Basmati rice
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1006202090 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1006309059 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1102902500 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1102903000 | 47.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
πΎ Basmati Rice β Comprehensive HS Code & Tariff Guide (2026 Update)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Tariff Deep Dive | Pro-Level Import Planning
π One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is Basmati Rice?
Basmati rice is a premium long-grain aromatic rice variety, native to the Indian subcontinent, known for its distinctive fragrance, slender grains, and ability to elongate during cooking. In international trade, it is classified under two key categories based on processing level:
- Husked (Brown) Basmati Rice: Rice with only the outer husk removed β retains the bran and germ.
- Semi-Milled or Wholly Milled Basmati Rice: Rice that has been polished and/or milled to remove bran and germ β includes long-grain, polished, or glazed forms.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Husked rice = retains bran β higher risk of tariffs due to agricultural protection policies
- Milled rice = polished β often subject to lower or zero tariffs depending on origin and trade agreements
π¦ Two, HS Code Breakdown (2026 Official Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Processing Level | Key Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
1006.20.20.90 |
Rice, husked (brown), Basmati, other | Husked (brown), non-processed | Raw ingredient, bulk export, milling facilities |
1006.30.90.59 |
Rice, semi-milled or wholly milled, long grain, Basmati, other | Polished, milled, glazed or unglazed | Retail, food service, premium table rice |
π Why This Matters:
- Husked Basmati (1006.20.20.90) is treated as a raw agricultural commodity β higher scrutiny and tariffs
- Milled Basmati (1006.30.90.59) is considered a processed food product β often enjoys preferential treatment
π° Three, 2026 Tariff Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clause Analysis)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: India (IN) / Pakistan (PK)
β Effective Date: January 1, 2026 (latest updates)
π― 1. 1006.20.20.90 β Husked (Brown) Basmati Rice, Other
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.83Β’ per kilogram (specific duty, not ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% (under Section 301 of U.S. Trade Act) |
| Total Effective Duty | 0.83Β’/kg + 25.0% of CIF value |
| Tax Calculation Formula | |
> Total Duty = (0.83Β’ Γ weight in kg) + (25% Γ CIF Value) |
|
| > Example: 1,000 kg of rice at $1.50/kg β | |
| > = (0.83Β’ Γ 1,000) + (25% Γ $1,500) = $8.30 + $375 = $383.30 total duty | |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable (no de minimis exemption) |
| Legal Basis | USITC: 1006.20.20.90 β FOOTNOTE 9903.88.01 β Section 301 (China & India) |
π Explanation:
- 0.83Β’/kg is a specific duty β fixed per kilogram, regardless of value
- +25% is an additional tariff under Section 301, applied to goods from countries deemed to engage in unfair trade practices
- No de minimis means even small shipments (e.g., 10 kg) are fully taxed β no relief
- Cumulative impact: High cost for bulk shipments, especially from India/Pakistan
π― 2. 1006.30.90.59 β Semi-Milled or Wholly Milled Basmati Rice, Long Grain, Other
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | No duty payable |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Yes (if under $800, no duty applies) |
| Legal Basis | USITC: 1006.30.90.59 β FOOTNOTE 9903.88.01 β No additional tariff |
π Explanation:
- No base or additional tariffs apply to milled Basmati rice
- De minimis applies β ideal for small orders, samples, or e-commerce
- Highly favorable compared to husked rice
- No need to worry about Section 301 for this category
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Delays)
β 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have Checklist)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Basmati Rice, Milled, Long Grain" or "Husked Brown Basmati Rice" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include weight per package, total quantity, and HS Code |
| β Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | βοΈ | Must match invoice |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Critical for tariff eligibility β especially for India/Pakistan |
| β Phytosanitary Certificate | βοΈ | Required for all rice imports into the U.S. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show grain type, packaging, and labeling |
| β Lab Test Report (Optional but Recommended) | βοΈ | For purity, moisture, foreign matter, and pesticide residue |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Key Rules to Remember)
π₯ βMilled = Free, Husked = Heavy Dutyβ
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polished Basmati Rice | 1006.30.90.59 |
Misdeclare as 1006.20.20.90 |
Pay 25% extra + specific duty |
| Brown Basmati Rice | 1006.20.20.90 |
Claim as βmilledβ | Severe penalties, fines, or seizure |
| Small Shipment (e.g., 50 kg) | 1006.30.90.59 |
Use de minimis (under $800) | β No duty β ideal for samples |
| Bulk Shipment (10 MT) | 1006.20.20.90 |
Declare as milled | Pay $383+ per MT β avoid! |
β 3. Special Cases & Workarounds
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Importing from India/Pakistan | Ensure CO is issued and matches product description β avoid "China-origin" misclassification |
| Using e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Shopify) | Use 1006.30.90.59 + de minimis (under $800) β duty-free |
| Re-exporting to third countries | Keep full documentation β customs may request proof of origin |
| Selling as "premium" or "organic" rice | Include certification (e.g., USDA Organic, Fair Trade) β may qualify for reduced scrutiny |
π Five, Global Market Tariff Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 1006.30.90.59 |
0.0% | Phytosanitary + CO | De minimis applies |
| πΊπΈ United States | 1006.20.20.90 |
0.83Β’/kg + 25% | Phytosanitary + CO | No de minimis |
| π¨π³ China | 1006.30.90.59 |
1.5% (with FTA) | CCC, QS | Lower than U.S. |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 1006.30.90.59 |
0% (if from India) | CE, FSSC 22000 | No additional tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 1006.30.90.59 |
0% | RCM, AQIS | No extra charges |
| π―π΅ Japan | 1006.30.90.59 |
0% | JAS | No tariffs |
π Key Insight:
- The U.S. is the only major market imposing a 25% + specific duty on husked Basmati rice
- Milled Basmati rice is duty-free in all major markets β ideal for export strategy
π Six, Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Real-World Risks)
β Mistake 1: Declaring husked Basmati rice as milled rice
π Result: Seizure, fines, or return shipment β 25%+ duty penalty
β Mistake 2: Not using de minimis for small orders
π Result: Pay $0.83/kg + 25% even for 10 kg β wasteful
β Mistake 3: Missing phytosanitary certificate
π Result: Cargo held at port, up to 30 days delay
β Mistake 4: Using incorrect HS Code on commercial invoice
π Result: Customs audit, penalties, blacklisting risk
β Pro Solution:
Always verify processing level before shipment
Use "milled" for polished rice, "husked" for brown rice
Use de minimis for small orders (under $800)
Label clearly: "Basmati Rice β Milled, Long Grain, 100% Pure"
π― Seven, Final Verdict: Smart Strategy = Lower Cost, Faster Clearance
π― Golden Rule:
πΉ "If it's polished β use
1006.30.90.59β 0% duty"
πΉ "If it's brown β use1006.20.20.90β pay 0.83Β’/kg + 25%"
πΉ "Small order? Use de minimis β $0 duty!"
π Pro Tip:
If you're exporting Basmati rice from India/Pakistan, consider milling before export β it reduces tariff exposure by 25%+ and unlocks de minimis benefits.
π£ Act Now!
π Contact a licensed customs broker with HS Code pre-ruling request
π Optimize your supply chain: milling before export = major savings
πΌ Build a compliance checklist for every shipment
β¨ Smart Importing Starts with Accurate HS Code!
πΌ Your profit margin depends on the right classification β donβt gamble!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.