Chapter 08 covers edible fruit and nuts, peel of citrus fruit or melons, mainly including fresh or dried fruit, nuts, and peel used for extracting essential oils or for human consumption. Products of this chapter are generally primary agricultural products of plant origin, involving special regulatory requirements such as tariff quotas and quarantine access. Cherries, as fresh fruit, are one of the key commodities of this chapter, and their classification must strictly be based on variety, degree of processing, and use. Heading 0809 specifically applies to fresh or dried apricots, cherries, peaches (including nectarines), plums and other fruits of the genus Prunus. Among these, cherries are divided into fresh cherries (0809.20) and dried cherries (0809.30), but dried cherries, if further processed or candied, are classified under other chapters. This heading emphasizes the original state of the fruit, unfermented, without added sugar or other preservative treatment, and only simple operations such as washing, grading, and packing are allowed. Code 080920 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits '08' represent Chapter 8 (edible fruit and nuts, etc.); digits 3-4 '09' represent heading 0809 (fresh or dried apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, etc.); digits 5-6 '20' represent subheading 0809.20, specifically fresh cherries. If they are dried cherries, the subheading is 0809.30; if they are other fruits of the genus Prunus, they may be classified under 0809.40. This code applies only to fresh cherries and does not include refrigerated cherries (still classified under 0809.20) or frozen cherries (classified under 0811). Fresh cherries, because they remain fresh and have not undergone any processing or preservation treatment, meet the description of heading 0809 'fresh or dried' and are explicitly listed under subheading 0809.20 as 'cherries.' If cherries are frozen, they are classified under 0811; if made into cans or candied, they are classified under 2008; if they are cherry juice, they are classified under 2009. Therefore, only fresh, unprocessed cherries are classified under 080920.
Chapter
Chapter 08 covers edible fruit and nuts, peel of citrus fruit or melons, mainly including fresh or dried fruit, nuts, and peel used for extracting essential oils or for human consumption. Products of this chapter are generally primary agricultural products of plant origin, involving special regulatory requirements such as tariff quotas and quarantine access. Cherries, as fresh fruit, are one of the key commodities of this chapter, and their classification must strictly be based on variety, degree of processing, and use.
Heading
Heading 0809 specifically applies to fresh or dried apricots, cherries, peaches (including nectarines), plums and other fruits of the genus Prunus. Among these, cherries are divided into fresh cherries (0809.20) and dried cherries (0809.30), but dried cherries, if further processed or candied, are classified under other chapters. This heading emphasizes the original state of the fruit, unfermented, without added sugar or other preservative treatment, and only simple operations such as washing, grading, and packing are allowed.
Digit Breakdown
Code 080920 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits '08' represent Chapter 8 (edible fruit and nuts, etc.); digits 3-4 '09' represent heading 0809 (fresh or dried apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, etc.); digits 5-6 '20' represent subheading 0809.20, specifically fresh cherries. If they are dried cherries, the subheading is 0809.30; if they are other fruits of the genus Prunus, they may be classified under 0809.40. This code applies only to fresh cherries and does not include refrigerated cherries (still classified under 0809.20) or frozen cherries (classified under 0811).
Classification Basis
Fresh cherries, because they remain fresh and have not undergone any processing or preservation treatment, meet the description of heading 0809 'fresh or dried' and are explicitly listed under subheading 0809.20 as 'cherries.' If cherries are frozen, they are classified under 0811; if made into cans or candied, they are classified under 2008; if they are cherry juice, they are classified under 2009. Therefore, only fresh, unprocessed cherries are classified under 080920.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Fill in the specific variety name, such as 'fresh cherries,' and may add varieties such as 'cherries' or 'sweet cherries,' but it must correspond to the botanical name. Brand type: Select 'no brand,' 'domestic independent brand,' 'foreign brand (OEM),' etc., and truthfully declare the brand ownership status. Export preferential treatment status: Fill in according to trade agreements, such as 'export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country,' for certificate of origin purposes. Method of production or preservation: Fill in 'fresh' or 'refrigerated,' indicating whether preservation treatment has been applied, such as waxing or modified atmosphere packaging. Grade: Fill in the specification grade according to industry standards or contract requirements, such as 'JJ grade,' 'premium,' 'grade 1,' etc. Origin: Fill in the growing place of the cherries, specifically to the country, state/province, or region, for quarantine and origin determination. Packaging specifications: Fill in the net weight per box, number of boxes, and packaging materials, such as '5kg/box, plastic box packaging.' GTIN: Fill in if there is a Global Trade Item Number; otherwise leave blank. Product name: Fresh cherries (cherries); Brand type: Foreign brand (OEM); Export preferential treatment status: Not applicable; Method of production or preservation: Fresh; Grade: JJ grade; Origin: Chile; Packaging specifications: 5kg/box, plastic box packaging; GTIN: None. Mistakenly declaring refrigerated cherries as frozen cherries, resulting in incorrect classification under 0811. Failure to indicate the word 'fresh,' which may cause customs to question whether they are dried cherries or processed products. False declaration of origin, affecting quarantine access and origin preferences.
Product name
Fill in the specific variety name, such as 'fresh cherries,' and may add varieties such as 'cherries' or 'sweet cherries,' but it must correspond to the botanical name.
⚠️ Writing only 'fruit' or 'cherries' without indicating 'fresh,' which is easily confused with dried cherries.
Brand type
Select 'no brand,' 'domestic independent brand,' 'foreign brand (OEM),' etc., and truthfully declare the brand ownership status.
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting an unregistered trademark as a brand, or concealing OEM information.
Export preferential treatment status
Fill in according to trade agreements, such as 'export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country,' for certificate of origin purposes.
⚠️ Incorrectly checking the preference type, resulting in inability to enjoy the agreement tariff rate.
Method of production or preservation
Fill in 'fresh' or 'refrigerated,' indicating whether preservation treatment has been applied, such as waxing or modified atmosphere packaging.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring refrigerated cherries as frozen, or failing to indicate the preservation method.
Grade
Fill in the specification grade according to industry standards or contract requirements, such as 'JJ grade,' 'premium,' 'grade 1,' etc.
⚠️ Vague grade descriptions, such as 'large fruit,' lacking quantifiable standards.
Origin
Fill in the growing place of the cherries, specifically to the country, state/province, or region, for quarantine and origin determination.
⚠️ Writing only 'Chile' without specifying the production area, or confusing the packing place with the origin.
Packaging specifications
Fill in the net weight per box, number of boxes, and packaging materials, such as '5kg/box, plastic box packaging.'
⚠️ Omitting the net weight unit, or inaccurate description of packaging materials.
GTIN
Fill in if there is a Global Trade Item Number; otherwise leave blank.
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in an internal enterprise code as GTIN.
Example： Product name: Fresh cherries (cherries); Brand type: Foreign brand (OEM); Export preferential treatment status: Not applicable; Method of production or preservation: Fresh; Grade: JJ grade; Origin: Chile; Packaging specifications: 5kg/box, plastic box packaging; GTIN: None.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly declaring refrigerated cherries as frozen cherries, resulting in incorrect classification under 0811.
Failure to indicate the word 'fresh,' which may cause customs to question whether they are dried cherries or processed products.
False declaration of origin, affecting quarantine access and origin preferences.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 8 of the Import and Export Tariff and the heading text. Fresh cherries must meet three conditions: first, botanically belong to the genus Prunus; second, remain fresh (refrigeration is allowed but not freezing); third, have not been fermented, sugared, candied, or otherwise processed. If cherries are pitted, sugared, or made into cans, they exceed the scope of 0809. In addition, attention must be paid to distinguishing them from 0811 (frozen fruit) and 2008 (fruit preparations). 0811.10 Frozen cherries: Frozen cherries have undergone freezing treatment, altering the cell structure, and are classified under 0811; fresh cherries may only be refrigerated and remain in their original state. 2008.60 Candied cherries: Candied cherries have undergone processing such as adding sugar and sugar-boiling, which has changed their essential character, and are classified under 2008; fresh cherries have no added substances. 0809.30 Dried cherries: Dried cherries are dehydrated and dried, with low moisture content, and are classified under 0809.30; fresh cherries have high moisture content and require refrigerated preservation. 2009.80 Cherry juice: Cherry juice is made by pressing or extraction and is a beverage, classified under 2009; fresh cherries are whole fruit. Are they kept fresh, only refrigerated and not frozen? Have no sugar, preservatives, or other substances been added? Have they not been pitted, sliced, or made into cans? Do they belong to the fruit of the genus Prunus? Are they intended for consumption rather than essential oil extraction or planting?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 8 of the Import and Export Tariff and the heading text. Fresh cherries must meet three conditions: first, botanically belong to the genus Prunus; second, remain fresh (refrigeration is allowed but not freezing); third, have not been fermented, sugared, candied, or otherwise processed. If cherries are pitted, sugared, or made into cans, they exceed the scope of 0809. In addition, attention must be paid to distinguishing them from 0811 (frozen fruit) and 2008 (fruit preparations).
Confused Codes：
0811.10 - Frozen cherries
Frozen cherries have undergone freezing treatment, altering the cell structure, and are classified under 0811; fresh cherries may only be refrigerated and remain in their original state.
2008.60 - Candied cherries
Candied cherries have undergone processing such as adding sugar and sugar-boiling, which has changed their essential character, and are classified under 2008; fresh cherries have no added substances.
0809.30 - Dried cherries
Dried cherries are dehydrated and dried, with low moisture content, and are classified under 0809.30; fresh cherries have high moisture content and require refrigerated preservation.
2009.80 - Cherry juice
Cherry juice is made by pressing or extraction and is a beverage, classified under 2009; fresh cherries are whole fruit.
Self-Check：
✓ Are they kept fresh, only refrigerated and not frozen?
✓ Have no sugar, preservatives, or other substances been added?
✓ Have they not been pitted, sliced, or made into cans?
✓ Do they belong to the fruit of the genus Prunus?
✓ Are they intended for consumption rather than essential oil extraction or planting?
❓ FAQ
Is there a difference in HS code between fresh cherries and refrigerated cherries? No difference. Refrigerated cherries, as long as they are not frozen, are still classified under 0809.20. However, if the temperature falls below freezing and causes freezing, they are classified under 0811.10. When declaring, the preservation method must be indicated as 'fresh' or 'refrigerated' to avoid mistakenly declaring them as frozen. What quarantine approvals are required for importing fresh cherries? An Import Animal and Plant Quarantine License is required, and it must be ensured that the exporting country and orchards and packing houses are registered with the General Administration of Customs of China. At the time of import, an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country must be provided, and port inspection and sampling testing must be accepted. The specific access list can be queried on the website of the General Administration of Customs. How can the tariff rate for fresh cherries be queried? It can be checked in the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or through the website of the Tariff Collection and Administration Department of the General Administration of Customs. The MFN rate, agreement rate, general rate, etc., depend on the country of origin and trade agreements. For example, Chilean cherries can enjoy the agreement rate with a certificate of origin. What HS code applies to cross-border e-commerce retail imports of fresh cherries? 0809.20 still applies. Cross-border e-commerce retail imports must be declared through the customs cross-border e-commerce supervision platform, and the goods must be within the List of Cross-Border E-Commerce Retail Imported Goods. Fresh cherries are fresh products and must meet quarantine requirements, and are usually imported under the direct purchase model. How should 'Brand type' be filled in among the declaration elements for fresh cherries? Select according to the actual brand situation: no brand, domestic independent brand, domestically acquired brand, foreign brand (OEM), foreign brand (other). If produced under OEM, indicate 'foreign brand (OEM)' and fill in the brand name. What are the consequences of mistakenly classifying fresh cherries under 0809.30 (dried cherries)? This is a classification error and may lead to tariff differences, under-collection, or erroneous refunds. Customs may require supplementary tax payment and impose a fine in accordance with the law. If license management is involved, it may also constitute smuggling. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification if necessary. What certificate of origin is required for exporting fresh cherries to the European Union? A general certificate of origin (CO) or a GSP certificate of origin (if applicable) may be applied for. If China has a trade agreement with the European Union, an agreement certificate of origin may be applied for to enjoy preferential tariffs. Documents such as commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading must be provided, and application must be made to customs or the CCPIT. How can it be determined whether fresh cherries have undergone 'processing'? Processing refers to treatment that changes the essential character of the product, such as pitting, adding sugar, candying, fermenting, or making into cans. Only washing, grading, packing, refrigerating, and waxing (food-grade wax) are simple treatments and are not regarded as processing; they are still classified under 0809.20.
Q: Is there a difference in HS code between fresh cherries and refrigerated cherries?
A: No difference. Refrigerated cherries, as long as they are not frozen, are still classified under 0809.20. However, if the temperature falls below freezing and causes freezing, they are classified under 0811.10. When declaring, the preservation method must be indicated as 'fresh' or 'refrigerated' to avoid mistakenly declaring them as frozen.
Q: What quarantine approvals are required for importing fresh cherries?
A: An Import Animal and Plant Quarantine License is required, and it must be ensured that the exporting country and orchards and packing houses are registered with the General Administration of Customs of China. At the time of import, an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country must be provided, and port inspection and sampling testing must be accepted. The specific access list can be queried on the website of the General Administration of Customs.
Q: How can the tariff rate for fresh cherries be queried?
A: It can be checked in the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or through the website of the Tariff Collection and Administration Department of the General Administration of Customs. The MFN rate, agreement rate, general rate, etc., depend on the country of origin and trade agreements. For example, Chilean cherries can enjoy the agreement rate with a certificate of origin.
Q: What HS code applies to cross-border e-commerce retail imports of fresh cherries?
A: 0809.20 still applies. Cross-border e-commerce retail imports must be declared through the customs cross-border e-commerce supervision platform, and the goods must be within the List of Cross-Border E-Commerce Retail Imported Goods. Fresh cherries are fresh products and must meet quarantine requirements, and are usually imported under the direct purchase model.
Q: How should 'Brand type' be filled in among the declaration elements for fresh cherries?
A: Select according to the actual brand situation: no brand, domestic independent brand, domestically acquired brand, foreign brand (OEM), foreign brand (other). If produced under OEM, indicate 'foreign brand (OEM)' and fill in the brand name.
Q: What are the consequences of mistakenly classifying fresh cherries under 0809.30 (dried cherries)?
A: This is a classification error and may lead to tariff differences, under-collection, or erroneous refunds. Customs may require supplementary tax payment and impose a fine in accordance with the law. If license management is involved, it may also constitute smuggling. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: What certificate of origin is required for exporting fresh cherries to the European Union?
A: A general certificate of origin (CO) or a GSP certificate of origin (if applicable) may be applied for. If China has a trade agreement with the European Union, an agreement certificate of origin may be applied for to enjoy preferential tariffs. Documents such as commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading must be provided, and application must be made to customs or the CCPIT.
Q: How can it be determined whether fresh cherries have undergone 'processing'?
A: Processing refers to treatment that changes the essential character of the product, such as pitting, adding sugar, candying, fermenting, or making into cans. Only washing, grading, packing, refrigerating, and waxing (food-grade wax) are simple treatments and are not regarded as processing; they are still classified under 0809.20.
⚠️ 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.