HS 200559 Other

HS code 200559 covers 'Other prepared or preserved vegetables and vegetables, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen, not elsewhere specified or included.' The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate can vary significantly by country. For example, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule may list a rate such as 16.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under trade agreements can substantially reduce or eliminate these duties. For instance, rates like Free (A*, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG) indicate duty-free entry for goods originating from countries with specific trade agreements with the importing nation. Importers must verify the specific origin of their goods and consult the relevant tariff schedule (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the applicable preferential rate.

When a duty is specified as a per-kilogram rate (e.g., 1.5¢/kg on entire contents of container), the duty is calculated based on the net weight of the goods. For example, if a shipment of goods classified under HS 200559 weighs 10,000 kg and the duty rate is 1.5¢/kg, the total duty would be 10,000 kg * $0.015/kg = $150.00. It is crucial to note that some tariffs specify this rate applies to the 'entire contents of the container,' which may require careful attention to the unit of measure and the basis of the charge.

Standard import documentation for HS code 200559 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin of the goods and the importing country's regulations, a Certificate of Origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Furthermore, specific food safety and quality certifications might be necessary, especially if the prepared vegetables are subject to health or sanitary regulations. Importers should consult the customs authority of the destination country for a comprehensive list of required documents.

HS code 200559 is a residual category for prepared or preserved vegetables that do not fit into more specific subheadings within Chapter 20 of the Harmonized System. The key criteria for classification are that the vegetables must be prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen, and not elsewhere specified. This typically includes vegetables that have been canned, bottled, dehydrated (but not in flakes, powders, or granules unless specified elsewhere), or otherwise processed and packed for preservation. If a vegetable preparation has undergone a specific process or is presented in a manner covered by a more precise HS code (e.g., pickled, in brine, or as part of a composite food preparation), it would not be classified under 200559.

Several major trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 200559. For example, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may offer reduced or zero duties for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and its numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries worldwide often grant preferential access. Similarly, the UK's trade agreements post-Brexit and the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework influence duty rates. Importers must confirm the specific rules of origin for their goods under the relevant trade agreement to benefit from these preferential rates.