Section II of the HTSUS

Thank you for joining us for our series on classification. Last Monday, we explored the articles contained in Section I of the HTSUS. Today, we will study the various commodities covered in Section II of the HTSUS. Having a good general knowledge of the products covered in each Section and Chapter will expedite the classification process and improve accuracy of your classifications.

Answer to Section I Question
0511.99.2000
N021209
http://rulings.cbp.gov/index.asp?ru=k87544&qu=rawhide+dog+chew&vw=detail


Section II covers Chapters 6 through 14, which contain vegetable products in various forms such as fresh, frozen, etc. Most of the goods covered in these chapters are subject to the regulations of at least one of the other government agencies such as the USDA, APHIS and the FDA.

Chapter 6 includes live plants, trees, bulbs, roots, cut flowers and ornamental foliage as well as bouquets and arrangements of the flowers. Importations in this chapter must comply with the USDA regulations. Live plants and flowers are subject to inspection by APHIS to ensure that no harmful insects and other pests that could damage agriculture are introduced into the United States.

Chapter 7 covers the importation of edible vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, corn and herbs. These vegetables may be fresh, dried, chilled, steamed or frozen and processed, but not otherwise prepared. Products of this chapter must comply with the regulations of the FDA and USDA. Some products in this chapter are subject to additional restrictions such as tariff rate quotas.

Chapter 8 includes fruits and nuts. Products of this chapter may be fresh, dried, chilled, steamed, boiled or frozen, but not prepared. Articles of this chapter are subject to the regulations of the FDA and USDA. Certain products may be subject to tariff rate quotas. The EPA may be concerned with pesticide residue on fresh fruit and nuts.

Chapter 9 covers coffee, teas and spices such as vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and various blends. Imports covered by this chapter are subject to FDA regulations and some importations are prohibited.

Chapter 10 covers the importation of raw cereals such as wheat, corn, barley, oats, rice and other grains. Products of this chapter must comply with the regulations of the FDA, USDA and EPA. The Chapter Notes list several restrictions regarding the types of products that can be classified in this chapter.

Chapter 11 includes milled cereals, such as flour and worked grains. Products of this chapter must comply with the regulations of the FDA USDA and EPA. Some products of this chapter may be prohibited from importation from certain countries.

Chapter 12 pertains to oil seeds and miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruits such as soybeans, peanuts and sunflower seeds. Products of this chapter must comply with the regulations of the FDA, USDA and EPA. Quotas may apply to some products.

Chapter 13 covers products made from insects, plants and other organic sources that occur naturally and are gelatinous when moist but harden when dry. Products of this chapter must comply with the regulations of the FDA and TSCA.

Chapter 14 includes plaiting materials such as bamboo, rattan, reed, raffia and broomcorn. Imports must comply with the requirements of the USDA. Restrictions on commodities from specific countries may apply. USDA and FWS Permits may be required. Packaging should prevent infestation by insects.


Question
Gordon’s Geriatric Groceries imports whole dried prunes preserved in sorbic acid and sold in sealed pouches. What is the classification of the prunes?


Join us next week for the answer to this week’s classification question and a discussion of Section III of the HTSUS. If there are any specific commodities or sections of the HTSUS that you would like to see discussed in this series, please feel free to post a comment or send your suggestions to wizard@boskage.com