HTS Code: 0803 — Bananas, Including Plantains, Fresh or Dried

This heading covers bananas and plantains, whether fresh or dried, including all edible parts of the fruit. The classification includes the following forms:

• Fresh: Bananas and plantains that have not undergone any drying or processing, typically sold as whole fruit.
• Dried: Bananas and plantains that have been dried to reduce moisture content for preservation and extended shelf life.

The heading encompasses both common dessert bananas and cooking plantains, regardless of size or variety.

Code Hierarchy

• Section II: Vegetable Products (Chapters 06-14)
• Chapter 08: Edible Fruit and Nuts; Peel of Citrus Fruit or Melons
• Heading 0803: Bananas, including plantains, fresh or dried.
• US HTS Code (10-digit): 0803.XX.XXXX – The final digits specify the type, state, and packaging of the product.

Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings

The 4-digit HS heading 0803 is subdivided into specific 6-digit and 10-digit subheadings based on the variety, form, and preparation of the bananas or plantains.

What is NOT Classified Here?

To avoid misclassification, note these exclusions:

• Banana flour or starch: Classified under Chapter 11 (e.g., 1106).
• Prepared or preserved banana products: Such as banana puree or canned bananas, classified under Chapter 20 (prepared foods).
• Banana chips with added ingredients: May fall under processed or snack food categories in Chapter 19 or 21.
• Banana fiber or other non-edible parts: Classified under different headings related to fiber or industrial products.

Notes

• USDA Regulations: Importation of fresh bananas and plantains is subject to USDA and APHIS inspection to prevent pests and diseases.
• Duty Rates: Duty rates vary based on product form and country of origin. Fresh bananas from certain countries may be subject to quota or preferential tariffs.
• Phytosanitary Certificates: Required for fresh imports to certify compliance with plant health standards.
• Packaging Requirements: Fresh bananas are often imported in bunches or cartons meeting specific labeling and packaging standards.

Declaration Example

Product: Shipment of fresh dessert bananas from Ecuador.

US HTS Code: 0803.20.0010 (Fresh bananas, fresh weight ≤ 8.5 kg per bunch)

Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)

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

Additional Requirements: USDA/APHIS phytosanitary inspection and certificate.

Related HTS Codes

• HTS 0804: Dates, figs, pineapples, avocados, guavas, mangoes, and mangosteens, fresh or dried.
• HTS 1106: Flour, meal, and powder of the dried leguminous vegetables, banana flour excluded from 0803.
• HTS 2008: Fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, prepared or preserved.
• HTS 1213: Cereal straw and husks, banana fiber and other textile fibers.