HTS Code: 0602 — Live Plants (excluding roots) and Their Roots, Cuttings and Slips; Mushroom Spawn

This heading encompasses live plants (excluding roots), along with their roots, cuttings, and slips intended for planting. It also includes mushroom spawn. These materials are critical for horticulture, agriculture, and mushroom cultivation industries. Specifically, the heading covers:

• Live plants (excluding roots): Plants with shoots, leaves, or stems suitable for propagation but without roots.
• Roots and rhizomes: Roots and underground stems used for planting, excluding seeds.
• Cuttings and slips: Sections of plants or shoots used for vegetative propagation.
• Mushroom spawn: Prepared cultures of mushroom mycelium used for cultivation.

These items are generally imported/exported for planting or cultivation purposes rather than consumption.

Code Hierarchy

• Section VI: Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries (Chapters 28-38)
• Chapter 06: Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage.
• Heading 0602: Other live plants (excluding roots), cuttings and slips; mushroom spawn.
• US HTS Code (10-digit): 0602.XX.XXXX – The final digits specify the exact plant type or form.

Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings

The 4-digit HS heading 0602 is subdivided into more specific 6-digit and 10-digit codes based on the plant type, whether it is a cutting, slip, or mushroom spawn, and sometimes the species or group.

What is NOT Classified Here?

To prevent misclassification, note these exclusions:

• Seeds: Seeds used for sowing are classified under Chapter 12 (e.g., 1209 for seeds of certain plants).
• Cut flowers and ornamental foliage: Cut flowers and decorative leaves fall under Heading 0603.
• Plants with roots: Live plants with roots intended for planting are mostly under 0602.30 or other headings if they are mature plants.
• Plant bulbs, tubers and corms (not cuttings): These fall under Heading 0601.
• Food-grade mushrooms: Edible fresh or dried mushrooms for consumption are classified under Chapter 07.

Notes

• Phytosanitary Regulations:
• Importation of live plants and planting material is subject to strict phytosanitary requirements to prevent introduction of pests and diseases. USDA APHIS and other agencies regulate these imports.
• Documentation Requirements: Import shipments typically require phytosanitary certificates and may need inspection on arrival.
• Duty Rates: Duty rates vary by specific 10-digit HTS code and plant species. Many live plants may have low or zero duty rates but always check current tariff schedules.
• End Use: Classification depends on intended use—whether for planting, propagation, or other purposes.

Declaration Example

Product:

A shipment of rose cuttings intended for propagation from the Netherlands.

US HTS Code: 0602.10.0010 (Roses, cuttings and slips)

Unit of Quantity: Number or kilogram (kg)

General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (often duty-free or nominal)

Additional Requirements: Phytosanitary certificate and USDA APHIS import permits as applicable.

Related HTS Codes

• HTS 0601:
• Bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, and rhizomes, dormant, fresh or dried, suitable for planting.
• HTS 0603: Cut flowers and flower buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes.
• HTS 0709: Other vegetables, fresh or chilled (includes some edible plants).
• HTS 1212: Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits) used primarily in perfumery, pharmacy or for insecticidal purposes.