HTS Code: 0605 — Live Plants, Bulbs, Roots and the Like; Cut Flowers and Ornamental Foliage

This heading encompasses a diverse range of live plants and plant parts primarily used for horticulture, decoration, or propagation. The products covered include:

• Live plants: Including rooted or unrooted plants intended for planting or ornamental purposes.
• Bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, and rhizomes: These are underground plant structures used mainly for propagation or cultivation.
• Cut flowers: Freshly cut flowers from plants cultivated for decorative use.
• Ornamental foliage: Fresh leaves and branches used for decoration, floral arrangements, or horticultural displays.

The products may be supplied in various states such as potted, bare-rooted, or freshly cut.

Code Hierarchy

• Section VI:
• Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries (Chapters 28-38) — Note: The classification here falls under Section IV: Prepared Foodstuffs; Beverages, Spirits and Vinegar; Tobacco and Manufactured Tobacco Substitutes (Chapters 16-24) is unrelated; the correct Section for plants is Section VI: Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries is incorrect here, correct is Section VI — Chapter 06 related to live plants and products of horticulture.
• Chapter 06: Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage.
• Heading 0605: Live plants (including their roots), cuttings and slips; mushroom spawn.
• US HTS Code (10-digit): 0605.XX.XXXX – The final digits specify particular types or preparations of plants and spawn.

Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings

The 4-digit HS heading 0605 is divided into specific 6-digit and 10-digit codes that reflect the precise nature of the plants, cuttings, or spawn.

What is NOT Classified Here?

To avoid misclassification, note these exclusions:

• Seeds for sowing or planting are classified under Chapter 12 (e.g., 1209).
• Fruits and nuts, fresh or dried fall under Chapter 08.
• Plants preserved by drying, powdering or otherwise are classified under Chapter 12 or 13.
• Cut flowers and ornamental foliage that are dried or otherwise preserved are not included here.
• Vegetable products for propagation such as grafts or buds may be classified separately.

Notes

• USDA/APHIS Regulations:
• Importation of live plants, bulbs, cuttings, and mushroom spawn is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Phytosanitary certificates and inspections are typically required to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.
• Duty Rates: Duty rates vary by specific HTS subheading and plant type. Some plants may be duty-free under trade agreements, while others attract standard tariffs.
• Quarantine Requirements: Certain plants may be subject to quarantine or special handling on arrival.
• Labeling: Proper botanical names and country of origin labeling are required.

Declaration Example

Product:

A shipment of dormant tulip bulbs imported from the Netherlands.

US HTS Code: 0605.10.0010 (Flower bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms and rhizomes, dormant)

Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)

General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (Often duty-free or low duty under trade agreements)

Additional Requirements: USDA-APHIS phytosanitary certificate and inspection.

Related HTS Codes

• HTS 0601:
• Bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, and rhizomes, dormant, not for planting.
• HTS 0603: Cut flowers and flower buds for bouquets or ornamental purposes, fresh.
• HTS 0709: Other vegetables including mushroom spawn not classified as live plants.
• HTS 1212: Plants and parts of plants used primarily in perfumery or pharmacy.