production method as "frozen" instead of "fresh", incorrectly classifying under 0811, affecting tariffs and regulatory conditions. Origin filled in unspecifically, such as only "China", unable to enjoy preferential tariff rates under free trade agreements.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should use "fresh quinces" or "quinces (fresh)", avoiding colloquial names such as "wood pear".
⚠️ Misreporting as "pear" or "apple", leading to incorrect classification.
Brand type
Fill in "no brand" or the specific brand name, used for customs intellectual property recordation verification.
⚠️ Omitting brand information, or mistakenly treating a variety name (such as 'Smyrna') as a brand.
Export preferential treatment status
According to trade agreements, fill in "export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country" or "do not enjoy", which affects certificate of origin requirements.
⚠️ Incorrectly checking preferential treatment, resulting in inability to provide a valid certificate of origin.
Production or preservation method
Indicate "fresh" or "chilled", with temperature range such as 0-4°C; do not fill in "frozen" or "dried".
⚠️ Misreporting chilled as frozen, which may lead to classification under 0811.
Grade
Fill in according to export standards, such as "Grade I", "Premium", or "ungraded" if no grade.
⚠️ Filling in the grade arbitrarily, inconsistent with the contract or quality inspection certificate.
Packaging specifications
Indicate the net weight per box and packaging type, such as "10kg/box, carton".
⚠️ Writing only "boxed" without providing net weight, affecting customs statistics.
Origin
Fill in the specific country or region, such as "Xinjiang, China", which must be consistent with the phytosanitary certificate.
⚠️ Filling in "China" too broadly, or inconsistent with the certificate origin.
Use
Indicate "edible" or "for processing"; if for processing, relevant proof must be provided.
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in "for planting", resulting in the need for seed quarantine approval.
Example： Customs declaration example:
Product name: Fresh quinces; Brand type: No brand; Export preferential treatment status: Do not enjoy; Production or preservation method: Fresh, chilled 0-4°C; Grade: Grade I; Packaging specifications: 10kg/box, carton; Origin: Xinjiang, China; Use: Edible.
Remarks: Attached phytosanitary certificate No. XXXX, certificate of origin No. XXXX.
Note: This example is based on general trade; actual declaration must be adjusted according to the contract and customs requirements.
Common Mistakes：
Misreporting quinces as pears or apples, leading to incorrect HS codes, which may trigger customs inspection and penalties.
Filling in the production method as "frozen" instead of "fresh", incorrectly classifying under 0811, affecting tariffs and regulatory conditions.
Origin filled in unspecifically, such as only "China", unable to enjoy preferential tariff rates under free trade agreements.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Chapter 08 notes and subheading texts of the Import and Export Tariff. Fresh quinces must meet three conditions: 1) whole or sliced but not further processed; 2) fresh or chilled state; 3) fruit of the genus Cydonia. If cooked, candied, or frozen, they are classified under Chapter 20 or 0811 respectively. At the same time, reference must be made to the description of 0808 in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, confirming the distinction between quinces, apples, and pears. 080810 Fresh apples: Apples are of the genus Malus, and the fruit shape and taste differ significantly from quinces; quinces have fuzz on the surface and hard, astringent flesh, usually requiring processing before consumption. 080830 Fresh pears: Pears are of the genus Pyrus, with juicy fruit and diverse shapes; quinces and pears are in the same family but different genera, with different HS codes, and quinces are usually not eaten raw. 081090 Other fresh fruit: This subheading is a residual provision, applicable only when the fruit is not specifically listed under 0808 or other specific headings; quinces are already specifically listed under 0808.40, so they are not classified under 0810. 081190 Other frozen fruit: Frozen quinces should be classified under 0811.90, not 0808.40, because the change in preservation method leads to a change in classification. 200799 Other jams: Quince jam, having been cooked and sweetened, exceeds the scope of Chapter 08 and is classified under Chapter 20. Confirm the commodity is in fresh or chilled state, not frozen, dried, or cooked. Confirm the species is quince (Cydonia oblonga), not apple or pear. Check whether the packaging and labels indicate "fresh quinces" and the origin. Check whether a phytosanitary certificate and certificate of origin are required. Confirm the declaration elements are complete, especially the production method and use.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Chapter 08 notes and subheading texts of the Import and Export Tariff. Fresh quinces must meet three conditions: 1) whole or sliced but not further processed; 2) fresh or chilled state; 3) fruit of the genus Cydonia. If cooked, candied, or frozen, they are classified under Chapter 20 or 0811 respectively. At the same time, reference must be made to the description of 0808 in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, confirming the distinction between quinces, apples, and pears.
Confused Codes：
080810 - Fresh apples
Apples are of the genus Malus, and the fruit shape and taste differ significantly from quinces; quinces have fuzz on the surface and hard, astringent flesh, usually requiring processing before consumption.
080830 - Fresh pears
Pears are of the genus Pyrus, with juicy fruit and diverse shapes; quinces and pears are in the same family but different genera, with different HS codes, and quinces are usually not eaten raw.
081090 - Other fresh fruit
This subheading is a residual provision, applicable only when the fruit is not specifically listed under 0808 or other specific headings; quinces are already specifically listed under 0808.40, so they are not classified under 0810.
081190 - Other frozen fruit
Frozen quinces should be classified under 0811.90, not 0808.40, because the change in preservation method leads to a change in classification.
200799 - Other jams
Quince jam, having been cooked and sweetened, exceeds the scope of Chapter 08 and is classified under Chapter 20.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the commodity is in fresh or chilled state, not frozen, dried, or cooked.
✓ Confirm the species is quince (Cydonia oblonga), not apple or pear.
✓ Check whether the packaging and labels indicate "fresh quinces" and the origin.
✓ Check whether a phytosanitary certificate and certificate of origin are required.
✓ Confirm the declaration elements are complete, especially the production method and use.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between fresh quinces and dried quinces? Fresh quinces are classified under 0808.40.10 (China Customs 8-digit code), and dried quinces under 0808.40.90. The first 6 digits are the same, but digits 7-8 distinguish the state. Fresh products require refrigerated transport, while dried products are dehydrated; the classification must be selected according to the actual state. Can quinces be classified under 0810? No. 0810 is "other fresh fruit", a residual heading, applicable only to fruits not specifically listed under 0808 or other specific headings. Quinces already have a specific listing under 0808.40 and must be classified under that code first. What certificates are needed to export fresh quinces to the EU? Usually a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin (if preferential tariffs apply), commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are required. The EU has strict quarantine requirements for fruit imports, and it is necessary to confirm in advance whether quinces are on the approved list. How should "production or preservation method" be filled in the declaration elements for fresh quinces? It should be filled in as "fresh" or "chilled", with the specific temperature range noted, such as "fresh, chilled 0-4°C". Do not fill in "frozen" or "dried", otherwise it may lead to incorrect classification. Are the HS codes for quinces and pears easily confused? Yes. They are in the same family but different genera, yet similar in appearance. Pears are classified under 0808.30, and quinces under 0808.40. When declaring, provide the scientific name or clear pictures to avoid misreporting. How to check the import tariff for fresh quinces? Tariff rates must be checked according to the country of origin, trade agreements, and the annual tariff schedule. The most-favored-nation rate, agreement rate, etc., can be checked through the General Administration of Customs of China website or the "Single Window". Note that rates may change, and the rate at the time of declaration shall prevail. What should be noted when selling fresh quinces via cross-border e-commerce? It is necessary to confirm the platform access rules; fresh fruit usually requires quarantine certificates and certificates of origin. Personal direct mail may be restricted, and general trade is recommended. Also pay attention to packaging and cold chain to ensure compliance with customs regulatory requirements. What are the consequences if fresh quinces are incorrectly classified under 0808.10? It may lead to tariff differences, customs inspection, administrative penalties, and even affect the enterprise credit rating. If preferential certificate of origin is involved, preferential treatment may also be denied. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between fresh quinces and dried quinces?
A: Fresh quinces are classified under 0808.40.10 (China Customs 8-digit code), and dried quinces under 0808.40.90. The first 6 digits are the same, but digits 7-8 distinguish the state. Fresh products require refrigerated transport, while dried products are dehydrated; the classification must be selected according to the actual state.
Q: Can quinces be classified under 0810?
A: No. 0810 is "other fresh fruit", a residual heading, applicable only to fruits not specifically listed under 0808 or other specific headings. Quinces already have a specific listing under 0808.40 and must be classified under that code first.
Q: What certificates are needed to export fresh quinces to the EU?
A: Usually a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin (if preferential tariffs apply), commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are required. The EU has strict quarantine requirements for fruit imports, and it is necessary to confirm in advance whether quinces are on the approved list.
Q: How should "production or preservation method" be filled in the declaration elements for fresh quinces?
A: It should be filled in as "fresh" or "chilled", with the specific temperature range noted, such as "fresh, chilled 0-4°C". Do not fill in "frozen" or "dried", otherwise it may lead to incorrect classification.
Q: Are the HS codes for quinces and pears easily confused?
A: Yes. They are in the same family but different genera, yet similar in appearance. Pears are classified under 0808.30, and quinces under 0808.40. When declaring, provide the scientific name or clear pictures to avoid misreporting.
Q: How to check the import tariff for fresh quinces?
A: Tariff rates must be checked according to the country of origin, trade agreements, and the annual tariff schedule. The most-favored-nation rate, agreement rate, etc., can be checked through the General Administration of Customs of China website or the "Single Window". Note that rates may change, and the rate at the time of declaration shall prevail.
Q: What should be noted when selling fresh quinces via cross-border e-commerce?
A: It is necessary to confirm the platform access rules; fresh fruit usually requires quarantine certificates and certificates of origin. Personal direct mail may be restricted, and general trade is recommended. Also pay attention to packaging and cold chain to ensure compliance with customs regulatory requirements.
Q: What are the consequences if fresh quinces are incorrectly classified under 0808.10?
A: It may lead to tariff differences, customs inspection, administrative penalties, and even affect the enterprise credit rating. If preferential certificate of origin is involved, preferential treatment may also be denied. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification if necessary.
⚠️ 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.