HS 988020 Classified in Chapter 20
Quick Answer: Products classified under HS 988020, which falls within Chapter 20 of the Harmonized System, are subject to varying duty rates depending on the importing jurisdiction. For instance, in the UK, while there is one tariff line associated with this code, specific duty rates are not readily available in sample data. Similarly, the EU also presents one tariff line without immediate sample rate information. This indicates that importers and customs brokers must consult the specific national tariff schedules for precise duty calculations. Chapter 20 generally covers preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants. Significant trade considerations for this code include the need for detailed product descriptions to ensure correct classification and the potential for specific national regulations or quotas to apply. CustomTariffs aggregates this type of tariff information for global trade analysis.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880200000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880200000 | — | — | — |
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 988020 cover?
This subheading covers products classified within Chapter 20 of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). Chapter 20 pertains to preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants. This includes items such as fruit and vegetable juices, jams, jellies, marmalades, preserved fruits and vegetables, and edible nuts prepared or preserved in various ways, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and further elaborated in national tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database.
What falls outside HS 988020?
The following products are excluded from HS 988020, even if they are derived from vegetables or fruits. These include, but are not limited to, products classified in Chapter 21 (e.g., certain sauces and seasonings), Chapter 22 (e.g., alcoholic beverages derived from fruit), and Chapter 23 (e.g., residues and waste from the food industry). For instance, fruit-based alcoholic beverages are classified under Chapter 22, and simple dried fruits not further prepared are typically classified in Chapter 08, not Chapter 20.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 988020?
A common error is misinterpreting the level of processing or preservation. For example, simple dried fruits without added sugar or other preservatives are usually classified in Chapter 08. Products that are merely washed, peeled, or cut but not otherwise preserved or prepared may also fall outside the scope of Chapter 20. Adherence to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), particularly GRI 1 and GRI 3, is crucial to ensure accurate classification based on the essential character of the product.
How should importers classify products under HS 988020?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 988020 involves a thorough review of the product's composition, processing, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official WCO HS Nomenclature and the specific national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC) for the importing country. This includes examining the Chapter Notes, Section Notes, and Explanatory Notes for Chapter 20, and comparing the product's characteristics against the descriptions of the subheadings within Chapter 20.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 988020?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of canned peaches in syrup, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the customs value: 3.0% of $500 USD = $15.00. This calculation is based on the duty rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for a product falling under Chapter 20.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 988020?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for products classified under HS 988020, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods may be eligible for a duty rate of Free. The top origin countries benefiting from such preferences for this category often include Mexico and Canada. To claim preference, a self-certified origin statement on the commercial invoice or a separate declaration is typically required, as per USMCA guidelines.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What does HS code 988020, 'Classified in Chapter 20', signify for import duties?
HS code 988020 is a special or statistical code, not a standard Harmonized System (HS) code found in the main nomenclature. It indicates that the goods being imported are to be classified under Chapter 20 of the Harmonized System, which covers 'Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants'. The actual duty rate will depend on the specific 6-digit HS code within Chapter 20 that accurately describes the imported product, and the country of origin. For example, a specific product might fall under 2008.19 (other prepared or preserved fruit, not elsewhere specified or included). You must consult the tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive classification and duty rate.
How are duty rates determined for products classified under Chapter 20 using HS code 988020?
Since 988020 directs classification to Chapter 20, the duty rate is determined by the specific 6-digit HS code within that chapter that describes the product. For instance, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), preserved peaches might be classified as 2008.70.0000. The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for this specific code would apply unless a preferential rate under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is available. Importers and brokers must identify the precise 6-digit code and then check the relevant tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the applicable duty rate, considering the country of origin.
What documentation is typically required for goods classified under Chapter 20, referenced by 988020?
While 988020 itself doesn't dictate specific documentation, goods classified under Chapter 20 (Preparations of vegetables, fruit, etc.) generally require a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the product and origin, additional documentation may be necessary. This could include a Certificate of Origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, phytosanitary certificates for certain fresh or processed fruits and vegetables to ensure they meet plant health standards, or specific product certifications related to food safety or quality. Always verify the exact requirements with the customs authority of the importing country.
Can you provide a numerical example of how duty is calculated for a product classified under Chapter 20?
Certainly. Let's assume a product, such as canned pineapple chunks, is classified under HS code 2008.99.9000 (Other prepared or preserved fruit, nuts and edible parts of plants, not elsewhere specified or included, other, other, other) in the US HTS. Suppose the MFN duty rate for this specific code is 1.2% ad valorem. If an importer brings in a shipment valued at $10,000 USD, the duty calculation would be: Duty = Value × Duty Rate = $10,000 × 1.2% = $120.00 USD. If the code also had a specific duty component, for example, $0.50 per 100kg net weight, and the shipment weighed 5,000 kg net, an additional specific duty of 50 × $0.50 = $25.00 would apply. The total duty would be the higher of the two calculations (or sum, depending on tariff rules).
How do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU FTAs, impact duty rates for products classified under Chapter 20?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for goods classified under Chapter 20, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. For example, under the USMCA, certain processed fruits and vegetables originating from Canada, Mexico, or the United States may qualify for preferential duty-free treatment. To claim these benefits, importers must possess a valid Certificate of Origin and ensure the product meets the specific tariff shift or regional value content requirements. Importers and customs brokers must consult the relevant trade agreement text and the importing country's tariff schedule to determine eligibility and claim preferential rates.