HS 060210 Unrooted cuttings and slips
Quick Answer: Unrooted cuttings and slips imported under HS 060210 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 4.00%, and the US at 4.8% under the MFN rate. This HS code specifically covers plant cuttings and slips that have not yet been rooted. These are typically used by nurseries and horticultural businesses for propagation. Importers should be aware of potential phytosanitary requirements and varying duty rates across different trade blocs. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific rates and any applicable preferential treatments before shipment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0602100000 | — | — | — |
| 0602101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 0602109000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0602100000 | — | — | — |
| 0602109000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 0602101000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0602100000 | 4.8% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 0602.10?
Imports of Unrooted cuttings and slips may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 060210 cover?
This subheading covers unrooted cuttings and slips, which are vegetative plant material intended for propagation. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these are plant parts that have been detached from the parent plant but have not yet developed roots. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes cuttings of ornamental plants, fruit trees, and other horticultural species that are not yet rooted. For example, a stem cutting of a rose bush without any roots would fall under this classification.
What falls outside HS 060210?
The following products are excluded from HS 060210: rooted cuttings, slips that have already developed roots, and plants that are already established and growing. Also excluded are seeds (classified under Chapter 12), bulbs, tubers, and corms (classified under HS 0601). For instance, a rose cutting that has already formed roots would be classified as a rooted plant under a different subheading, and a packet of rose seeds would be classified under HS 1209.91.90.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 060210?
A common error is misclassifying rooted cuttings as unrooted cuttings, or vice versa. This often occurs when the stage of root development is unclear or when the importer assumes a cutting will automatically be classified as unrooted. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If a cutting has visible root development, it should be classified as a rooted plant, typically under HS 0602.90.
How should importers classify products under HS 060210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 060210 involves a thorough examination of the physical characteristics of the imported plant material. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the cuttings are indeed unrooted and intended for propagation. Reviewing product descriptions, supplier documentation, and, if necessary, consulting with horticultural experts can aid in accurate classification. Cross-referencing with the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC is crucial for confirming the scope of this subheading.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 060210?
A shipment of 1,000 unrooted chrysanthemum cuttings, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $50.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. Therefore, the calculation is 10% of $500 USD, which equals $50.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specifically under HTS subheading 060210.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 060210?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 060210, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico may enter duty-free. For GSP beneficiaries, preferential rates can be as low as Free. Documentation required to claim these preferences typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA and a GSP Form A for GSP eligible countries, depending on the specific jurisdiction's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 060210 (Unrooted cuttings and slips) into the United States?
For imports into the United States, HS code 060210 typically carries a duty rate of 0.00% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. However, specific preferential rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, goods originating from countries with an FTA with the U.S. might be eligible for duty-free entry. It is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) maintained by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) for the most current and specific rates applicable to your country of origin. Always verify the origin of the goods and the relevant FTA provisions.
How does the European Union (EU) classify 'Unrooted cuttings and slips' under HS code 060210, and what are the typical duty rates?
Under the EU's Combined Nomenclature (CN), HS code 060210 covers 'Unrooted cuttings and slips'. The standard duty rate for goods classified under this code, when imported from countries not having a preferential trade agreement with the EU, is typically 4.00% ad valorem. However, the EU's TARIC database provides detailed information on preferential rates that may apply to imports from specific countries under various trade agreements (e.g., EFTA, Mediterranean countries). Importers must consult the TARIC database for the exact duty rate based on the origin of the goods and any applicable preferential schemes. Documentation proving origin is essential for claiming preferential treatment.
What are the key criteria for classifying plant material as 'Unrooted cuttings and slips' under HS 060210?
HS code 060210 specifically covers vegetative propagating material that is not rooted. This includes cuttings (pieces of stem, leaf, or root intended for propagation) and slips (young shoots or stems intended for propagation). The material must be intended for planting or propagation and must not have developed roots at the time of importation. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide further guidance, clarifying that this heading excludes live plants with roots (heading 0601) and plants already established in pots or other containers, unless they are clearly only cuttings or slips. Proper identification of the plant species and its state of development is critical for correct classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing unrooted cuttings and slips (HS 060210) into the UK, and how are duties calculated?
When importing unrooted cuttings and slips (HS 060210) into the United Kingdom, importers must comply with the UK's import regulations, which may include phytosanitary certificates to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. The duty rate for this HS code in the UK is typically 0.00% ad valorem. For example, if the value of the imported unrooted cuttings is £1,000, the ad valorem duty would be calculated as 0.00% of £1,000, resulting in £0.00. However, specific trade agreements (e.g., the UK's trade deals with certain countries) might offer preferential rates, which could also be 0.00% or subject to specific conditions. It is essential to consult the UK Trade Tariff for the definitive duty rates and any specific import requirements based on the country of origin. Customs brokers play a vital role in ensuring all necessary documentation is in order.
Can you provide an example of how the duty for HS 060210 is calculated if a preferential rate is not applied?
Certainly. Let's assume an importer brings 10,000 unrooted cuttings of a specific plant variety into a country that applies a 4.8% ad valorem duty rate for HS code 060210 and no preferential rate is applicable. If the customs value of these cuttings is determined to be $5,000 USD, the ad valorem duty would be calculated as follows: Duty Amount = Customs Value × Duty Rate. In this case, Duty Amount = $5,000 × 4.8% = $5,000 × 0.048 = $240.00 USD. This $240.00 would be the calculated import duty. It's important to note that other taxes, such as Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST), may also apply depending on the importing country's regulations.