HS 200599 Other

HS code 200599 covers 'Other vegetables and mixtures of vegetables, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen, other than products of heading 2006.' The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate often falls around 16.00% ad valorem in many jurisdictions. However, preferential rates can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for goods originating from countries with trade agreements. For example, under certain agreements (indicated by codes like A*, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG), the duty rate can be Free. Importers must verify the specific preferential treatment applicable to their country of origin and the importing country's tariff schedule, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule or the EU's TARIC database, to determine the exact rate.

Products are classified under HS code 200599 if they are vegetables (or mixtures of vegetables) that have been prepared or preserved, but not by means of vinegar or acetic acid. Crucially, they must not be frozen and must not be products of heading 2006 (which typically covers vegetables, fruit, nuts, etc., preserved by sugar). This means the preservation method is key; common methods include canning, drying (without sugar), or processing in brine or oil. The 'other' designation signifies that the specific vegetable or mixture is not elsewhere specified within heading 2005. For instance, canned mixed vegetables not containing vinegar would likely fall here if not specifically classified elsewhere.

Standard import documentation is generally required for HS code 200599. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the goods, quantity, value, and country of origin. A packing list is essential for verifying the contents of shipments. A bill of lading or air waybill serves as the contract of carriage and receipt of goods. Depending on the importing country and the nature of the product, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Phytosanitary certificates might be required for certain vegetables to ensure they meet health and safety standards. Importers and customs brokers should consult the specific import regulations of the destination country, often found on government trade websites like CBP.gov for the US or GOV.UK for the UK.

Import duties for HS code 200599 are typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 16.00% and a shipment of canned mixed vegetables has a customs value of $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as follows: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.16 (Duty Rate) = $1,600 USD. Some tariffs may also include specific duties (per unit) or a combination (compound duty). It is crucial to use the correct customs value, which usually includes the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight up to the point of importation. Always refer to the official tariff schedule for the precise duty calculation method and rate applicable to your specific import.

Several major trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates, often reducing them to Free or a significantly lower percentage, for goods classified under HS code 200599. Examples include agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), which may offer preferential treatment for goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and its various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries worldwide, as reflected in the EU's TARIC system, often provide reduced duties. Similarly, the UK's Global Tariff and its post-Brexit trade deals, and the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule referencing agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), list specific preferential rates. Importers must ensure their goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in these agreements to qualify for preferential treatment.