HTS US: 0603.XX.XXXX
Description
This heading encompasses fresh cut flowers and flower buds intended mainly for bouquets or ornamental purposes. The products covered include a wide variety of flowers, presented typically in a fresh state, suitable for decorative use or floral arrangements.
The classification includes:
- Cut flowers: Individual flowers that have been cut from the plant, with or without stems and leaves.
- Flower buds: Intact flower buds cut from plants, intended for decorative purposes.
- Fresh state: Products are unprocessed, living plant material maintained fresh for floral use.
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 0603: Cut flowers and flower buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, fresh.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
0603.XX.XXXX– The final digits specify the particular flower species or group and presentation.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The 4-digit HS heading 0603 is subdivided into specific 6-digit and 10-digit codes identifying flower types and presentation forms.
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0603.10 | Roses | One of the most common cut flowers, used extensively in bouquets and ornamental arrangements. |
0603.10.1000 |
Fresh cut roses with stems and leaves | |
0603.10.9000 |
Other forms of roses (e.g., buds only, prepared bouquets) | |
| 0603.20 | Tulips | Popular spring flowers, often sold as cut flowers. |
0603.20.1000 |
Fresh cut tulips with stems and leaves | |
0603.20.9000 |
Other tulip forms (buds, prepared bouquets) | |
| 0603.30 | Carnations and Dianthus | Widely used in floral arrangements. |
0603.30.1000 |
Fresh cut carnations and dianthus with stems | |
0603.30.9000 |
Other forms of carnations and dianthus | |
| 0603.40 | Chrysanthemums | Commonly used as cut flowers, including various species. |
0603.40.1000 |
Fresh cut chrysanthemums with stems | |
0603.40.9000 |
Other chrysanthemum forms | |
| 0603.50 | Alstroemeria | Also known as Peruvian lilies, popular in bouquet compositions. |
0603.50.1000 |
Fresh cut alstroemeria with stems | |
0603.50.9000 |
Other alstroemeria forms | |
| 0603.90 | Other cut flowers and flower buds | Includes all other fresh cut flowers and buds not specified above. |
0603.90.1000 |
Fresh cut lilies, orchids, gerberas, gladioli, etc. | |
0603.90.9000 |
Other unspecified cut flowers and buds |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To ensure proper classification, take note of these exclusions:
- Cut foliage and branches without flowers: Classified under HTS 0604.
- Dried, bleached, dyed or otherwise prepared flowers: Classified under Chapter 06, Heading 0603 with specific subheadings or Chapter 12 for dried plants.
- Plants with roots intact: Classified under Chapter 06, Heading 0601 or 0602.
- Artificial flowers: Classified under Chapter 67.
Notes
- USDA/APHIS Regulations: Importation of fresh cut flowers is subject to U.S. Department of Agriculture and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service regulations to prevent pest and disease introduction.
- Quarantine Requirements: Certain flower species may require phytosanitary certificates and inspections.
- Duty Rates: Duty rates vary by specific 10-digit HTS codes and can be ad valorem or specific. Many cut flowers enjoy low or zero tariff rates under trade agreements.
- Packaging and Presentation: The condition of the flowers (e.g., with stems, in bunches, bouquets) may affect the subheading classification.
Declaration Example
Product: A shipment of fresh cut roses with stems and leaves from the Netherlands.
US HTS Code:
0603.10.1000(Fresh cut roses with stems and leaves)Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg) or bunch
General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (Often duty-free under trade agreements)
Additional Requirements: USDA/APHIS phytosanitary certificate and inspection.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 0601: Bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns and rhizomes, dormant, in growth or in flower.
- HTS 0602: Other live plants (including their roots), cuttings and slips, mushroom spawn.
- HTS 0604: Foliage, branches and other parts of plants, without flowers or flower buds, fresh, dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated or otherwise prepared.
- HTS 6702: Artificial flowers, foliage and fruit and parts thereof; articles of human hair.
