HS 060313 Orchids
Quick Answer: Orchids imported under HS 060313 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.50%, and the US at a range of rates including 6.4% MFN and 3.2% for Japan, with certain countries receiving duty-free entry. This HS code specifically covers cut flowers and flower buds of orchids, suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes. Importers should be aware of potential phytosanitary requirements and varying preferential duty rates depending on the country of origin. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-of-origin tariff treatment for accurate customs declarations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0603130000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0603130000 | 8.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06031300 | 6.4% | Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) 3.2% (1 programs) | — |
| 0603130060 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 0603130050 | — | — | ["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 0603.13?
Imports of Orchids 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)
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 060313 cover?
This subheading covers cut flowers and flower buds of orchids, suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically includes fresh orchids, whether or not they are preserved by simple means (e.g., refrigeration or immersion in a preserving solution), but not dried, desiccated, or otherwise prepared. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the aesthetic and decorative utility of these specific blooms.
What falls outside HS 060313?
The following products are excluded from HS 060313: live orchids (which are classified under Chapter 0602), orchids that have been dried, desiccated, or otherwise permanently prepared for use in crafts or displays, and orchids that are part of a living plant or plant material not solely intended as cut flowers. For instance, potted orchid plants are classified under HS 602, and dried orchid petals used for potpourri or other decorative crafts would fall under different headings, typically in Chapter 46 for prepared vegetable materials.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 060313?
A common error is misclassifying orchids that are not solely intended as cut flowers. For example, if orchids are imported as part of a living plant or are preserved in a manner that alters their natural state beyond simple refrigeration, they would not fall under 060313. General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System are crucial here; the classification must reflect the essential character of the goods as cut flowers. Mistaking preserved but still pliable orchids for dried ones can also lead to incorrect classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 060313?
The correct procedure for classifying orchids under HS 060313 involves a thorough examination of the product's form and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the orchids are indeed cut flowers or flower buds, fresh or preserved by simple means, and suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes. Reviewing product descriptions, supplier declarations, and potentially physical inspection against the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or UK Trade Tariff is essential for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 060313?
A shipment of 1,000 Phalaenopsis orchid stems, 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 ($500 USD × 10% = $50.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 060313.90.00 (other orchids).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 060313?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 060313, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer duty-free entry for qualifying orchids originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may provide duty-free access for qualifying orchids from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 060313 (Orchids) into the United States?
For orchids (HS 060313) imported into the United States, the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 8.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For example, orchids originating from Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA) may receive duty-free treatment (Free). Japan (JP) has a preferential rate of 3.2% ad valorem. It is crucial to verify the specific origin and applicable trade agreement to determine the correct duty rate. Always consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for the most current and definitive rates.
How is the import duty for orchids calculated under HS code 060313?
The import duty for orchids under HS code 060313 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For example, if orchids are valued at $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate is 8.00%, the import duty would be $10,000 USD * 0.08 = $800 USD. If a specific duty is applicable (e.g., per stem or per kilogram), the calculation would be rate × quantity. Always confirm the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the HTSUS or relevant customs authority.
What documentation is typically required for importing orchids under HS code 060313?
Importing orchids (HS 060313) requires specific documentation to ensure compliance with customs regulations and agricultural import requirements. Key documents usually include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates. Additionally, importers must comply with regulations set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This often necessitates a phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant health authority of the exporting country, certifying that the orchids are free from pests and diseases. Pre-clearance or import permits may also be required depending on the origin and type of orchid. It is essential to consult APHIS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the most up-to-date requirements.
Are there specific criteria to classify plants as 'orchids' under HS code 060313, and how do they differ from other cut flowers?
HS code 060313 specifically covers 'Orchids, cut, for bouquet-making or for ornamental purposes'. The classification relies on the botanical identification of the plant as belonging to the Orchidaceae family. Unlike general cut flowers which might fall under broader headings like 0603 (other cut flowers and flower buds), orchids are a distinct group recognized for their unique floral structure and often high commercial value. The key criterion is botanical classification. If a flower is scientifically identified as an orchid, it falls under 060313. If it is a cut flower but not an orchid (e.g., a rose, tulip, or carnation), it would be classified under a different subheading within 0603.
How do trade agreements like the USMCA affect the duty rates for orchids (HS 060313) imported into the United States?
Trade agreements significantly impact duty rates for orchids (HS 060313). For instance, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), orchids originating from Mexico or Canada may qualify for duty-free entry into the United States. To benefit from these preferential rates, importers must ensure the orchids meet the agreement's rules of origin and possess a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin. This requires meticulous record-keeping and verification of the product's origin. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the standard MFN duty rate (8.00% ad valorem) being applied. Always confirm the specific origin and obtain the necessary documentation to claim preferential treatment.