HS 988009 Classified in Chapter 09
Quick Answer: Products classified under HS code 988009 enter the UK with no specific duty rate indicated in the provided tariff data, and the EU also shows no specific duty rate for this code. This special code, "Classified in Chapter 09," is a placeholder or internal reference, not a standard Harmonized System (HS) code for direct classification of goods. It typically signifies that the actual classification resides within Chapter 09 of the HS nomenclature, which covers coffee, tea, maté and spices. Importers and customs brokers should verify the specific HS code within Chapter 09 for their goods to determine applicable duties and regulations. According to CustomTariffs data, the absence of specific rates for 988009 highlights the need for precise classification within the main HS chapters.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880090000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880090000 | — | — | — |
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.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 988009 cover?
This subheading covers goods that are classified within Chapter 09 of the Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature, as stipulated by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Chapter 09 specifically pertains to "Coffee, tea, maté and spices." Therefore, HS 988009 is a special provision that directs classification to the specific product categories found within Chapter 09, rather than a standalone product category itself. This means items like coffee beans, tea leaves, and various spices fall under the scope of Chapter 09, and thus are indirectly covered by HS 988009 for specific tariff or statistical purposes within certain national tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
What falls outside HS 988009?
The following products are excluded from being directly classified under HS 988009, as this subheading is a directive to classify within Chapter 09. Items that are not coffee, tea, maté, or spices are therefore outside its scope. For example, processed food items that incorporate spices but are primarily classified as prepared meals (e.g., under Chapter 21), or beverages derived from tea but further processed into complex drinks, would not be classified under Chapter 09 and consequently not under HS 988009. Similarly, agricultural products not falling into the defined categories of Chapter 09, such as grains or fresh fruits, are excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 988009?
A common error is attempting to classify composite goods or mixtures directly under HS 988009 without first applying the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI). For instance, a spice blend might be mistakenly classified as a single spice under Chapter 09, when GRI 3(b) or 3(c) might dictate classification based on the component that gives the blend its essential character, potentially leading to a different chapter. Importers may also overlook the specific subheadings within Chapter 09, leading to an incorrect classification of the particular type of coffee, tea, or spice.
How should importers classify products under HS 988009?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 988009 involves first identifying the product's fundamental nature and then determining its correct classification within Chapter 09 of the HS. Importers and customs brokers must consult the detailed descriptions and Explanatory Notes for Chapter 09. For example, if importing whole coffee beans, one would look for the specific subheading for coffee beans in Chapter 09. If the product is a blend, the GRI must be applied to determine the principal component or essential character before assigning the final Chapter 09 subheading, which then aligns with HS 988009's directive.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 988009?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of unroasted Arabica coffee beans, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $25.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 2.5% ad valorem applied to the declared value ($500 USD × 0.025 = $12.50) plus a specific duty of $0.125 per kilogram ($0.125/kg × 100 kg = $12.50), totaling $25.00. This is calculated using the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 0901.11.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 988009?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for products classified under Chapter 09, and thus indirectly under HS 988009, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating coffee, tea, and spices from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for a duty rate of Free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, preferential rates may be available for certain developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), requiring a GSP Form A. Specific origin documentation is crucial for all preferential claims.
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FAQ
What does HS code 988009, 'Classified in Chapter 09', signify for import duties?
HS code 988009 is a special statistical or administrative code used in certain jurisdictions, like the United States, to denote goods that are otherwise classified in Chapter 09 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Chapter 09 covers 'Coffee, tea, maté and spices'. This means that the actual classification and applicable duty rates will be found under the specific subheadings within Chapter 09, not under 988009 itself. Importers must identify the precise product within Chapter 09 to determine the correct duty.
How are duty rates determined for goods classified under Chapter 09, which may be referenced by 988009?
Duty rates for goods classified under Chapter 09 are determined by the specific product and the country of origin. For example, coffee, not roasted, falls under HTSUS 0901.11.00, which has a 0% Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate. Tea, black, in immediate packages of a quantity not exceeding 2 kg, falls under HTSUS 0902.10.00, also with a 0% MFN duty rate. Always consult the HTSUS or other relevant national tariff schedules for the exact rate applicable to your specific product and origin. Preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may also apply, reducing or eliminating duties.
What documentation is typically required for imports falling under Chapter 09 (referenced by 988009)?
While HS 988009 itself doesn't dictate specific documentation, imports classified under Chapter 09 generally require a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the specific commodity (e.g., certain spices or teas), phytosanitary certificates or certificates of origin may be necessary to verify compliance with import regulations and to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Always verify specific requirements with the importing country's customs authority.
Can you provide an example of how duty is calculated for a product classified within Chapter 09?
Certainly. Let's assume a specific type of unroasted coffee beans, classified under HTSUS 0901.11.00, has an MFN duty rate of 0%. If an importer brings in 1,000 kilograms of these beans, the duty calculation would be: Duty = Quantity × Rate. In this case, 1,000 kg × 0% = $0.00. If, hypothetically, another product within Chapter 09 had a specific duty of $0.50 per kilogram, the duty on 1,000 kg would be 1,000 kg × $0.50/kg = $500.00. It is crucial to identify the correct HTSUS subheading and its associated duty rate (ad valorem, specific, or compound).
Which trade agreements commonly affect goods classified under Chapter 09 and how can importers benefit?
Goods classified under Chapter 09, such as coffee, tea, and spices, can be significantly impacted by Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, the United States has FTAs with countries like Mexico and Canada (USMCA), Australia, and others. If coffee beans originate from a country with an FTA with the importing country, and meet the rules of origin, importers may benefit from reduced or eliminated duties. To claim these benefits, a valid Certificate of Origin is typically required. Importers and customs brokers should consult the specific text of applicable FTAs and the relevant national tariff schedule (e.g., HTSUS, EU TARIC) to determine eligibility and claim preferential treatment.