HS 060230 Rhododendrons and azaleas, grafted or not
Quick Answer: Rhododendrons and azaleas, grafted or not, imported under HS 060230 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 8.30% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from free to 25% ad valorem, with preferential rates for certain trading partners. This classification specifically covers live plants of the genera Rhododendron and Azalea, including both grafted and non-grafted specimens. Importers should be aware of potential phytosanitary requirements and varying tariff treatments across major markets. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance planning.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0602300000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 0602300010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 0602300090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0602300000 | 8.30 % | — | — |
| 0602300010 | 8.30 % | — | — |
| 0602300090 | 8.30 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0602300000 | 1.9% | Free (18 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 0602.30?
Imports of Rhododendrons and azaleas, grafted or not 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, GSP, 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 060230 cover?
This subheading covers live plants of the genus Rhododendron and Azalea, whether or not they have been grafted. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes all forms of these flowering shrubs, from young seedlings to mature specimens, intended for planting or ornamental purposes. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to both species and hybrid varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas.
What falls outside HS 060230?
The following products are excluded from HS 060230: cut flowers and buds of rhododendrons and azaleas, which are classified under Chapter 0607; dried or preserved rhododendrons and azaleas, typically found in Chapter 12; and any parts of these plants, such as leaves or roots, if imported separately and not as part of a live plant. For instance, rhododendron leaves intended for medicinal or culinary use would not fall under this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 060230?
A common error is misclassifying rhododendron and azalea plants based on their intended use rather than their botanical identity. For example, plants intended for landscaping might be mistakenly classified under general horticultural items. Additionally, confusion can arise with other flowering shrubs; General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 for the interpretation of the Harmonized System emphasizes that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. Therefore, the specific genus is paramount.
How should importers classify products under HS 060230?
The correct procedure for classifying rhododendrons and azaleas under HS 060230 involves confirming the botanical identity of the imported plant. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and verify that the product is indeed a live plant of the genus Rhododendron or Azalea. Reviewing product descriptions, botanical names, and any accompanying documentation is crucial to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 060230?
A shipment of 100 live Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' plants, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($500 USD × 0.07 = $35.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 060230.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 060230?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 060230, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for originating goods. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) can also offer reduced or duty-free rates for originating products from certain developing countries. For USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. For EU GSP, a GSP Form A movement certificate may be necessary, depending on the originating country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for Rhododendrons and azaleas (HS 060230) into the United States?
Under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (USHTS), Rhododendrons and azaleas, grafted or not, fall under HS code 060230. The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00%. However, it's crucial to check for any special trade programs or retaliatory tariffs that might apply, as these can change. Importers should consult the latest USITC tariff schedule for definitive rates.
How is the import duty for Rhododendrons and azaleas calculated in the European Union?
In the European Union, Rhododendrons and azaleas (HS 060230) are generally subject to a 0.00% duty rate under the Combined Nomenclature (CN). This rate is often preferential for goods originating from countries with which the EU has trade agreements. For example, if a shipment of azaleas valued at €10,000 from a country with a Free Trade Agreement enters the EU, and the applicable duty rate is 0.00%, the calculated duty would be €10,000 * 0.00% = €0.00.
What documentation is typically required for importing Rhododendrons and azaleas (HS 060230) into the United Kingdom?
When importing Rhododendrons and azaleas (HS 060230) into the United Kingdom, standard customs declarations are required. Depending on the origin and phytosanitary status of the plants, additional documentation may be necessary. This can include a phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country's plant health authority to ensure the plants are free from pests and diseases. Importers should verify specific requirements with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and consult the UK Trade Tariff for applicable duty rates, which are currently 0.00% for this classification.
Are there preferential duty rates for Rhododendrons and azaleas (HS 060230) under common trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates often apply to Rhododendrons and azaleas (HS 060230) under various trade agreements. For instance, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), developing countries may benefit from reduced or zero duties. The provided sample rates indicate 'Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,JP,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)', suggesting that originating goods from these listed countries or blocs may enter duty-free into the importing country. Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these preferential rates.
What are the classification criteria for Rhododendrons and azaleas under HS code 060230?
HS code 060230 specifically covers 'Rhododendrons and azaleas, grafted or not'. The classification hinges on the botanical identification of the plant. Rhododendrons are woody plants known for their large, showy flowers, while azaleas are a subgroup of Rhododendrons, often characterized by smaller leaves and flowers. The 'grafted or not' clause indicates that both naturally grown and grafted specimens fall under this code. If a plant does not clearly fit the botanical definition of a rhododendron or azalea, it may be classified under a more general heading for live plants.