HTS US: 1211.XX.XXXX
Description
Heading 1211 encompasses a variety of plants and parts of plants—including seeds and fruits—that are primarily utilized in perfumery, pharmacy, or for insecticidal, fungicidal, or similar purposes. The materials can be presented in multiple states such as fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried. They may also be cut, crushed, or powdered depending on their intended use.
This category includes specialized roots, leaves, barks, and herbal components valued for their medicinal, aromatic, or pesticidal properties rather than for food consumption.
Code Hierarchy
- Section II: Vegetable Products (Chapters 06–14)
- Chapter 12: Oil Seeds and Oleaginous Fruits; Miscellaneous Seeds; Industrial or Medicinal Plants
- Heading 1211: Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits) primarily used in perfumery, pharmacy, insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
1211.XX.XXXX– Further digits specify exact plant types and their states.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The 4-digit heading 1211 is subdivided into more specific codes that identify particular plants and their forms. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of these subheadings:
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1211.20 | Ginseng roots | Mainly used in herbal medicine and pharmacy. |
| 1211.20.10 | Fresh or dried | Commonly used forms for medicinal preparations. |
| 1211.20.10.20 | Cultivated | Farm-grown roots, often more uniform in quality. |
| 1211.20.10.90 | Wild | Wild-harvested roots, usually more potent but variable. |
| 1211.20.15.00 | Chilled or frozen | Preserved for freshness during transport and storage. |
| 1211.30.00.00 | Coca leaf | Used mainly for pharmaceutical alkaloid extraction. |
| 1211.40.00.00 | Poppy straw | Raw material for alkaloid production, including opiates. |
| 1211.50.00.00 | Ephedra | Plants used in traditional medicines and stimulants. |
| 1211.60.00.00 | Bark of African cherry (Prunus Africana) | Used in pharmaceutical products, especially prostate treatments. |
| 1211.90 | Other plants and parts | Various herbal products not classified elsewhere. |
| 1211.90.20.00 | Crude or not manufactured | Raw plant materials without processing. |
| 1211.90.40 | Other | Includes processed or partially processed materials. |
| 1211.90.40.20 | Herbal teas and herbal infusions (single species, unmixed) | Used for medicinal or aromatic infusions. |
| 1211.90.40.40 | Other | Miscellaneous herbal preparations. |
| 1211.90.60.00 | Tonka beans | Used in perfumery and flavoring. |
| 1211.90.89 | Fresh or dried | Various fresh or dried plant parts. |
| 1211.90.89.20 | Psyllium seed husks | Used as dietary fiber and medicinal product. |
| 1211.90.89.31 | Other | Includes other herbal raw materials. |
| 1211.90.89.40 | Basil | Used in herbal remedies and perfumery. |
| 1211.90.89.50 | Sage | Herb with medicinal and aromatic uses. |
| 1211.90.89.80 | Herbal teas and herbal infusions (single species, unmixed) | Prepared for medicinal or aromatic consumption. |
| 1211.90.89.90 | Other | Miscellaneous fresh or dried plants. |
| 1211.90.93.00 | Chilled or frozen | Preserved plants to maintain freshness. |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To ensure accurate classification, note these exclusions:
- Plants used primarily as food or spices without medicinal or aromatic purposes are classified elsewhere.
- Fully manufactured pharmaceutical products or extracts fall under pharmaceutical chapters.
- Pesticides and fungicides that are synthetic chemical preparations are not included.
- Essential oils and resinoids are classified under different headings (Chapter 33).
Notes
- Regulatory Considerations: Import and export of plants and their parts under this heading may be subject to phytosanitary regulations and permits depending on country-specific agricultural and health standards.
- Duty Rates: Duty rates vary widely based on the specific 10-digit HTS code and the country of origin. Many products may be subject to additional inspections or certifications.
- Documentation: Proper botanical identification and certificates of origin are often required to facilitate customs processing.
Declaration Example
Product: Shipment of dried cultivated ginseng roots.US HTS Code:
1211.20.10.20(Ginseng roots, fresh or dried, cultivated)Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)
General Duty Rate: Refer to current USHTS Schedule for specific rate
Additional Requirements: Phytosanitary certificate and FDA compliance for herbal products.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 1210: Plants and parts used primarily in perfumery, pharmacy, or insecticidal purposes but not fresh or dried (e.g., extracts, essential oils).
- HTS 3301: Essential oils, including those derived from plants covered in 1211.
- HTS 1301: Lac; natural gums, resins, and other vegetable saps and extracts.
